Turner rolled his eyes before heading back down the stairs. Andy heard him mutter the word ‘cock’ under his breath but didn’t care. Once he was satisfied the detective was out of the way, he carried on with a speed he did not know he was capable of. The relief was immense as he eventually secreted the items belonging to Nowak back into his camera bag. He peeled his scene suit off and gathered his things together. The sweet breeze that carried through the front door was like nectar.
He allowed himself a smile as he took one final glance around the bedroom. His work here was done. He had enough evidence to set Spencer James up for McCluskey’s stabbing. There had been no CCTV in the area to capture the assault and none of the witnesses, including McCluskey, were willing to provide a description of the attacker. Nowak was in the clear and Spence had a lot of explaining to do. Donnelly would be happy. At least that would be one less person on his back. For now.
56
Maya arrived at work without her usual enthusiasm. She was a tired, nervous wreck. She had even thought about phoning in sick but couldn’t face the thought of staying at home despite the fact she had arranged to have new locks and bolts fitted. Irrationally, she’d changed her bedding twice and cleaned like a woman possessed to remove any traces of the burglar. She had barely eaten; her head was slamming, and the hot weather was making her feel nauseous.
She exchanged pleasantries before hiding herself away in the corner of the office, so she could avoid any further interaction. She didn’t feel like talking and was looking forward to the others finishing so she could be alone in the office for her afternoon shift.
‘Hey, what’s up?’ Chris called. ‘You’ve not been talking to dead people and journalists, again, have you?’ He laughed, pleased with himself, as Maya flipped him the middle finger.
Amanda scowled at Chris. ‘Are you okay, Maya?’
Maya nodded weakly. ‘I’m fine thanks. Just a bit hung-over.’ It was all she could think to say to deflect any further questioning. Just as the words left her mouth, Kym emerged. Her lips pursed at Maya’s comment and she shook her head disapprovingly. Normally Maya would have been mortified at such a reaction from Kym, but right now she really couldn’t care less.
Amanda smiled apologetically. ‘Sorry to jump on you, but a job has just come in. There’s a body in the canal near Bridge Street. We’ve been asked to attend. Are you going to be okay with it?’
Maya felt like all eyes were on her, waiting for her response. As much as she had been longing for more experience, the last thing she needed today was to see a cadaver being hauled out of the canal. It took every ounce of her flailing energy to smile convincingly. ‘Yes, of course. I’ll just read through the log and make my way.’
Maya was desperate not to cry as her nausea grew with every line of the log she read. Surely this day couldn’t get any worse. She couldn’t think straight, and her mind certainly wasn’t on work. But she had no choice other than to focus on the circumstances surrounding the body in the canal. The anxiety was starting to build in her chest, her heart rate quickening as a panic attack threatened to consume her.
She concentrated on taking steady measured breaths in an attempt to stay calm. She closed her eyes and imagined herself anywhere but work. She was so focused that it took a moment to realise that someone had said her name. She opened her eyes and sat up. Amanda and Elaine were looking at her, concerned. Jack Dwyer was stood in the doorway, looking hesitant and decidedly uncomfortable and she realised he must have asked to speak to her.
‘Sorry, Jack, I was miles away. Do you want me?’
‘Erm, yes please. Could I have a quick word?’ He indicated the corridor, making it clear he needed to speak to her in private.
Maya followed him out of the office somewhat impatiently, the last thing she bloody well needed was to listen to any of his flannel.
‘Look, Maya, this is a bit awkward, but I thought I should give you the heads-up. We’ve got a bloke in the traps for a Section 18. Spencer James.’
She felt her face grow hot as she willed herself to remain impassive. ‘And?’ She managed to shrug non-committally.
‘DS Turner has just finished interviewing him. He wants to have a word with you.’
‘Why me? A body has just come in. I need to go.’ She felt the all too familiar fist-clenching sensation stirring in her stomach. What now?
‘He says he has an alibi for the night of the assault on David McCluskey. He’s given your name. Says he was drinking in The Brown Cow with you and your friends. Turner is going to want to interview you for confirmation and obviously get a statement. I just thought I’d let you know.’ He gave her a wan smile and returned to his office, leaving Maya to slump against the wall in the corridor.
Fuck’s sake. She had been wrong. There was still time for this day to get worse. Much worse.
I dreamt of Louisa again last night. She had felt so real, so alive. The craving for her was intense. A physical, gnawing ache. I clung to her. I clung to the feeling of her warm, lithe limbs encircling mine. The intensity of her embrace. The softness of her skin. The tickling sensation of her hair against my cheek as she rested her head on my chest. It was the familiarity of her voice and the easy way we chatted to each other. We talked about nothing – and everything. I wanted the moment to last forever. There was nothing else in space or time that I needed more
