by L M Krier
They’d had better, if unexpected, luck with Tam Lee. In the face of yet more forensic evidence – a DNA match on the tooth to that of Byrne – she’d finally admitted to killing him. She had a new solicitor. Clearly the woman she’d had before was put off by her violent outbursts. She now had an older man from the same firm who’d been there, seen it, done it, and wasn’t going to be intimidated by anyone. On his advice, she’d spoken, with no trace of emotion, of having killed the man she’d seen as having abused her partner. She’d been remanded in police custody for the night and would be up in front of magistrates first thing in the morning with a strong recommendation that bail should be denied.
All she’d been interested in was where Cy was and if she would be properly looked after. They were only able to tell her that social services had been informed of the circumstances and were doing their best to find her supported housing. But they warned the waiting lists were long so there was no guarantee.
Trev was lying in wait as soon as Ted put the key in the front door.
‘Ted, where have you been? Why haven’t you answered any of my calls? I’ve been going frantic. I saw the video. I had to phone Virgil, who told me all about it and … oh my god, what happened to your face?’
Ted gave him an apologetic hug. ‘I’m fine, don’t fuss. I’m sorry I couldn’t call you back. You know what it’s like, with three arrests and all that entails. I should have found time to send you a text, at least. Sorry. I’ll ma...’
‘Ted, if you say once more that you’re going to make it up to me, I swear I’m going to divorce you.’
The team would be losing its extra members at the end of the week, once they’d turned in all the paperwork on the cases they’d worked on. They had a get-together on the Friday after work in The Grapes, before they all went their separate ways.
Ted and Maurice had decided between them to save the drinks do for the twins, and the surprise reception for Rob and Sally, until the following week, with only the regular team members and their other halves present.
Amelie had clearly been sad to be saying goodbye. She’d drunk slightly too much and gushed incessantly to Ted about how much she’d appreciated him giving her a second chance after her earlier mistake. It was Eric Morgan who’d offered to see her home. An unlikely bond had developed between the two of them. Ted hoped she’d find another sort like Eric wherever she went next. She had the potential to be a good officer, with someone to keep an eye on her and carry on showing her the ropes.
Trev had excelled himself on the baking front for the joint party. Both Sally and even Rob had been moved to tears at Maurice’s generosity in sharing the occasion with them.
‘Howay, man,’ Maurice told him. ‘We all know what it’s like to be short of brass. And you’re saving yours for the best reason of all – having a kiddy of your own. Have I shown you the latest photos of Owain and Killian?’ he asked, getting his phone out.
He had, several times, but Rob was not about to say so, not in the face of his kindness.
Ted put an arm round Trev and hugged him later in the evening, once most of the spread he’d prepared had been demolished. The tattoo site had settled down now so he was no longer wincing at every touch. Ted wasn’t usually demonstrative in public but Trev wasn’t about to complain.
‘Thanks for doing this. The cakes were stunning. I really don’t deserve you. Especially when I let you down and worry you all the time. I know you don’t believe me but one day I fully intend to make it up to you.’
‘Now you two,’ Jezza told them as she came over to them. ‘Trev, it’s time to hand over custody of your husband to me for the weekend. I promise to look after him and to keep him off the top of bell-towers.
‘Come on then, boss. When you suggested whisking me away for a weekend, I was hoping for the sands of Southern Spain again, not a wet weekend in Warrington doing risk assessment training together. As you can probably tell, I’ve had the odd drink or two, so you’ll have to drive. At least we’re taking your service vehicle, not your little Dinky toy. I’d never live that down, if I saw anyone I know.’
Ted shook his head in mock despair. ‘DC Vine ...’
The End
