‘If you remember, ring me.’ Swifty stood up. ‘I’m going down to Holland House now, to make sure the Stonebridges are aware of what’s going on. I’ll be warning them to make sure they lock their doors at night and maybe stay away from the marsh and the sea bank for a while.’

‘They are aware of the situation, but good luck with that. Mrs Stonebridge wanders off out there all the time.’

‘Well, maybe Will can keep an eye on her. I certainly wouldn’t advise going out alone until we get a handle on what’s happening.’ Swifty smiled at Matt. ‘Everyone at the station misses you, you know, and the sarge. It’s not the same without you both.’

Matt felt a surge of affection for his old colleague. ‘Thank you, Swifty. I do and I don’t miss it, but, well . . .’ He shrugged.

‘DC Bryn Owen told me the super reckons you should go back in. They are precious short of experienced senior officers, and although you’d served your time, they would be happy to give you another five years before saying goodbye permanently.’ Swifty looked at him and raised his eyebrows. ‘As I said, it’s not the same without you.’

Matt pulled a face and sighed. ‘Ah, Swifty, those last two cases took me to the brink. You were there, you saw what happened. I’ve had enough, really.’

‘Time heals. Well, I’ve delivered the message. Just so that you know, the door isn’t closed to you.’ He straightened up. ‘Must go. I’ll keep you posted, and I’ll update Bryn Owen as soon as I get back to base. See you soon.’

Matt was moved by what Jack Fleet had said, although he was glad Liz hadn’t been there to hear it. If he were honest, after a flying start, he now wasn’t sure that being a PI was right for him. He was so used to the way the force worked that going solo was proving frustrating. But Liz was committed to making their new venture work, and he couldn’t burst her bubble. She had fought long and hard to get herself back from the bad place she had been in, and he couldn’t let her down now. And he hadn’t lied to Swifty — his last case had almost finished him. Why on earth would he choose to go back into that hotbed of pressure, that violence, when he had finally found peace and quiet, and a life with the woman he loved? ‘Matthew Ballard, there are times when I seriously doubt your sanity,’ he muttered.

It had to be frustration that was making him think this way. He was getting nowhere while some arsehole ran rings around him. It was time to up his game.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN