‘This is DC Samantha Shephard, Dunedin CIB. I require an Armed Offenders squad call-out to number three-forty Highgate. The suspect is Phillip Kershaw, male, fifty-four, one hundred and eighty centimetres tall, short greying brown hair, clean shaven, ah, blue eyes, wearing…’ God, what was he in this morning? ‘Black trousers, striped shirt and a brown moleskin jacket. He is a murder suspect in Operation Sparrow. There could possibly be an adult female in the house with him, a potential victim.’ It killed me to say those words. ‘I can’t confirm her status as yet.’

‘Stand by, DC Shephard.’

I held my cellphone in the other hand, willing it to chirp. I would never whinge about the noises those things made again.

‘Dunedin AOS is already in operation on another call-out. I have no estimate of when they’ll be done. I can put a call out to all available officers. Is the suspect known to be armed?’

My mind flicked to the contents of his den. There was a safe. He’d used a hunting rifle in the past. All things considered, I would place bets on him having a side arm of some kind. He’d been pretty organised so far. ‘I can’t confirm that, but consider him armed and dangerous. He’s already killed five people.’

‘Ah, checking status now. It looks like all units are tied up in the AOS call-out in Mosgiel, and the murder in Kaikorai Valley. It’s been a busy morning. I’ll get whoever I can who’s available and armed.’

Fuck, where was the bloody cavalry when you needed them? I made a snap decision. Actually, circumstance made it for me.

‘I’m going armed to the scene now. Please advise I am non-uniform, Caucasian female, one hundred and fifty-three centimetres, blonde tied-back hair, black trousers, white shirt, black jacket. And, please advise,’ my voice cracked, ‘the potential hostage is my mother.’

‘Shit. Okay, understood. We’ll have back-up on the way as soon as a possible. Take care, keep us updated.’

I needed a firearm and a vehicle. The latter was sorted by the fact, to my relief, I saw there was a fleet car available. I grabbed the keys and headed down the stairs to the Watch House. I hoped like hell the senior sergeant on duty was cooperative.

‘Dan, there’s a situation. I need a firearm. Now.’

‘If you’re referring to the school, you’re a bit late. Everyone’s gone out there.’

‘School? What are you talking about? No. I know who the killer is and he might have a hostage. I have to go now.’

‘Slow down, what killer?’

‘Operation Sparrow. The killer is Phillip Kershaw, he’s…’

The telephonist ran in, ‘We’ve got another call-in, hostage situation.’

‘That would have been me,’ I said. ‘This man could have a hostage, he’s armed, there’s no one else around, I need a firearm, I have to get up there now.’