Their Fatal Secrets

by JANICE FROST

  There is a hint in ‘Dark Secret’ that Ava dropped out of university because of some kind of traumatic event, but she has never told anyone about it.

  Jim Neal

  Detective Inspector Jim Neal is a single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son, Archie. Intellectual, Neal once considered studying law at university but chose to become a police officer instead when he became a father unexpectedly at only nineteen.

  Neal’s seriousness, his sense of responsibility and his logical, considered approach means that he is often perceived as ‘dour’ by his colleagues. His new partner, Ava Merry has observed that he is empathetic towards the victims of crime he encounters, and that he has good people skills.

  Though he lives and works in Stromford, Neal is originally from Scotland and he returns there whenever he can to go ‘Munro bagging’ (The Munros are mountains in Scotland over 3000 ft.) with his childhood friend, Jock Dodds.

  Neal is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to his past. He does not talk about Archie’s mother, now a successful opera singer. He is reputed to be left wing. Colleagues nickname him ‘Red Jim,’ behind his back but, as with his personal life, Neal is reticent about his political affiliations.

  Polly Jenkins (PJ)

  A colleague of Ava and Neal who has recently become a detective constable. She is enthusiastic about her new role and is eager to show that she can be an asset to the team.

  George Lowe

  Detective Chief Inspector. Neal and Merry’s superior. He is results-driven. He regards Jim Neal as a good police officer but is less convinced of Ava’s suitability for the job, particularly after her conduct with a suspect in ‘Dark Secret.’

  Dr Ashley Hunt

  Pathologist

  Dan Cardew

  Shy young CSI officer who has a crush on Ava Merry.

  Maggie Neal

  Jim Neal’s younger sister who is living with Neal and Archie temporarily after a relationship break-up. Maggie is becoming a good friend of Ava Merry’s and possibly regards her as a love interest for her brother. Neal is concerned that Maggie’s friendship with Ava will threaten his privacy.

  Archie Neal

  Jim Neal’s son.

  Ollie Merry

  Ava Merry’s younger brother who has come to live with her. He was bullied at his previous school and has been described as ‘borderline autistic.’