The Death Messenger (Matthew Ryan Book 2)(81)

Ryan was happy with the explanation.

‘The inception of this unit coincided with my retirement,’ Forsythe added. ‘The idea had been on the table for a while. These are difficult times. Due to governmental cuts, all forces are strapped for cash. Few of them want to get involved in protracted enquiries that swallow up ever-decreasing budgets.’

‘So you reinvented the wheel?’ Ryan said.

‘As you say. The outcome was an elite but scaled down National Crime Unit – one with teeth. You are the select few and, because of prior involvement and local knowledge, I was the obvious choice to oversee the unit, just as Eloise was the obvious choice to manage it. You could accuse me of nepotism, and I wouldn’t blame you if you did. Despite the fact that no marriage took place, she is my de facto daughter-in-law. But let me tell you this: she has the experience and intelligence to investigate these very serious matters. Her integrity is indisputable. You will find no finer officer to lead you.’

‘Hear! Hear!’ Grace whispered under her breath.

‘No one disputes that,’ Ryan said in support.

Newman agreed.

O’Neil wanted them to stop.

She didn’t get her way.

‘I decided not to disclose my involvement for personal reasons. I know how difficult it is for Eloise to be around me, under any circumstances. Suffice to say, I remind her of a difficult time in her life. I suspect she’d have turned down the job if she’d known.’

Eloise felt her heart break a little more. Grateful that this wonderful man hadn’t mentioned his son by name, she kept her head down. This was so painful for her. Aware of that, Forsythe drew attention away from her. Sadly, her thoughts were louder than his voice. His consideration for others was what had drawn her to him from the start; she’d loved him since the moment they were introduced over dinner at his house. He was the father she’d never had . . .

The only one she wanted.

‘Are we out on our ear when this case is over?’ Grace was asking.

‘Staffing is a matter for Eloise. The unit will continue under her command with Ryan as a permanent fixture. I will hold no more than a watching brief over it. I agreed to take it on for reasons I just outlined. Ford is merely a go-between. To quote Eloise, “He wouldn’t know an investigation if he tripped over one.”’

‘I might have put it differently,’ Grace said.

‘Frank, you showed good judgement investigating the unit,’ Forsythe said. ‘It flagged up a weakness. Rest assured that the information you uncovered is no longer available – to anyone. Neither has your security been compromised. You’ll have to take my word for that.’ He switched focus. ‘Ryan, it was no surprise that Eloise took you on. We discussed you briefly after Jack Fenwick’s death. You obviously made quite an impression on her. You and Grace have my condolences. I understand you were both close to Fenwick.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ Ryan and Grace said in unison.

‘Grace, you are a perfect choice,’ Forsythe continued. ‘You have a notable track-record and formidable reputation.’

‘With respect, that makes me sound like a bolshie cow.’

‘If the cap fits,’ O’Neil said.

The others laughed.

Grace never held her tongue if she had something to say. Chief Constable or cleaner, she made no allowances. Forsythe smiled at her, the confident smile of a man with knowledge she didn’t have.

‘Have we met before, sir? You seem familiar.’

‘Back when you were a newly promoted detective sergeant – and proud of it, as I recall – I was a solicitor with a local firm. You declined my dinner invitation.’

‘Did I? Sorry . . .’ She didn’t have a clue. ‘There were so many invitations. I rarely remember those who got away and wish I could forget some of those who didn’t.’

They all burst out laughing.

‘I believe you had designs elsewhere.’ Forsythe tipped his head towards the spook, who was rolling his eyes at the others. ‘You’re a lucky man, Frank. I had no idea you would feature in Eloise’s plans. Welcome. She’s an exceptional judge of character.’

‘I have a question,’ Grace was keen to move on.

‘Ask it.’

‘Why risk using this apartment as a base?’

‘That I can’t answer.’ Forsythe looked at O’Neil, inviting comment.

In turn, O’Neil looked at Grace. ‘That’s ironic, coming from you!’

Ryan grinned. His guv’nor was back in control. Grace was almost blushing, a first for her. Clearly, Forsythe had no idea what was going on. He knew nothing of the shadow investigation they’d run from Grace’s living room after Jack went missing.

‘She has previous convictions for it,’ O’Neil said. That’s all the explanation he was getting.

‘And you haven’t answered my question,’ Grace said.

‘There was nothing sinister in it,’ O’Neil said. ‘Ford left me to source accommodation. He stipulated a location with no connection to force headquarters, but in close proximity. He didn’t tell me why, only that he needed the unit up and running without delay. At the time I wondered why the rush, why he was so nervous. The only case I was aware of was the one in Brighton; I knew nothing of Lord Trevathan’s disappearance or the links to Ambassador Dean’s murder. I assumed that both the case and the sourcing of accommodation were tests, that Ford was evaluating my performance. He’d set such a tight deadline. This place was the only real option. It was standing empty, perfectly situated, easily made secure. Simple as that.’ She paused. ‘On reflection, it was a mistake on two counts: first, it couldn’t be accounted for on the budget; second, given its history, I hadn’t realized the negative effect working here would have on me.’