Definitely Dead, Kate Bendelow [books like beach read TXT] 📗

is being kept under wraps until the very last minute. You won’t even be given an address. One of the officers from the Tactical Aid Unit will accompany you in the SOCO van and you’ll be at the end of the convoy. Just stay in the van until you’re given the all-clear and obviously, ring me on my mobile if you need to ask anything. Does that sound okay?’

‘Absolutely.’ Maya could barely contain her enthusiasm. ‘Thanks so much for the opportunity.’

She stayed in her seat as Kym turned her attention back to the computer and started typing away for a few moments until she turned back to Maya.

‘Still here? If there’s nothing else I suggest you go and check your van is adequately stocked for tomorrow. Then see if there are any other jobs that need doing today.’

Maya stood to leave, marvelling at the sudden change back to frosty Kym. She appreciated she was only new, but Maya sincerely believed that if she worked with Kym for the next thirty years, she would never figure her out. Maybe Amanda could give her some pointers on how best to work with the boss.

Walking back into the main office, Amanda was waiting for her.

‘No time to tell me about yesterday, I’m afraid. You’ll have to fill me in later. Sergeant Jeffries has just phoned up. They’ve discovered a cannabis farm on Copeland Road. He reckons at least 250 plants. The electricity has been abstracted but the supplier has already sent an engineer out to make it safe, so you’re good to go.’

‘Don’t tell me, they want me there yesterday.’ Maya picked up the van keys.

‘You’re learning, kiddo.’ Amanda laughed as she handed over the paperwork and bundled Maya out of the office.

Despite the stifling summer heat, Maya shivered as she made her way out of Beech Field police station. The relief of realising that Kym had not discovered her secret was short-lived. The sobering reality hit her. It was only a matter of time before the truth came out. And then what?

5

Maya arrived at Beech Field at 3.30am. As she alighted her motorbike and removed her helmet, she received the usual curious looks from onlookers who had not expected to see a female rider. Her orange-and-black Triumph Bonneville T120 had a retro appeal that caused even non-bikers to stare in admiration.

She was surprised to see the station in the midst of such activity despite the ungodly hour. The few officers she had already met from the robbery unit usually worked in plain clothes, but this morning they were strapped in body armour and boots in preparation for the warrant. The morning briefing had clearly finished, and the unit gathered in the car park preparing their equipment and stocking up the marked police riot vans.

There was also a specialist police search team gathered around a heavily armoured police riot van. Two search officers were leaning on the bonnet attempting to stay cool in the early morning breeze. Despite the early hour, the temperature was still holding out at fifteen degrees and feeling much hotter in full uniform and body armour. Nodding acknowledgement to people as they buzzed to and fro, Maya headed up to the SOCO office.

As she arrived on the first-floor landing, she saw Detective Inspector Alison Mitton walking towards her. Alison was in her late fifties, tall and lithe. Her chin-length dyed blonde hair was smattered with grey roots that belied her age. She was well known at Beech Field, having worked there for most of her career. Alison was renowned for her affable personality and she always had an anecdote to suit every occasion. She had already gone out of her way to introduce herself to Maya on her first day and let her know her door was always open if ever she needed anything.

‘Good morning, Maya, you’re in early. Everything okay?’ Alison held the door ajar for her.

‘Yes, ma’am. Kym asked me to come in early and help out with a warrant.’

‘Hmm, Operation Chrysalis. Let’s hope we get a good result. Donnelly and Nowak are slippery fuckers who have kept us on our toes for far too long. The sooner we make some arrests the better. Good luck with it, I have every confidence in you.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’

DI Mitton strode up the corridor, poker-backed and crisp with efficiency. Maya continued towards the office. The glow from the corridor indicated the lights were on, and the pungent aftershave that lingered like a fog suggested that Andy Carr was in the office. Her heart sank. Not only was she still reeling from his racist comment the previous day, but she generally considered him a repugnant individual. He was a good-mood-hoover, the way he constantly spewed negativity. He was bad enough company when the office was full, so she wasn’t relishing the thought of spending any time alone with him.

Bracing herself, she took a deep breath and headed through the office door. She was greeted by the sight of Andy reclining in the office chair, boots up on the desk, as he tapped away on his iPhone. Despite the fact he had three divorces and several ex-girlfriends under his belt, he was still an active womaniser.

Rumour had it that Andy’s rugged good looks attracted women like flies around shit. Maya could only assume that he made more of an effort with his charm and personality on such occasions than he did when he was in work. She wondered who he could be texting at this time of a morning. Was he on a dating app or worse, sexting someone? She shuddered at the thought.

‘Hi, Andy, how are you?’ She strained with forced politeness as she placed her belongings on the desk opposite him.

‘Bleedin’ knackered. Got called out to a stabbing. Been pissing about for the last few hours because of ma’am fuckin’ Mitton. I really wish she’d just fuck off and retire. The case isn’t going to go anywhere by the time the victim’s sobered up, so I really don’t know