Child's Play (D.I. Kim Stone #11)(43)

‘Hey, enough,’ she said, turning. ‘And thanks, Ted.’

‘You’re welcome, as ever, my dear.’

Kim followed Bryant to the car. He got in. She did not.

She went back to where Ted stood on the doorstep.

‘Peace,’ she said, meeting his questioning gaze. ‘You told Bryant you didn’t know why I came to every session to be silent. I came for peace. I came for a rest from this,’ she said, tapping her temple.

‘I don’t understand…’

‘I came because I knew that while I was here you’d never let anyone hurt me.’

She saw the emotion gather in his eyes before she turned and headed back to the car.





Forty-Three





‘You know, that guy just makes me want to open up and give him all my shit. He’s like Yoda.’

‘I know,’ Kim said, taking out her phone. Bryant started the car and waited as she pressed Stacey’s number.

‘Hey, boss.’

‘Appears our guy was a bit of a glory hunter. Went after big cases only,’ she said. ‘You got anything on Brainboxes?’

‘Only what the website is showing me so far. It’s a two-day event for the brightest kids in the country. Been going for years. All kinds of competitions culminating in a quiz at the end of the event between the brightest boys and girls. There’s prizes and everything. Lots of photos of kids enjoying themselves on the website. Current organisers are a husband and wife team who I can’t get hold of at the minute as they’re on their way to the venue, which happens to be The Village Hotel in Stourport.’

‘Okay, Stace, call it a night,’ she said, remembering Woody’s warning. ‘But we brief at seven,’ she said ending the call.

‘Guv…’

‘Yep, you too, Bryant, so drop me back at the station.’

He grumbled but put the car in gear and pulled away from the kerb.

Stacey’s assessment of the event seemed at odds with what they’d just learned from Ted, and yet his description had ear-wormed into her brain.

Gladiators for Kids.





Forty-Four





‘Okay, kids, how are we feeling this morning?’ Kim asked.

‘Like we’re starting work at the right time of the day for a start,’ Bryant offered brightly.

‘Glad to oblige,’ Kim said, feeling the exact same way. Her day had started at five with a brisk walk around the park with Barney while the coffee brewed, and no one else was around.

The dog had chowed down a bowl of dried food with added chicken pieces while she’d drunk said coffee and then they’d both stepped into the garden to watch the sky lighten as the sun came up.

Her best friend had been left munching on a carrot and his buddy, Charlie, from down the road would come pick him up later for an afternoon walk and a shift of squirrel hunting in Charlie’s back garden.

Bryant referred to it as ‘dog share’ but it was a great arrangement that suited them all.

‘So, we know our second victim was planning to attend the Brainbox thingy today. His services paid for by the organisers who we definitely want to speak with,’ she said, glancing at Stacey, who nodded.

‘But I would like to know why Veronica didn’t share where her sister was going.’

‘You think she knew?’ Bryant asked.

‘She knew everything else about her sister, so I’m guessing so. Carry on digging on the sisters, Stace. There’s a lot there we don’t know, and I want a meeting with the Brainbox folks as soon as possible. And don’t forget the cross-referencing of the dates that both victims attended.’

‘Will do, boss.’

Kim was aware of the workload she was throwing in Stacey’s direction and glanced longingly at Penn’s empty chair.

‘Keats is going to let us know if there’s anything more to note about Nixon once he’s done the post-mortem later this—’

‘Hiya,’ said a bright voice from the door.

All three of them glanced towards the beaming elfin figure dressed in a constable uniform. Kim guessed her to be around five and half feet with her blonde hair pulled into a bun on the back of her head.

Kim hadn’t realised it was dress your kid and bring it to work day.

‘Are you lost?’ Kim asked, trying to keep the edge from her voice. The door was clearly marked CID.

She shook her head, still beaming, as she stepped into the room.

‘I’m Tiffany, like the singer, Tiff. I was told you were expecting me.’

‘To do what?’ Kim asked.

She shrugged her delicate little shoulders. ‘Help out, I think.’

Kim looked to her colleagues to see if she was missing something. Their expressions said not.

‘Tiffany, I’m not sure?…’

‘DCI Woodward requested me,’ she said, barely able to keep the joy out of her voice as though she’d been promised a trip to Disneyland. ‘He said you’re a team member down and I’m so excited to be asked to help.’

And still her smile hadn’t wavered.

‘I’ve heard so much about you all. You do such exciting work and I can’t believe I’m here right now.’