The arrests of Diana and Sutton brought huge kudos to the Avon and Somerset police force, but along with it came a certain amount of predictable criticism, mainly along the lines of how it had been possible for Diana to get away with killing people for so long. She herself had been placed on suicide watch in prison after two unsuccessful attempts to take her own life.
Internally it also had ramifications; well, one in particular – Campbell’s complaint. His summary dismissal of Flick’s death as suicide and deaf ear to Sandra’s concerns now looked like being a major error. Ironically, he had actually drawn attention to his mistake, which might otherwise have conveniently slipped under the radar. His complaint had initially been prompted by the fact that he was irked by Cross’s insistence at looking into a case where he, Campbell, had been sure no crime had been committed. Cross, with his usual dogged approach – he had refuted Carson’s assertion that he had a ‘nose’ for crime, asserting that he simply looked for facts and anomalies – had uncovered a serial killer on their patch. It was also a fact that in all the other cases in which Campbell had cited Cross’s bad behaviour, Campbell himself had been shown to be lacking.
‘Campbell’s complaint has been thrown out,’ Carson told Cross. He had summoned Cross to his office so he could see his face when he delivered the news. Carson was, of course, disappointed.
‘I see,’ replied Cross. ‘Is that all?’
‘Aren’t you pleased?’
‘Um, no. Not particularly. Should I be?’
‘Are you not in the least bit interested in the outcome for Campbell?’ Carson asked.
‘“Outcome”? What do you mean by that? He’s not in any trouble, is he?’
‘Well, the complaint doesn’t reflect well on him,’ said Carson.
‘Even so, people need to know they can make reasonable complaints without the fear of repercussion. It’s essential,’ reasoned Cross.
‘Of course. No, Campbell isn’t being punished, or sanctioned in any way. He has, however, put in a request for a transfer, which will be granted.’
‘I see.’
‘Well, that must be a relief to you, surely?’ Carson went on.
‘I have no idea whether it is or not,’ Cross replied and left.