Mark rolled his shoulders and took a swig from a takeout coffee cup before turning his attention back to his computer screen, pecking his fingers at the keyboard while recalling the day’s interviews.
It was already half past five, but with the investigation team working over the weekend, all of his reports needed to be completed straight away to keep the rest of them up to date.
Especially Kennedy.
The DI had looked up from his computer as Mark and Jan walked past his office window twenty minutes ago, a frown etched across his forehead and his phone to his ear. He’d nodded in greeting before returning his attention to the caller, his voice inaudible through the closed door.
‘Do you think that’s Headquarters on the phone?’ Jan said, nudging her shoe against his under the desk.
‘No idea. Looks official though, doesn’t it?’ Mark didn’t turn around to look, and instead kept his eyes focused on the keyboard. ‘Why can I never find the bloody K when I need it?’
Jan grinned. ‘You should get some touch-typing lessons, Sarge. Alex did while he was at university. Seen how fast he is?’
‘Like I have time to do that.’ He stabbed the keyboard, pressed another button and watched with satisfaction as a message appeared to confirm his report was now recorded in HOLMES2. ‘Okay, that’s Targethen’s interview in the system. How’re you getting on with the Brenda Stephens one?’
‘All done, minus the swearing.’
Mark chuckled. ‘I liked her.’
‘So you don’t think she’s involved?’
‘Not with our dead woman, no. I’ve asked for a uniform patrol to keep an eye on the place though, just in case we do need to pass it over to the drugs team. Somehow, I think Ms Stephens treads a fine line but never crosses it. She wouldn’t have lasted this long in that business if she had. Not these days.’
‘Sarge, got a minute?’
He looked over his shoulder to see Caroline walking towards him, then leaned across and pulled a spare chair over from the desk beside him. ‘Have a seat.’
‘Ta.’
‘What’s up?’
‘I was going through Jasper’s report from the search at the crime scene, and the statements we got from the Tillcotts on Tuesday night. There’s something bothering me about all her missing ID.’
‘In what way?’ Jan walked around to Mark’s desk. ‘If she was on the take, then it makes sense that either her accomplice took it, or she didn’t have anything on her in case she was caught and identified.’
‘I agree, but none of that explains why he – or they – didn’t pick up her handbag or take her mobile phone out of it when they dumped her on the side of the road,’ Caroline said. ‘I mean, why go to all that bother removing her ID, but leave the bag?’
Mark wagged a finger. ‘Bearing in mind the evidence at the moment suggests she was killed elsewhere then dumped there, he had to move her from the car to the ditch on the roadside. Perhaps the bag was over her shoulder but slipped off while he was doing that––’
‘––and he would’ve been planning to look for it,’ Jan added.
‘That’s what I’m thinking,’ said Caroline. ‘He was going to take the bag, but he was interrupted. By the Tillcotts’ car approaching.’
Reaching out for his notebook, Mark scrawled down her theory then raised his head at the sound of footsteps.
‘Got a minute?’ Kennedy said. ‘That is, if I’m not interrupting something here.’
‘Caroline’s got an idea about the woman’s handbag,’ said Mark, and explained. ‘In which case, we need to speak to the Tillcotts again.’
‘They didn’t mention any other cars passing them when we interviewed them on Tuesday night, did they?’ said Caroline, glancing at Jan, who shook her head.
‘No, I specifically asked them that when we were still thinking it might’ve been a hit and run,’ she said. ‘But at the time, they said they couldn’t remember. If someone had dumped a body on the side of the road though, they wouldn’t be hanging around would they? They’d have passed the Tillcotts at speed, so I’m sure they would’ve noticed that.’
‘Fair enough, but what if the killer drove off in the other direction?’ Mark swung his chair back and forth. ‘They might’ve spotted tail lights or movement ahead of them but not put two and two together at the time. Their recollection might be better now.’
‘Or worse,’ said Kennedy. ‘I agree it’s worth speaking to them again, so add that to your list tomorrow. In the meantime, while you’re here, I’ve got some good news for you. Professional Standards called Melrose an hour ago and told him they’re not pursuing their investigation anymore. You’re back on the team full-time.’
Mark slumped in his seat, his heart thumping. ‘Really?’
‘How come it took them so long?’ said Jan.
Kennedy raised an eyebrow in response, and she blushed.
‘Sorry, guv. It’s just that this has been going on since last year.’
‘Politics,’ he replied. ‘As always.’
‘Thanks anyway,’ said Mark. He rose and shook Kennedy’s hand. ‘I appreciate you being in my corner, guv.’
‘No doubt we’ll both pay for that somewhere down the line. In the meantime, I suggest you all go and find Alex, then knock off early and go and have a drink to celebrate.’
‘What about you?’ Jan asked. ‘Care to join us?’
‘Unfortunately, I’ve still got the paperwork to process. Have fun.’
The DI stalked back into his office and slammed the door.
‘Come on,’ Mark said, looping his arm through hers and Caroline’s. ‘You heard him. Let’s go and find a pub.’