The Solace Farm Killings by Simon McCleave

Author:Simon McCleave [McCleave, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Calibre
Published: 2019-12-31T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

As Ruth accelerated to overtake a car and caravan, she clicked her Tetra radio.

‘Gold Command, Gold Command. Three-six. Over.’

Gold Command was essentially Drake and someone from upstairs – probably the new Superintendent Brown, whom Ruth had only met once. The operation to arrest Rachel Ryan, and any others who might be implicated in criminal activities, had been elevated to a “major operation” now that there were missing persons and the likelihood of firearms at the arrest site. North Wales Police force, like many others, employed a Gold-Silver-Bronze command structure for major operations, although when Ruth worked in the Met, it was usually split up into Strategic-Tactical-Operational.

Drake came on the radio. ‘Three-six, three-six. This is Gold Command. Go ahead. Over.’

‘Three-six. We are 10 minutes from target. Over.’

‘Gold Command. Received. Await instructions. Out.’ Drake replied.

Outside, the sky was awash with grey clouds that slowly darkened to the east where they were distinctly black. In fact, if Ruth squinted towards the higher reaches of Snowdonia, she could see where the rain had started to fall. It was coming their way.

Sod it! That’s going to hamper our search of the farm.

Glancing behind, Ruth could see French and Sian in an unmarked car, a uniformed patrol car, the armed response vehicle, and a SOCO van. SOCO stood for scene of crime officers, and they would be carrying out a thorough forensic search of the farm.

Nick’s phone rang and he answered it. Ruth knew that his mind would be on Amanda and the events of the past two nights. She was concerned about his refusal to take compassionate leave. He might want to be distracted but even so, at a time like this he needs to be with his family.

Glancing over, she could see the concern in his face as he nodded before finishing the call.

‘Everything all right at the hospital?’ Ruth asked.

‘They’re doing a psychological evaluation. Lots of tests. They want to keep her for a couple of days,’ Nick explained. ‘Auntie Pat has got Megan again. And my cousin Cerys is coming over later.’

‘I still think you should be there,’ Ruth said. She didn’t know if Nick was trying to avoid the situation by staying at work.

‘I’m not letting you go anywhere in the middle of Snowdonia on your own after last year’s fiasco.’

Nick was referring to a joint operation between Llancastell CID, Special Branch, and MI5 that had gone horribly wrong.

‘I nearly lost you that day,’ Nick said. ‘So you’re stuck with me.’

‘Thank you,’ Ruth said. She meant it, but she was still worried that he would be distracted all day.

‘What do you think has been going on at Solace Farm?’ Nick asked.

Ruth thought for a moment. ‘My guess is that someone has been grooming vulnerable teenagers that have been passing through Mold Magistrates’ Court. Teenagers that have broken homes, a criminal record ...’

‘... and if they disappear, no one is going to be surprised that they’ve run away,’ Nick continued.

‘Exactly. The teens are promised a new start and a new life up at Solace Farm.

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