‘Let me in!’
Charlie had tried being reasonable, she had tried begging, but now she resorted to shouting.
‘Believe me, you don’t want to go in there,’ the G4S guard retorted. ‘Much safer out here, love.’
‘As I’ve already explained to you, I am a Detective Sergeant with Hampshire Police –’
‘I don’t care if you’re the bloody Commissioner. There is a major incident going on in there and until the situation is resolved I can’t admit anyone.’
‘I can take care of myself.’
‘I’m sure you can. But I need this job and I’m not getting fired for you or anybody else. So I suggest you get back in your car –’
Charlie turned away from him, eyes seeking left and right for some other means of entry. But the perimeter fences were high and strong and she had already tried the back entrance. It was surrounded by armoured vehicles and riot police, meaning the main entrance was the only way in or out. But the barrier was down and her adversary seemed intent on barring her entrance.
‘Please,’ she said, adopting a softer tone. ‘I think my friend’s life is in danger. So, please, one law enforcement officer to another, can’t you cut me some slack here?’
‘Not for all the tea in China. Now get on your way before I rep—’
Charlie was already walking away. Wrenching open the car door, she climbed inside and started the engine. Slipping the gears into reverse, she drove backwards at high speed, her mind spinning all the while. There had to be another way in. There had to be another way …
Gradually she slowed to a stop. She thought of Helen. She looked at what lay in front of her. Then she made a decision.
Slamming the accelerator down as hard as she could, she muttered a silent prayer and sped towards the barrier.