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Chapters (70)
  1. Cover
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  3. Map of Rutland
  4. Map of Oakham
  5. 1
  6. 2
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  66. 62
  67. 63
  68. On Borrowed Time
  69. Acknowledgments
  70. Adam Croft

She heard Arnold sigh heavily at the other end of the phone. ‘Alright. Go home, get some sleep, and don’t come into the office tomorrow morning. I’m putting you on leave. We’re handing the case over to EMSOU.’

‘What? Why?’

‘Why? You’re not actually asking me that, are you? As if our previous chats weren’t enough, you’ve let the case completely run away with you. It’s now a double murder. And who knows how many more people he’s got in his sights? You’ve got a former bloody international rugby player in custody for a murder he didn’t commit and, quite frankly, you’re causing far more trouble than you’re solving right now. Listen, I know it’s not necessarily your fault. I can tell something isn’t right. Christ knows what it is, but either way you need to get home and rest, for both our sakes. I’ll clear up the mess, I’ll get EMSOU on board and with any luck we’ll catch the person responsible sooner rather than later.’

There was a finality in Derek Arnold’s tone that told her there was very little point in objecting. He’d made his decision, and that was that.

Consumed by rage, anger, heartbreak and regret, she let out an ear-piercing scream at the top of her lungs; a scream that reverberated around the interior of her car, ringing in her ears for seconds after she’d finished. But it had been a long time coming.

She opened her car door and stepped out onto the tarmac, feeling the cool night air and the gentle breeze on her face. She was lost and utterly alone.

‘Oh, hey.’ Dexter walked towards her. ‘Sara just gave me the lowdown on what happened to Arthur Clifton. Fuck.’

‘Yeah. Fuck.’

‘You okay?’

‘No. No, Dex, I’m not.’

‘What’s the matter?’ Dexter said, letting her put her head on his shoulder.

‘I’m off the case.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I spoke to Arnold. He wants to hand control over to EMSOU. He wants me to take some time off.’

‘Are you serious?’

‘He is.’

‘Oh, man. I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. What are you doing out here, anyway?’

Dexter clenched his jaw. ‘I’m gonna head over to Empingham. See what we can get.’

Caroline nodded and closed her eyes.

‘I mean, I can stay here. I don’t need to go, I suppose. I probably shouldn’t, actually. Wouldn’t be very… Well, y’know.’

‘Loyal?’

‘I guess.’

‘Don’t worry about loyalty, Dex. Your only loyalty is to the victims and their families.’

‘Alright. If you’re sure.’

Caroline forced a smile. She’d felt certain he would stick by her and fight her corner. She didn’t know why it always seemed to happen, but she found herself once again feeling betrayed and alone.

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