There were so far over 800 online comments from the public and the general consensus seemed they were horrified that a body had been discussed in such a way. A handful of people had leapt to Maya’s defence, stating that gallows humour was a coping mechanism, but the majority of the public were baying for blood.
Wainwright had also released the footage of Maya being questioned outside Field View. It wasn’t in the least bit flattering. Maya thought she looked like a floundering fish as her mouth gaped open and closed in response to Wainwright’s barrage of questions. She had looked pathetic in comparison to the polished, composed way Jack had responded to the journalist.
Maya had explained herself to DI Redford and DI Mitton, and as predicted, this had been nowhere near as bad as the run-in with Kym. DI Mitton had been empathetic to Maya’s situation. She had been reassuring as always, even making light of the incident and sharing her own stories of the times she had messed up.
DI Redford had said very little. He had sat and appraised Maya quietly while she spoke, then reiterated Kym’s comments about how assumptions had no place in a police investigation. As far as the meeting with the two senior detectives had gone, Maya thought she had got off lightly. She only hoped that Kym had a similarly lenient response from top office.
For the first time since starting at Beech Field, Maya was glad her shift was over. She wanted to get out of the station and head to the sanctuary of home. She was on rest days for the rest of the week and was grateful for the break away from work. As she walked towards her bike, Maya heard someone call her name. She turned to see Jack striding over towards her, his leather holdall slung casually over his shoulder. He had removed his tie and loosened his top button and looked surprisingly refreshed despite the continuing heat.
‘How did it go with Kym?’
‘Awful. I got a right bollocking and was reminded that I’m still under my probation period. I’m off the next couple of days and have to say I’m glad. I’m going to go and crawl under a rock until Dave “the bastard” Wainwright’s article and footage of me has stopped doing the rounds.’
Jack grinned. ‘My mum rang me to say she’d seen it and thought I came across quite well. She felt sorry for you though.’
‘Yeah, thanks for that.’ She snorted. ‘Right, I better get going. See you later.’
‘Wait, Maya. I still feel partly responsible for all this. If I hadn’t been late meeting you at the scene, I could have sent Wainwright off with a flea in his ear. I know you’ve had a shit day and I don’t envy you getting a bollocking like that. Why don’t you let me take you out for a drink, see if I can’t cheer you up a bit? If you’re off tomorrow, surely you can afford to let your hair down a bit tonight?’
Maya was taken by surprise. She hadn’t expected that. Her initial reaction was to refuse, but then she found herself looking at Jack. He was an attractive man; easy company and he had been supportive. She’d had the day from hell and suddenly the thought of going home to an empty apartment and rattling round on her own all night didn’t appeal.
‘Do you know what, I’d love too. Where are you thinking? I’d need to call home and grab a quick shower and get changed first.’
‘Fantastic.’ His face lit up and he positively beamed at her. ‘Is there anywhere near your place we could go? I can wait in the pub while you get changed.’
‘There’s a lovely pub near me called The Eagle. You’re welcome to come back and wait at mine. I won’t be long, and you can have a drink on the balcony. The view is spectacular.’
‘Sounds great. It’s a date.’ He smiled at her again and they walked across the car park. Maya nodded towards her bike.
‘This is Bonnie,’ she said with a grin as she patted the seat affectionately. ‘She’s a Triumph Bonneville 120, hence the name. Ever ridden before?’ Jack’s eyes widened with shock and admiration. ‘I carry a spare helmet which my mum uses. It should fit you okay.’
‘There’s a first time for everything.’ He grinned. Their hands touched as she handed him the helmet. The moment was broken as DI Mitton called her over from further across the car park.
‘I won’t be a minute,’ Maya mumbled as she walked apprehensively towards Alison Mitton.
‘Ma’am?’
‘Just wanted to see how you were after today’s… unfortunate circumstances.’
‘I’m still mortified. I’ll be glad when today is over to be honest.’
‘I can imagine. Just put it behind you and move on. Remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.’
‘Thank you, ma’am.’
‘I see you’re with DS Dwyer. Are you giving him a lift home?’
Maya felt herself blush. ‘We’re, err, just going for a couple of drinks to take the edge off the day, ma’am.’
‘Really?’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘Well, what you do in your own time is your own concern, but I think it’s only fair you should know that Jack Dwyer has a reputation back at Cedar Lane for being a bit of a player. He’s known for getting where water can’t, if you know what I mean, but don’t quote me on that. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning it. I’m just looking out for you.’ She smiled to show that her comment was well meant.
‘I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s just a couple of drinks,’ she said reassuringly. ‘Have a nice evening, ma’am.’
She
