Chapter 30

CHAPTER THIRTY

PRESENT DAY

M att approached Ana with two paper bags. ‘Custard tarts or jam doughnuts, which is your favourite?'

‘Custard tarts.' She smiled, dipping her hand into the bags and pulling out one of each. ‘By the way, how do I get into the evidence room?'

‘You'll need clearance.'

‘Who from?'

‘DI Miller or DS Harper.'

‘Thanks, mate,' she said. ‘I'll make a brew in a sec.'

Matt smiled. Only Ana would have the nerve to take two cakes. ‘I thought you didn't like doughnuts,' he said.

‘Custard tarts first, then doughnuts.' She smiled.

‘By the way,' he said cautiously. ‘The village summer fair is on Saturday. I was wondering if you'd like to go. There's live music, a funfair, and a cèilidh in the evening.'

‘What's a cèilidh?'

‘It's like a barn dance,' said Luke, taking a doughnut. ‘You know, do-si-do and all that.'

‘Sounds like fun.' She smiled. ‘Is there food?'

‘Sure is.' Matt grinned.

‘The only problem is Matt's got two left feet, so you'd be best off finding another partner. I'm happy to offer.'

‘Aren't you bringing your wife?' said Matt sharply.

‘I've got tough toes,' Ana said, smiling at Matt. ‘I think I can handle your two left feet.'

She waited until Luke returned to his desk before knocking on Beth's door. ‘Ma'am, permission to look at the CCTV tapes from the hit and run.'

Beth looked up. ‘Any updates on forensics?'

Ana realised she was being put in her place. ‘No, ma'am. Analysis showed nothing we could work with.'

Beth sat back in her chair. ‘The hit and run had a full investigation, Ana.'

‘I beg to differ, ma'am.'

Beth raised her eyebrows. ‘Excuse me?'

‘A private security camera was overlooked, which showed the accident. The friend said the car stopped, and she heard a squeaky door. I believe the driver would have taken the car further afield to get the damage repaired, but only local garages were the ones checked.'

‘We didn't have a registration, Ana.'

‘No, ma'am, but with all due respect, I think there are other things to look into.'

‘Such as?'

‘The private security camera. We might get some leads from that.'

‘This isn't going down well with the officer in charge of that case.'

‘That's his problem, ma'am, not mine.' Ana knew she sounded gutsy and ambitious but wanted justice for Vanessa.

‘I don't want to waste human resources on this. I'll give you forty-eight hours. If you don't come up with something concrete, you drop it. Understood?'

‘Yes, ma'am, thank you.'

‘I'll authorise Ruth to let you in.'

‘Thank you, ma'am. I'm just making a brew. Would you like one? There are some doughnuts on the go.'

‘Thanks, Ana.' Beth watched Ana leave. There was confidence about her but also a vulnerability.

Ana made tea while the authorisation went through. Then, taking a mug to Ruth, she said, ‘DS Harper put in a request for me.'

Ruth nodded. ‘I'll take you through. Thanks for the tea, but I only drink coffee.'

Of course you do , thought Ana, following her to the evidence room.

‘There's doughnuts?'

‘I'm on a diet,' said Ruth.

Of course you are , thought Ana.

‘Drawer 36,' said Ruth, unlocking it. ‘Let me know when you've finished.'

Ana rifled through the drawer for the CCTV tapes. At that moment, her phone vibrated, and Olivia's name popped onto the screen.

‘DC Ana Rawlins.'

‘Hi, it's Olivia. You spilt coffee on my dress?'

Ana's breathing quickened. ‘Hi, how are you?'

‘I took it to be dry-cleaned and I'm picking it up later.'

‘Great, let me have your address and–'

‘A bank transfer will be fine,' broke in Olivia.

Fuck , thought Ana.

‘Oh please, let me give you the cash. I feel so bad. I bought some chocolates as an apology.'

There was silence at the other end.

‘I'm quite safe.' Ana laughed.

‘Oh, I know. It's 24 Queens Court.'

‘That's right opposite my block,' said Ana, feigning surprise. ‘I'll pop by this evening. Is seven okay?' Or are you seeing him?

‘Yeah, that's fine.'

‘Great, see you later.' Ana clicked off her phone and stared at it for a few seconds, at last, some headway.

The CCTV footage showed nothing. If Ana was expecting something to jump out at her, she was disappointed. Still, she had forty-eight hours. It gave her enough time.