The Secret Child (DI Amy Winter #2)(2)

Amy’s relationship with DCI Pike had been tenuous since their last falling-out. These days, she felt she was on a knife edge every time they were alone. Today was no exception.

‘A job has come in,’ Pike said, wasting no time in explaining her presence. ‘It’s high-profile and to be handled with care.’

‘Sounds right up my street,’ Amy replied, standing behind her desk. ‘Tell me more.’ Amy was well known in the force for her uncanny gift for dealing with sinister minds. Only recently had she discovered where her insights originated from, having closed the door on her past at an early age. But now the door had been ripped off its hinges, her darkest memories squirming as the truth leaked free. She would use them to her best advantage. Help people who could not help themselves.

The truth was so horrific that she had not yet gone public with the news. Up until the age of four, Amy had been raised by serial killers known as the ‘Beasts of Brentwood’. It was a blessing her adoptive parents Robert and Flora Winter had taken her in. Having recently met her biological brothers and sisters, it was clear that Amy had been the lucky one.

All her life, she had compartmentalised her ugly past. But since reuniting with her biological sister, Sally-Ann, she had been bombarded with nightmares of their time in the Grimes family home. She needed to create new, happier memories, and integrate her sister into her present-day life, if she had any hope of moving on.

‘Have you heard of Dr Hugh Curtis?’ DCI Pike had the voice of someone who had smoked all her life.

Amy tilted her head to one side. ‘The name rings a bell. Is he famous?’

Pike’s eyes rested on the framed photo of Amy’s adoptive father, Superintendent Robert Winter, which was on display on the desk. For a split second, the DCI’s grief at his loss was laid bare.

‘Yes,’ Pike said, taking a sharp breath to compose herself. ‘He’s just been awarded an OBE.’

Amy nodded. Whatever the job was, it would be perfect for her team, which had been formed to deal with high-priority cases that were bound to hit the press. ‘What have we got?’

‘Child abduction. Dr Curtis and his wife were at a charity do and their four-year-old, Ellen, was taken from her bedroom. She was in the care of their babysitter. It looks like whoever’s responsible lit a fire to cause a diversion.’

‘Four-year-old?’ Amy said, feeling her throat constrict. ‘Really? I’ve not seen anything in the news.’

Upon waking every morning, she checked the newspapers for the latest headlines. Crimes against children hit her hardest of all.

‘The fire authorities alerted us to the arson. We knew nothing of Ellen’s disappearance until her grandmother reported it today.’

A short burst of laughter sounded from outside the office. It was DC Molly Baxter. Amy would recognise the shrillness of her giggle anywhere. But a sharp glance from DCI Pike through the window put an end to any joviality.

‘She’s happy in her work.’ Amy smiled, but Pike’s expression told her it had been a long time since she’d equated police work with enjoyment. Amy folded her arms across her chest, warding off the chill that had crept into the room. ‘Why didn’t Ellen’s parents report her missing?’

Neglectful parents were one of Amy’s bugbears. Discovering the truth about her own biological parents had impacted every aspect of her life.

‘That’s what I want you to find out,’ Pike replied.

‘Do you think Ellen’s abduction is a front for something darker?’ When it came to crimes against children, quite often the perpetrator was known to the victim, be it a friend, a relative or someone closer to home. ‘Could her parents be hiding something?’

‘Possible, but doubtful.’ DCI Pike shifted from one foot to the other. She had yet to take a seat, and although the backs of Amy’s legs were tiring she mirrored Pike, remaining rigid in her stance. Even now, her competitive streak came into play.

Pike continued: ‘Dr Curtis is an intelligent man. Had he set this up, he’d be more likely to act like any other worried parent and inform us straight away.’

‘Of course,’ Amy said, slightly embarrassed she had been slow to work this out. ‘Couldn’t Ellen have been scared of the fire and run away?’

‘Her grandmother is adamant she wouldn’t have – and, given Ellen’s age, I’m inclined to agree. The babysitter said she read her a bedtime story, and when she peeped in on her at nine she was fast asleep.’

‘Sounds like abduction all right,’ Amy said. ‘Her parents were reluctant to involve the police, which means they may have already been sent a ransom note.’

‘It’s looking that way.’ DCI Pike checked her watch. ‘You’ve been tagged as dealing with the incident. Keep me updated.’

Numerous ideas jostled for Amy’s attention as her mind raced ahead. She would have loved to explore them with Pike as they both visited the scene. They were fortunate their roles allowed them more freedom than regular officers of their rank, but it was not something Pike seemed willing to take advantage of. ‘Office-bound,’ Paddy had once called her, and today Amy could see why. ‘Have statements been taken?’ she asked as Pike turned to leave.

‘Officers are at the scene now,’ she replied, her fingers curling around the door handle as if nothing would stop her leaving. She gave one last glance in Amy’s direction. ‘I’d like you to attend. You’ve got excellent insight into this sort of thing.’ She opened the door. ‘But remember, discretion is key.’