When the rest of the detectives and civilian researchers had filed slowly out, Turnbull gestured for Ridpath to move closer. ‘We have a new job for you.’
‘A new job?’
‘You’ve heard about the discovery of three hands on Monday night?’
‘I’ve already been to the crime scene as the coroner’s officer.’
‘Good, you already understand the case.’
‘What do you want me to do?’
Claire Trent leant forward. ‘You job is to assist the local CID in any way you can.’
‘Assist?’
‘The SIO is DS Dave Connor. Do you know him?’
‘I used to work with him in MIT when Charlie Whitworth was in charge. He’s a good copper, is Dave.’ He paused and scratched his nose as his two bosses watched him. ‘But why me? Emily… DS Parkinson could handle it just as well.’
‘She’s working for me on something,’ said Claire Trent firmly.
‘And there could be a conflict of interest. As a coroner’s officer, I am supposed to be independent of police investigations.’
Turnbull snorted. ‘Do you want the case or not?’
Claire Trent laid her hand on his arm to calm him. ‘I’ve discussed the possible conflict with Mrs Challinor. She believes it can be negated if your assistant—’
‘Sophia Rahman.’
‘—handles the case from the coroner’s side, leaving you to aid the local CID.’
A light bulb went off in Ridpath’s head. ‘You two have already decided everything, haven’t you?’
‘Of course, I needed Mrs Challinor to understand why your services were necessary to help the local CID. She wants you to prioritise the presumption of death inquiry but has accepted you need to work with local CID on the hands case.’
‘And in return, she gets Chrissy’s help checking up on our missing person, Jane Ryder.’
Turnbull raised his eyebrows and glanced across at his boss.
‘Got it in one, Ridpath. Mrs Challinor and I both agree such an arrangement could be mutually beneficial.’
He shrugged his shoulders. ‘So this is a done deal?’
‘Trussed up like a turkey waiting for Christmas,’ said Turnbull, smirking.
‘What about other resources from MIT to help Dave Connor?’
‘The rest of the squad is tied up on live cases. You’re it, I’m afraid.’ Turnbull opened his arms as if to say sorry, but Ridpath could see in his eyes he wasn’t.
‘We also think you’re the right person for the job,’ added Claire Trent quickly. ‘We want to see a result on this case, Ridpath, don’t let it drag on.’
‘I’m a detective inspector, how can I report to a detective sergeant?’
‘You’re not reporting to him, Ridpath, you’re assisting the local CID on behalf of MIT. It’s their case, not ours, but I’ve been asked to help them and I’ve promised the ACC I would.’
‘Could DS Parkinson and Chrissy Wright help me if I need it?’
‘No, they are busy with our live cases.’ Turnbull ran his fingers across his bald scalp as if combing through hair. ‘Listen, we have too much work and too few people. You’re still on our books, so we’ve nominated you to help the local CID. Think of it as playing for another team on loan. And besides, this case will probably lead nowhere. My bet is a couple of medical students have been messing around in anatomy classes, nicking body parts to scare their girlfriends.’
Ridpath realised he had no choice in this, it had already been decided for him. ‘Right, when do I start?’
Before Turnbull could answer there came a knock on the door. It opened and Peter Swift stood in the doorway. ‘Boss, the acting chief is ready for the meeting now. And DCI Turnbull, I’ve brought the car round for our trip to South Yorkshire.’
‘Right, Peter, I’ll be out in minute.’
Claire Trent packed up her folders. ‘I have to go. Good luck, Ridpath.’
‘Am I going to need it?’
‘Old cases are always difficult.’
‘You’re telling me.’
Before she left, Claire Trent turned back to Turnbull. ‘I’ll let you know how this meeting goes later, Paul.’
‘Keep fighting, boss.’
‘I intend to. Nobody is going to mess with my patch.’
She strode out, leaving the door open.
‘One last question.’
‘What is it, Ridpath?’ sighed Turnbull as he stood up.
‘Has anybody told Dave Connor yet?’
‘We thought we’d leave it to you, Ridpath.’