The superintendent gave them both a stony look. ‘And I say Brown waits until you’ve been to the University. He’s not going anywhere, and some time alone, not knowing exactly what we know or are planning, may just scare him into talking to us.’

Nikki gritted her teeth. And that wasted hour could mean life or death to Kerry Anderson. If she were right, time alone was normal practice for Kris. It wouldn’t worry a loner like him one iota, let alone scare him. But she was going to get nowhere by arguing, so they’d better get back to the University, and fast.

With a muttered word that could have been anything, she picked up her bag and made for the door.

CHAPTER NINE

‘THOSE POOR PARENTS. What it must feel like to know your child is missing.’ Niall shook his head, then suddenly started forward. ‘Hey! Vonnie! Look over there!’

Yvonne Collins looked, then swerved the police car across the oncoming traffic and into a side road that led to the Carborough Estate. ‘Little sods! Radio in for some help for that woman. She’s clearly not injured, so I’m going after the kids who mugged her!’

‘You’ll have to put your foot down, Von. Another few hundred metres and the rabbit warren opens up and we’ll never catch them!’ Niall gripped the dashboard as Yvonne accelerated forward.

‘What the dickens do you think I’m doing?’ she muttered, as she deftly missed an overturned rubbish bin. ‘Jesus! These street kids get worse! In broad daylight with a police vehicle in full view, they snatch a handbag and take off on bloody bikes.’

Niall swiftly reported their position and what had occurred, then flipped off his radio. ‘Someone’s on their way to the victim.’ He puffed out his cheeks. ‘Not that she’ll be able to give a description. They are wearing those damned masks, aren’t they?’

‘Oh yes, just look!’

Ahead of them, spinning his bike around as he entered a narrow alleyway, a masked youth was staring defiantly straight at the police car, and sticking up his middle finger in customary salute.

‘Too late.’ cursed Niall. ‘We’ll never find him now.’

‘Don’t bank on it.’ Yvonne floored the accelerator and cannoned straight past the alley. ‘There’s a chance they are heading for the flats, and those connecting alleys all meet on Fisher Street. I may be wrong, but it’s worth a shot.’

‘Stick on the two-tones before we kill someone!’

‘What, and let half the estate know we’re coming? Like hell.’ Yvonne flung the car expertly around a corner. ‘And I have no intention of killing anyone. Unless I get my hands on those little shits, that is.’ She straightened up and the car leapt forward. ‘If I can just get across to the recreation ground before them, we may—’ Yvonne broke off, and braked hard. ‘Oh hell! Take a look at that!’