Paparazzi, Jo Fenton [books under 200 pages .txt] 📗

from an archived contacts list, and send her a message congratulating her on her excellent detection skills, and wishing her toe a speedy recovery.

With the case wrapping up well, I devote a few days to my family. Matt is much better now, and is looking forward to being able to drive again next week.

Finding our client guilty of murder is a bit of a worry on the financial front, but then, Joanna rings me.

“Guess what’s arrived in the post?” She sounds as giddy as a teenager.

“No idea.” I reckon she wants to tell me herself, and who am I to spoil her fun?

“A cheque from Troy. A reward for finding the killer.” She pauses, and I give her a few seconds to build up to telling me the amount. “Becks, it’s for ten thousand pounds!”

“Wow. That should keep the wolf from the door for a bit.” I make a mental note to drop him a thank-you message as soon as the call ends.

***

Cheryl and Joel are definitely going out now, and she seems happier than she has been for many months.

I spend today typing up notes from the case. We have some lessons to learn, and we’ll be discussing them over a takeaway this evening. It’s now a week to the day since Emma’s abduction. I followed up with Troy this morning. Gaz and the boys, and Linda’s parents, are rallying round and supporting him and Emma. It will take a long time for him to get over this, but he has family, and he has good friends to help.

I return from my takeaway at 10pm. It’s been a good session, discussing the case with Joanna and Will, but as I drive into my path, my skin prickles. Something is not right. I glance around the street. The neighbours’ cars are parked as usual, but a black Audi is there too. It’s familiar, but I can’t think for a moment. I turn the engine off, brace myself, and get out of the car as swiftly as I can. I rush into my house to be greeted in the hall.

“Well done, Becky. You did a good job on that case.” Roger is standing in the doorway of my lounge, leaning against the doorframe. “You have work to do though. There’s no time to relax. I know you haven’t yet started those Russian lessons, and your hacking skills are still awaiting their existence. Get on with it. You will need them very soon.”

When Roger has gone, Matt turns to me.

“This arrived while you were out.” He hands me a brown envelope.

I open it and extract a sheet of white paper containing a few lines of print.

Fascinated to see you have reunited with your friends in the police force, ex-DI Wiseman. Your new name is far less formal – I like it.

I was however sorry to see the ease with which you escaped my friend on the train. We will be better prepared next time, and you will have no way out.

Looking forward to seeing you again soon, Becky White. Remember, you are being watched.

TO BE CONTINUED

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