“No, don’t think that way, boss. It’s very early days yet.”
“It might well be, but we could be dealing with five murders in the space of twenty-four hours with no damn clue as to the motivation.”
“You’re connecting the crimes then?”
“Aren’t you? Men in suits—all right there were four this time instead of the two in the Thatcham incident—and a black Range Rover spotted at both scenes. Oh, I forgot to mention that we have pretty clear CCTV images this time. I’m hoping that will lead us to figuring out the identities of these men sooner than anticipated.”
Charlie’s face lit up, and she smiled. “That’s brilliant. We should be celebrating that fact.”
Katy shook her head. Experience told her otherwise. “Don’t count your chickens just yet. It’s all too easy. I get the impression these guys possibly want us to find them for some reason.”
“You do? Why?”
“I haven’t worked that part out as yet. I’ll let you know when I figure it out. Right, let’s finish up in here. You get back to the witnesses, and I’ll question the staff again, see if they can add anything. Once we’re done here, we’ll need to shoot over to the hospital. I feel it’s my duty to be there for when Ethan wakes up, if he ever does. I’ve notified the man’s father, he’s on his way over there now. Are you all right to tag along or is Brandon expecting you?”
“Don’t worry about me, work comes first when we’re involved in a murder case. Something I learnt from my mother.”
“Of course. She wasn’t around much while you were growing up, was she?”
“No. I don’t hold it against her, it’s the job. It gets under your skin, doesn’t it?”
“As much as we try our best not to let it consume us, I don’t know an officer who leaves a case they’re running at work. It’s tough on our other halves at times.”
“I’m beginning to understand that. I hope Brandon does. I think he’ll be a lot cooler than my dad ever was.”
“Glad to hear it, he seems a good lad. Hark at me, old lady that I am.” Katy chuckled and headed back to the group of staff who were standing in stunned silence.
“Belle, I’ve contacted the hospital and informed his father where to go.” She lowered her voice to say the next part. “I know you said you had ‘a thing’ with Ethan, but can you give me the girlfriend’s number?”
“Yes, hang on. Let me get my phone.” She took two paces, retrieved her mobile from the shelf under the till and scrolled through it.
Katy extracted her phone from her pocket and poised her finger ready to input the number as she read it out.
Once she’d dialled, she moved to the end of the bar to conduct her call in private, away from flapping ears.
“Hello?”
“Sorry to disturb you, Hattie, you don’t know me. This is concerning Ethan.”
“Okay, who are you?” There was a note of caution in her voice.
“I’m DI Katy Foster. I’m truly sorry to have to inform you that Ethan has been involved in a crime.”
“Wait…what sort of crime? You’re not making any sense.”
“Unfortunately, Ethan was assaulted in the pub car park. He’s just been transferred to St Thomas’ hospital.”
“Oh heck! Is he badly hurt? Ignore me, he must be bad if he’s in hospital. How badly hurt is he?”
“It’s hard to say. We arrived after the paramedics had left. They’re treating him at A&E now. Would it be possible for you to go to the hospital?”
“Of course. I’m babysitting a nephew at the moment, my sister is due back anytime. Bloody hell, I’m scared what I’ll find when I get there.”
“It would be better to go there prepared, I think. Are you up to driving?”
“I think so. Yes, I’ll take a few deep breaths and get my act together. Thank you for ringing me.”
“It’s okay. I’ll probably see you there shortly, after I’ve spoken to the staff here.”
“Was anyone else injured? Was it an attempted burglary or something?”
“Everyone else is fine, and no, I don’t think it was an attempted burglary, although saying that, Ethan’s car was stolen in the attack.”
“Jesus, that’s his pride and joy. He’ll be devastated to hear that. Why would anyone attack him just to rob a bloody car?”
“It’s surprising what folks will do these days. I take it the car was insured against theft, yes?”
“Oh yes, he paid a hefty sum every year to cover it against all possibilities.”
“Good to know. I don’t suppose you know if there’s some form of tracking device on it?”
“Maybe. I can’t think off the top of my head.”
“Never mind. We’ll look into it.”
“I’ll try and have a think on the way. I’ll go now, if that’s okay?”
“Sure. See you soon.” Katy ended the call and returned to the cluster of staff. “Any of you guys talk to Ethan about his car, specifically, what type of security it had on board?”
A young ginger-haired lad raised his hand slightly. “We were always discussing it, and yes, he had a GPS tracker on it.”
“Excellent. Has he had it long?”
“It was the first thing he added when he got the car,” the lad confirmed.
“Thanks for that. Okay, my partner and I are going to leave now and head over to the hospital. Will you guys be all right here? Will you keep the pub open?”
“It’s what Ethan would want,” Belle replied as she tucked a lock of stray hair behind her ear.
“I’ll leave a card. If anyone thinks of anything that I should know about regarding the incident, please call me immediately, day or night.”
“We will, won’t we guys?” Belle asked.
The rest of the group either nodded or said yes.
“You will do your best to get these men, won’t you?” Belle asked, fear evident in her bright-blue eyes.
“You have my word. Let’s hope your boss pulls through this. Stay positive in the meantime.”
“We will.”
“I’ll get a uniformed officer to drop by and take
