The hardest day isn't the day you lose a loved one. At least then you've got something to do. It's all the days after that, when you have to carry on without them. At least that's how Becky felt as she put on the navy suit again and took her first steps back into the Digital Forensics department. Some colleagues avoided eye contact altogether, others simply welcomed her back while some who hadn't been at the funeral greeted her and told her how sorry they were. All Becky wanted to do was sit down and work on a case again.
When Becky reached her desk there was already a case file ready and waiting. She smiled as she opened it up and read the details. A low level drug dealer had been arrested and could hopefully be linked to a much more influential supplier. The only problem was, his phone activity had been masked. And it was up to Becky to clear the fog and track down the source of these calls. I've missed this, she thought, grinning broadly as she got to work.
Time seemed to fly by as Becky dismantled the encrypted phone records. "Result," she said triumphantly once she had finished, emailing the phone records to the DCI on the case. Charlotte was right. Life went on, and Becky had no intention of being left behind.
***
"No way they managed that without corrupt officers," Samantha commented as soon as the news announcement was finished.
Ben turned the TV off. "What'd you reckon, Gaffer? One for us?"
Paul nodded slowly as he took in the news. "Without a doubt."
***
"And that's a wrap on Season 3!" Clark shouted to enthusiastic cheers and applause as Hannah removed her headphones. "Great work everyone, I'll do the speechy bit later but for now let's get everyone's pizza orders!"
Everyone chuckled as Clark approached Hannah. "How's Becky?" they asked quietly.
"She sounded a lot better when I called her at lunch," Hannah replied casually. "Being busy seems to suit her."
Clark nodded. "Great. Let me guess, Veggie Supreme, no cheese?"
Hannah grinned. "That's the one."
***
Charlotte couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the news announcement. So soon, too.
Still shaking her head in disbelief, she opened up her email to find one new message in her inbox from Raymond Drake.
I imagine you've seen the news. I'm leading the investigation with Miller's squad on firearms duty but I need you as a backup.
***
"Emergency briefing, now," shouted Drake as he strode purposefully from his office and led the way into the briefing room.
Ted stood up and exchanged perplexed glances with the others as they all assembled in the briefing room - Greg and Erica at the front beside Ted and DS White, Tyler and Bradshaw behind them. Drake, for once in his life, didn't say anything, just played back the news announcement.
"As you can imagine this came as a shock to everyone, and it is imperative that we find out who is responsible," Drake said once it had finished. "That's why it was assigned to us. We are, after all, the people who brought down the Godfather."
Yeah, no thanks to you, thought Ted bitterly. I mean I guess slightly thanks to you, but Becky and I nearly died.
"However, any information you did not just hear is strictly confidential, which is why I want most of you to carry on with your usual jobs while I handle this investigation with a select few. DS White, you're with me, give your open cases to DI Daniels. DC Barlow, same goes for you, open cases to DS Green. Sergeant Miller, I want you and the PCs in top form for any raids. Dismissed."
Ted stared at Drake, aghast. Of all people? Sarah White was cold and emotionless, refusing to ever listen to instinct, while Luke Barlow was nothing short of a disaster. If he mislabeled some evidence, which wasn't unheard of, the whole case would be in tatters.
***
Becky was in high spirits as she started making dinner (Spaghetti Bolognese with Quorn mince). While the pasta boiled, she opened up her phone and checked her messages.
PAUL HOUSTON
1 NEW MESSAGE
TURN ON THE NEWS.
Becky frowned and turned on the TV. The same news story was on loop - Ewan Connelly standing in front of any reporter with any free time. Behind him stood Chief Constable Hunt and DCC Fleming, looking grim. But it was the headline that caused Becky to sink onto the settee:
GODFATHER GONE FOR GOOD - AMELIA MURPHY MURDERED INSIDE HER MAJESTY'S PRISON, LONDON.
YOU ARE READING
Costa Crew 2: They Walk Among Us
Mystery / ThrillerIt's always an inconvenience when your old high school rival tries to kill you, as Becky Hidgens can confirm. But things are picking up - Amelia Murphy's in prison, and she's speaking to her friends and family again. Maybe she can finally have a nor...
