‘I heard. Listen, if my guy’s the raving lunatic they say he is, I won’t be allowed to interview him until he’s assessed. I’m sure my DI would let me chip in and help you while I wait for the all-clear, and you know how long that could take.’

‘I’ll tell Jackman. He’ll be chuffed as little apples that you’ve got that screwball off the streets and away from Laura. Thanks for the offer of help, Vic. It’s good to have you back.’

‘I never thought I’d miss the place until I left it. It was heady stuff, working with the special tactical lads, but I couldn’t wait to get back.’

* * *

Marie returned to her desk. How odd to have Vic back and working in the same CID room. To say that the two of them had a chequered past came nowhere near it. Years ago, he had almost ended her career. Then, more recently, he had saved her life. So she reckoned they were quits. Yes, it was good to have him back and on her side again.

‘Listen up, folks! There’s little more we can do until first light. The night shift detectives and Uniform will continue to try to locate this hideaway, although our main hope is with Christopher tomorrow morning. So, you can get away now and rest up. Home, everyone!’ Jackman called out. ‘You’ve done wonders, now get some sleep. Tomorrow, with luck, we’ll know exactly where Jordan’s hiding, and we’ll go after him. I want you all sharp as tacks for when that happens.’ He went across to Marie. ‘Can I ask you to get in early, maybe around six? I’m thinking that if we hear from the foster father, it would be best to get out there before Jordan is up and ready.’

‘Of course, no problem. Have you heard from Laura?’

‘I’m going to the hospital now. Sam was going to get a taxi, but I’ll collect them myself.’ He smiled at her. ‘I can’t wait to get her home. I was so scared when I got that message.’

‘I know,’ she said. ‘It showed. Now off you go. Take your lady home and pamper her like never before.’

When Marie got home, she was surprised to see a car parked outside.

Ralph stepped out. He was holding a bunch of flowers. ‘I know I shouldn’t be here.’ He looked like a naughty teenager.

‘Why on earth would you think that?’ she said, taking his hand. Just inside the door, she pulled him to her. ‘Now, Ralph Enderby, where were we?’

* * *

When they got home, Jackman urged Laura to go straight to bed, saying he’d take her supper up to her.

She flatly refused. ‘Jackman, my head is spinning — not from concussion but with questions about Shields. You said they caught him. How? And where? And what is he saying?’