The Fourth Friend (DI Jackman & DS Evans #3)(33)

CHAPTER TEN

In his lunch break, Carter rang his family solicitor, his financial advisor, his bank manager, and an acquaintance in the property business. If his dead friend could not help the mother of his only child, then Carter McLean most certainly could.

Because of Jack’s warning about the people around Kim, Carter made a few discreet inquiries before he set the wheels in motion. Jack had been right, so cash was out. He would need to set up a series of trusts.

‘They need a safe place to live, too,’ whispered Carter to himself. ‘For a fresh start.’

His property-dealing friend made a few suggestions, and one sounded perfect. There was a small affordable housing complex recently built in one of the fen villages. The village itself had a nursery, a school, a couple of churches, a post office, a bus service and best of all, a bloody good fish and chip shop. What more would she need?

It wouldn’t be done overnight, but in an hour, he had laid the foundations.

This time he would be honest about things. He would go and see Kim as soon as he finished work, and tell her that Jack had been very concerned about her and his daughter and had asked his rich friend Carter for help. End of.

Carter sat back, satisfied. By the end of the day he would know whether his plans for Kim and Phoebe Walker were viable. And if they were, Jack’s child would have a good future to look forward to, and Kim could ditch the vermin that were creeping around her and enjoy being a mother.

He sipped his cooling coffee. Matt’s marathon had been great. Finding Ray’s money had been exhilarating, but helping a mother and child to live a better life had been the most rewarding of all.

Then his shoulders slumped. Because as soon as Jack faded away, it would be time for his fourth friend’s task. He was dreading it.

*

Laura Archer was having trouble concentrating on her last consultation of the morning.

The officer concerned ostensibly had multiple problems, but Laura was almost certain that he was trying to work his ticket and get out early with his pension intact.

All the indicators pointed one way. This was not a serious mental health issue at all, just a man desperate to find a way out of a job he could no longer handle. It was sad, but it also made her angry when she thought of Carter McLean.

At last her client left. Laura walked to her desk, flopped down and let out a sigh.

She was still thinking about Carter.

She was happy that his boss, DI Jackman, was aware of her concerns, but even so, she felt uneasy. Laura was certain there was something seriously amiss that she had failed to see. She sighed again. Perhaps she should seek a second opinion.

Laura rubbed her eyes. The first person that came to mind was her old professor, Sam Page. Sam was retired now. He lived close to a bird reserve on the marsh, and spent his time watching his beloved waterfowl. He was always ready for a chat with his star pupil.

Sam was the most astute man Laura had ever met. He was kind, too. He reminded her of her elderly uncle Frank, who had often taken her fishing, and who’d taught her the patience she still used in her work.

She knew Sam’s number by heart.

‘Today I found a nesting Pochard, my dear! You often find them in winter, but a few do stay to nest. I am so lucky! They are an Amber list species, you know, quite beautiful! Will you be coming over to see them?’

Laura gave a little laugh. ‘I’d love to. How about tomorrow afternoon? I have some time free then.’

‘Wonderful! You can grill me about your worrisome patient while we drink tea and watch for Pochards.’

‘What makes you think I have a problem patient? I might be desperately missing your company.’

‘And pigs might fly.’ The old man laughed heartily. ‘But I’m happy to help anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Laura shook her head. Sam could read her like a book.

She stood up and stretched, hoping he would read Carter McLean as easily.

*

Rosie pushed a thick file of statements across the desk to Carter. ‘This is pretty awesome, Sarge.’

‘It’s Carter, according to the new protocol.’

‘No thanks, but whatever, it’s still awesome. I’ve read these half a dozen times and I can’t see a single loophole. You are very good at this, aren’t you?’

‘You’re no slouch either, kiddo. You’ve done a lot of work to bring this together. I’m just mopping up, using a fresh pair of eyes on it.’

‘If the CPS throw this out, I’m going to quit and get a job as a dog food taster.’

‘Nice! Then we’d better hope they accept it.’

Rosie yawned. ‘I’m done in.’

‘Me too,’ said Carter. ‘All this paperwork is as tiring as doing a cross-country run.’

‘Fancy a drink after work, Sarge? Max and I were going to call in at the Sea Witch on the way home.’

‘Love to, but I’ve got an appointment. Rain check?’

‘Sure.’ Rosie looked at him. ‘But don’t leave it too long, okay? I know you.’

Carter saluted. ‘Understood.’

He pulled out another file and opened it. One more hour and he would be off to look for Kim Walker, and give her what he hoped was the best news she’d had in years.

*

Kim Walker was as cagey as a street kid. It took Carter several minutes to persuade her to let him through the door.