Chief Inspector Parsons lifted her head and smiled as Sergeant Jacobs entered her office. "Must be your lucky day., boss."

"Sit down, and tell me why."

"Christabel Anderson was arrested last night for indecent exposure, and you'll never guess who she was with."

"You're smiling like the cat who got the cream. I'm not into riddles. Tell me or on your bike."

"Jack Watson. When the local pod spotted his car in a local car park, they stopped to check it out. Jack and Cristobel were giving oral sex to each other in the back of his range rover. I'm told Jack was manipulating a vibrator into her nether regions. When the Sergeant opened the door, she didn't miss a beat until Jack pushed her off."

Joyce folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. "Where are they at the moment?"

"In the cells, but I expect their smarmy lawyer to turn up soon."

"Someone up there loves us. Place her in the interview room, and don't let him know. I'll be there in a couple of minutes.

"Okay, boss."

She found the dance hall stabbing file, gave it a five-second read, and went to the interview room.

Christabel, Sergeant Jacobs, and a female constable were seated at the table.

"Good morning Miss Anderson. I understand you have been charged with performing a sexual act in a public place and indecent exposure."

"What fucking public. We was in the back of Jack's car. It's got tinted windows so no one can see. You haven't got any cigs, have you? I left mine in the car."

"Can't help you there. None of us smoke. "

Christabel appeared unimpressed. "What do you want?"

"I wonder if you remember who stabbed the young man who died in the dance hall. I've heard whispers it was Jack Watson. He believes he owns you, and the gentleman's activity with his hands groping your backside wound him up."

"Oh fuck," Christabel released the words before thinking. "Whose been gobbing off? I bet it was Pete Mitchel. He jealous because I won't let him fuck me."

Joyce smirked at her comment. "It's well known the Watsons have enemies who would love to see them in jail. You didn't actually think I would tell you who spilt the beans. If the Watsons found out, they would disappear like a rat up a drain pipe. I'm allowing you to come clean and not be charged as an accessory to murder. I could even speak with the magistrate to forget the charges you are up in court today for."

Cristobel churched her fingers. "Damage limitation. You and half the world know what happened. It wasn't supposed to be like that. Jack told me the guy owed him a lot of money, and he was going to have some fun. I didn't know he was going to kill him. Jack told me it was an accident. The guy moved or something. I don't give a shit. Whatever I say will make no difference. Jack was a jealous bastard, so I tended to wind him up. When he's mad, he's magic in bed. If I give evidence, his father or brother will bury me so deep I'll never be found. So, what can you do for me? I need protection.

Joyce smiled one of her sweetest smiles. "Nothing, darling. You've told me all I need to know. Sergeant Jacobs have this lady charged with accessory to murder and Jack Watson with murder. Grab Pete Mitch off the street. Make sure the world sees it happen, and we'll question him until he tells us what we need to know."

"You can't do that," screamed Christabel.

At that moment, Jeromy Charters, Cristobel's solicitor, entered the room.

"Christabel pointed at Joyce. "This bitch is going to have me charged with murder."

He shrugged. "I doubt that is the charge."

"Accessory," said Joyce as she picked up her file. "Would you like to hear the tape? I'll have a copy made for your personal use."

"Miss Anderson, what have you said?"

"She tricked me."

"Mr Charters. You can decide when you listen to the tape. My Sergeant will play it back for you."

"No need Chief Inspector. I need privacy to discuss options with my client. Can I use this room?"

"Of course, you can. When you are ready, I will interview Miss Anderson re a murder she was privy to. You also need to know Mr Jack Watson will be charged with murder."

Charters grinned. "Appears I have a busy day, and I'd booked dinner at the golf club."

"I can tell you now bail will not be granted for Watson. Miss Anderson will be given bail depending on her ability to pay. Both passports will be given to the desk Sergeant by this evening."

"You're enjoying this," said Charters.

"It's rare to be given the evidence on a plate. Saves a lot of time and paperwork. Let me know when I can discuss the charge with your clients. I feel this might be a long day for both of us.

***

Samantha Harman read her detailed accounts of the two rapes committed by Inspector Hugh Talbot. She had spoken to the magistrate, who agreed with her premise. Men should not get away with rape because of a weak system.

If the legal system operated as usual, Talbot should receive his summons in three to four weeks. She had explicitly asked for an officer of the court to serve the warrant. This way, it would not be conveniently lost. She smiled as she relaxed in her chair. Mr Talbot was soon to have the world fall on his head, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

***

Rupert placed the coffee halfway to his mouth as Maggie entered his office.

"All clear on the western front, guv. Not a mouse to be seen. Mind you, Wendy and Linda haven't stopped looking."

Rupert grinned. "Let's hope so, but I baited the traps, and if any are lurking in the shadows, we should have them by tomorrow morning. Seeing as you are here, grab a seat and tell me how did your meeting with Fred Dickson go?"

"Although he's remarried and runs his own driving school business, he still doesn't understand why his wife left. I find it strange that she took nothing except her bike and handbag. Secondly, she told the babysitter she would see the vicar. He was miles away at a meeting written into his diary months before. Someone, but not the vicar, arranged the meeting; she knew who it was and trusted them. Whoever it was knows what happened at that meeting, but we never will without a clue.

I would close the case, but I'm open to suggestions on what we can do next.

A knock on the door stopped the conversation. Rupert waved for Julie to enter. "Yes, Julie."

She handed him a worn folder. "Wendy had a nose at the old files from Dolston. It's another missing woman. Having been with the Sergeant when she talked with Mr Dickson, I might have thought this was a copy, but it's not. Another woman who was going to visit the vicar disappears. Again, the vicar was out of the area. His alibi checked out. From the report, the file was never closed."

"Good work, Julie. The village Sergeant writes this report. As per the regulations, he would forward a single-sheet statement to Blackwell, but I doubt anyone gave a missing person's report., more than a glance. Time would have allowed it to fall through the cracks in the system." He rubbed his chin. "One missing woman is unfortunate, but it happens. Two is more than a coincidence, especially when they had an appointment with the same vicar. I'll need to give this more thought."

Maggie motioned with her right hand for Julie to leave. She waited until the door closed. "Anything you want me to do, boss?"

"There are six years between these disappearances. Tell Julie not to talk about them until we know more."