Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Helen Grace scanned the busy scene, eagerly seeking out her quarry. The canteen at Southampton Central was heaving and at first she struggled to spot her man amidst the sea of navy-blue uniforms, but eventually she made out the familiar face of PC Dave Reynolds, chatting animatedly with colleagues.

Pushing through the throng, Helen soon found herself next to his table. Almost immediately, the experienced officer broke off his conversation, rising to greet her, whilst gesturing to his junior colleague to do likewise.

‘It's all right guys, no need for any formalities …'

But Reynolds remained standing, smiling as he turned to face her. He was a genial, popular officer with an engaging manner, always ready to crack a joke or share your woes.

‘DI Grace, can I introduce you to my probationer, PC Beth Beamer. She joined us six weeks ago and is a very welcome addition to the ranks.'

Turning away from the experienced PC, Helen took in the shy-looking young woman, all eagerness and freckles, who nodded earnestly at her. It took Helen right back to when she first wore the uniform, remembering the sense of pride and purpose it afforded her. Part of her longed to be back then, when life was less demanding, but there was no time for reminiscing.

‘Sorry to intrude on your break, PC Reynolds, but we've got an urgent search on for this vulnerable teenager.'

She handed him a copy of Naomi Watson's photo.

‘We believe she was in the Hoglands Park area of the city last night, around the time you and PC Beamer were walking the beat. I was wondering if you caught sight of her at any point? She's quite distinctive with her dyed blue hair and pink DM boots …'

Reynolds scrutinized the photo intently.

‘Sorry, no, I'd have remembered if we'd seen someone like that. I'm afraid it was just the usual round of tearaways and users last night,' he replied gravely. ‘That said, myself and PC Beamer are due out again in ten minutes. So we'll make it a priority to have a poke around Hoglands and its surroundings. Is it all right if I keep this photo to circulate to the team?'

‘Of course,' Helen replied gratefully. ‘The more eyes we have on the streets the better. I've circulated a general alert, but a personal prompt from you could really make a difference.'

‘Absolutely,' Reynolds reassured her, draining his coffee and nodding at Beamer urgently to do likewise. ‘We'll get right on it. Odds on, we'll have her home safe and sound before the day's out.'

The whole table seemed to react, half a dozen officers rising to join the search. Thanking them warmly, Helen headed on her way, keen to get back to the incident room. She was grateful for the support and enthusiasm of the officers on the street, but in truth her interview with Reynolds and Beamer had only left her more worried. Beat officers such as Reynolds were the lifeblood of law and order in the city. They knew the faces on the street, the places to go and those to avoid, often picking up on issues and potential threats long before CID ever learned of them. They had their finger on the pulse, not only of criminal matters, but problems regarding teenage truancy, addiction, prostitution and more. If anyone would have spotted a lonely teenager wandering lost and scared through the city it would have been them, but they had obviously seen nothing.

It was as if Naomi had simply vanished into thin air.