‘Paul, I need you to get a team out to Hordern Farm in Carrington immediately.’
‘What? Why?’
‘Ridpath just phoned it in. He thinks Patricia Patterson is being detained there.’
‘He’s lost the plot. You should have seen him this morning. Jane Ryder turned up alive at the inquest.’
‘What?’
‘She’s alive. His stories about the backpack and links to the killings were all bollocks.’
‘He didn’t tell me.’
‘Why would he? His whole investigation fell to pieces this morning.’
Another long silence.
‘Boss, it’s a wild goose chase. Another one of Ridpath’s fantasies.’
‘If you’re right, Paul, it’ll be the end of him. But I still need you to send a team to Hordern Farm. I promised we would check it out.’
‘Boss, it’s a waste of time.’
‘Have you found Patricia Patterson yet?’
‘No, but I think she’s had an argument with her girlfriend and has gone away for some breathing space. No doubt we’ll hear she’s been living it up in some spa in the Lake District for the last week.’
‘You may be right, Paul, but I still need you to send a team there.’
‘Boss, let me call the local nick and ask them to send a squad car to take a look. My team are sorting out Ridpath’s mess, and we’re finally making progress. If I take them off it now to chase one of Ridpath’s stupid hunches then we’re going to lose time and momentum.’
There was a long pause.
The voice when it came had a core of steel in it. ‘DCI Turnbull, I am giving you a direct order. Send a team immediately to support DI Ridpath at Hordern Farm.’
‘I want my objections to be noted in the log, boss.’
‘Duly noted. I am going there myself with a tactical unit.’
‘This is a waste of time and resources.’
‘I will be the judge of that, DCI Turnbull. Just follow my orders.’
‘Yes, ma’am,’ he finally grunted.