The team of four armed men acknowledged her caution and checked in with their strategic firearms commander. They had their own chain of command, for accountability. The worst scenario in any situation such as this one was that a weapon would be fired. The best outcome was always that the building was secured and cleared for entry by unarmed officers and detectives. Kelly hated the waiting around, but knew that it was a fundamental aspect of searching a property.

Adrenaline always pumped in situations like this. The team wore armour and helmets and checked their weapons, speaking in their own language, it seemed: in code and firearm speak. They were like a wing of the police force rather than inside the body, and everyone respected them and the risks they took. Kelly shook their hands.

One nodded over to her vehicle and to Johnny.

‘Crucial witness,’ she said. The officer nodded and briefed his men. He was in charge. They advanced towards the property.

Kirk Junker could have easily moved his family elsewhere, spooked by the last squad car visit.

Kelly went back to her car to listen to events unfold on the radio. Johnny remained quiet and distant. It pained her to see him so lacking in spirit or life. She’d seen it before: parents whose innate mission is to protect their kids from the madness of the world, failing – in their eyes – to have fulfilled their duty.

In the distance, Kelly heard dogs. A shot of stress hormone hit her stomach and she thought of Carry Tomlin’s bite wounds. The noise was acknowledged by radio, and the four-man response team approached the property with caution. They reported every visual, and Kelly felt with them, part of the team. The unarmed squad car waited alongside. They’d be second to go in.

The wait was tense.

The radio crackled and they heard shouting as they heard the team move around, checking entrances and locks. A decision was made to force their way in through a wooden door that looked as though it would break easiest. They were right. It didn’t take them long to get in. Kelly listened to the radio as room by room was declared cleared and secure. The temptation to approach the building was intense and almost too much. Kelly paced up and down outside her car. Even Johnny got out.

‘Oh my God,’ they heard over the radio.

Johnny and Kelly looked at one another.

‘That’s the whole property clear. DI Porter, you need to come and see this.’

Chapter 57

Kelly looked across at Johnny. ‘I think you should wait here.’