Connie didn’t waste time putting her coat on or phoning Lindsay; she’d told Connie her and the team were about to make a move, so she wouldn’t pick up the call anyway. Running up through the town centre, pushing past people, dodging cars as she crossed the roads, Connie’s mind worked quickly. She had to try to assess the situation as soon as she reached Angela’s house. She had to ensure she wasn’t putting herself or Angela – or the police’s investigation – in jeopardy. As loud as Lindsay’s voice was in her head – the one screaming ‘leave well alone, do not get involved’ – Connie’s instinct remained stronger. With luck, the police were already there preventing Angela from helping Tom escape. But she had to make sure.
If she could get there quickly, then she might be able to give her professional judgement – at least see that Angela was handled correctly before they took her away, too. Having Connie there as support, a familiar face, might go some way to easing the situation.
As Connie approached Castle Street, she could see police vehicles at the end of the road, their lights flashing, casting blue shadows on the walls of the surrounding houses. She ran, and as she reached Angela’s house, caught sight of Mack.
‘Mack!’ she shouted, her breathing shallow from the running. ‘What’s happening? Where is Angela?’
‘What are you doing here?’ Mack’s voice was harsh.
‘Angela called me, about ten minutes ago. She needs help, Mack. I think you should let me go in first.’
‘No way, Connie. That’s out of the question. We don’t know what we’re dealing with yet and Lindsay would rip my nuts off if I let you in. Tom Killion could be armed, so you’re not going in there, putting yourself and the team at risk.’ He grabbed Connie’s arm, pulling her clear of the doorway.
‘She said she’d drugged him,’ she panted. ‘She locked him in the basement. But she said he’s regaining consciousness. I think she’s going to help him escape.’
Connie watched helplessly as a team of armed officers prepared to enter the property. Mack moved away from her, informing the team of this new information. Connie followed him.
‘Let me in after them, Mack, please. I can be of assistance here.’
‘With respect, Connie, you’re more likely to get hurt, and I’m not having that on my conscience. Sorry. Lindsay told me to secure the house with my team. I’m not having you make me look a twat just in time for her to see when she reaches the scene in a minute. Now, move.’ This time, he grabbed both of her upper arms and shifted her away from the cordon.