She was still thinking about Carter.
She was happy that his boss, DI Jackman, was aware of her concerns, but even so, she felt uneasy. Laura was certain there was something seriously amiss that she had failed to see. She sighed again. Perhaps she should seek a second opinion.
Laura rubbed her eyes. The first person that came to mind was her old professor, Sam Page. Sam was retired now. He lived close to a bird reserve on the marsh, and spent his time watching his beloved waterfowl. He was always ready for a chat with his star pupil.
Sam was the most astute man Laura had ever met. He was kind, too. He reminded her of her elderly uncle Frank, who had often taken her fishing, and who’d taught her the patience she still used in her work.
She knew Sam’s number by heart.
‘Today I found a nesting Pochard, my dear! You often find them in winter, but a few do stay to nest. I am so lucky! They are an Amber list species, you know, quite beautiful! Will you be coming over to see them?’
Laura gave a little laugh. ‘I’d love to. How about tomorrow afternoon? I have some time free then.’
‘Wonderful! You can grill me about your worrisome patient while we drink tea and watch for Pochards.’
‘What makes you think I have a problem patient? I might be desperately missing your company.’
‘And pigs might fly.’ The old man laughed heartily. ‘But I’m happy to help anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
Laura shook her head. Sam could read her like a book.
She stood up and stretched, hoping he would read Carter McLean as easily.
*
Rosie pushed a thick file of statements across the desk to Carter. ‘This is pretty awesome, Sarge.’
‘It’s Carter, according to the new protocol.’
‘No thanks, but whatever, it’s still awesome. I’ve read these half a dozen times and I can’t see a single loophole. You are very good at this, aren’t you?’
‘You’re no slouch either, kiddo. You’ve done a lot of work to bring this together. I’m just mopping up, using a fresh pair of eyes on it.’
‘If the CPS throw this out, I’m going to quit and get a job as a dog food taster.’
‘Nice! Then we’d better hope they accept it.’
Rosie yawned. ‘I’m done in.’
‘Me too,’ said Carter. ‘All this paperwork is as tiring as doing a cross-country run.’
‘Fancy a drink after work, Sarge? Max and I were going to call in at the Sea Witch on the way home.’
‘Love to, but I’ve got an appointment. Rain check?’
‘Sure.’ Rosie looked at him. ‘But don’t leave it too long, okay? I know you.’
Carter saluted. ‘Understood.’
He pulled out another file and opened it. One more hour and he would be off to look for Kim Walker, and give her what he hoped was the best news she’d had in years.
*
Kim Walker was as cagey as a street kid. It took Carter several minutes to persuade her to let him through the door.
‘It’s a con, isn’t it?’ Kim was slender, in skinny leggings and a graphic T-shirt. Her black hair fell halfway down her back, and her eyes were narrowed to slits.
‘It’s no con, Kim. I really need to speak to you privately.’ Carter heard a thump followed by a string of swear words coming from the room above. ‘Preferably somewhere else.’
‘Tell me exactly who you are again?’
Carter explained that he was Jack’s friend, and the only man to survive the crash. He took out his warrant card and held it out to her. ‘I’m DS Carter McLean from Saltern Division, Fenland Constabulary. I think Jack might have told you about me?’
Light suddenly dawned. ‘The rich git?’
‘That’s me.’ He gave a wry smile.
‘But why now? He’s been dead for eighteen months.’
Good point, thought Carter, Maybe because he only told me yesterday? ‘There has been a lot to sort out, Kim, and I was injured myself. It’s taken me till now to find the courage to deal with everything.’
Her expression relaxed a little, and she nodded. ‘The only one to survive? Yes, I suppose that would take some getting over.’ She looked around. ‘I’ll get Phoebe. Where do you suggest we go?’
‘If it’s all right with you, we’ll take a ride in my car, because there is something I want to show you.’
The distrust returned. ‘A ride? I don’t think so.’
‘Five miles from the town centre, no more. I promise.’
She sighed, went inside and returned with a small dark-haired girl of about three. She was dressed in dungarees with rabbits embroidered on them, and a cowgirl’s check shirt.
‘Howdy, pardner!’ Carter knelt down and stuck out a hand. So this was Jack’s little girl. She needed to get out of this hole, and she was going to need his support to do it. He felt an unexpected surge of emotion. ‘Hello, Phoebe. I’m Carter.’
The child stared at him.
‘She’s not good with people she doesn’t know.’
‘Nothing wrong with that.’ Carter smiled. ‘Do you have a car seat for her?’
Kim nodded and went back inside. The seat she produced was top of the range. ‘My parents still haven’t got the message that you can’t always buy yourself out of a bad situation.’
Hearing her say that, Carter took a deep breath and wondered how she would feel when she heard his proposal.
She handed the seat to Carter. ‘Okay, we’ll come. I carry pepper spray, so no funny stuff, alright?’
‘You do know they are illegal?’
‘It’s defence spray, smart-arse.’
Carter grinned. He was beginning to see why Jack had liked her.
‘So where are we going?’ she asked.
Carter led the way out and opened his car door. ‘Sutterthorpe Village.’
‘Why?’
‘Have you eaten?’
‘Not yet, why?’
‘I’m going to get you both fish and chips. And like I said, I have something to show you.’
It took only a few minutes to reach the village and collect their supper. The three of them walked across the green and sat on a bench overlooking a children’s play area. To an outsider, thought Carter, we must look like a nice little family enjoying the evening together.
Kim looked around. ‘It’s nice here, isn’t it?’
‘I hoped you would think so.’ Carter’s tone had grown serious. ‘Kim, before he died, Jack wanted to make some sort of provision for you and your daughter. It was always a joke between us. I was the rich git, and he was just a poor sod.’ He drew in a deep breath. ‘The thing is, I am well off, and now Jack can’t help, I want to.’
Kim ate slowly, listening to his words.
‘My mother died when I was a kid and my father was an evil bastard. I have no family and no close relatives. The only thing I do have is money.’ He exhaled. ‘See that new development over there?’ He pointed to a cul-de-sac of small new-build starter homes on the far side of the green. ‘Quite small, only two-up two-down, with fitted kitchen, bathroom and shower, oh, and a nice little garden and a garage in a block around the back. If you want one, it’s yours. For Phoebe, from her father.’