Joyce woke early, showered, and dressed in a dark brown suit she had not worn for ages.

Rupert returned from his shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. "I always liked that suit. It does that something for you. You look like a proper governor. The boss.

She sat on the edge of the bed and looked directly at him. "We are okay, aren't we? You know our relationship is solid?"

He smiled, "I hope so." And kissed her on the lips.

"Last night. I wasn't in the mood. Busy day."

My love, we're not rampant sixteen-year-olds in the first flush of a relationship. I enjoy making love to you, not a quickie when I want." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll never understand why you moved in with me, but I've always loved you."

She stared into his eyes. "From the first time, you silenced my insecurities and made me feel comfortable in my body. Over the years, we talked about what works and what doesn't. You have always made me feel special. Please don't change."

"I'm too old to change."

"You'll do me. You still keep me warm on a cold night."

"Glad about that. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"I'm going nowhere until you tell me."

"I don't know. On the way home yesterday, I didn't feel so good. I stopped in a layby; it was unreal, like losing my mind and then chills and hot sweats. I was scared stiff, but then it went. I left the car and walked in the rain, and everything was great."

Rupert pushed his hands through his hair. "I know you're not mad about them, but you should see a doctor and get checked out. You might be stressed. You've been operating without an inspector. You are a DCI. You deal with the big stuff. The nitty gritty you leave to the others, and you kick arse. Don't shout at me, but you are now into the change or if you prefer the menopause, but what do I know?"

She grabbed his hands. "I'll see the doctor."

"When?"

"I'll phone him this morning."

With breakfast over and the dishes in the dishwasher, they drove to the station in separate cars.

***

Chief Superintendent John Monroe contacted Inspector Hugh Talbot and arranged a meeting at a café in the town centre. He was already there when Talbot arrived.

The two of them shook hands. "Must be important to be outside the station."

"I'd prefer not to be here, but needs must."

"Can we order? This place does an excellent full English."

"No, you can't. Get yourself a coffee and shut up."

Hugh shrugged. "Who fell out of bed on the wrong side this morning?"

"You won't be so chirpy in a minute. In a couple of weeks, you were due to appear in the civil court on a rape charge."

Hugh interrupted. "You know that, and I'm not bothered. I reckon I can convince the court she was gagging for me to do the business."

"You can convince the QC and a jury. The CPS has taken it on and is going to prosecute. The warrant for your arrest on multiple charges of rape will be on my desk this morning. You will hand in your warrant card and are suspended from all duties until a verdict is reached. I suggest you obtain the services of a top lawyer. A friend in CPS tells me the case is as tight as a ducks arse, and that's watertight. You will be an example to the public of how we treat the villains in the force."

Talbot's face paled. "Can they do this?"

"Stupid question, considering it's done. I've given you a heads-up. Use the time you have to make yourself somehow bulletproof. Be advised your friends will turn their back on you, so don't expect them to help."

John finished his coffee and stood. I'm not here, and if you dare to say anything different, you will become a dead man walking."

Talbot stared at the white tablecloth.

"If you're not ordering, please vacate the table, sir?"

Talbot raised his head before standing. "And you can stuff your food where the sun doesn't shine."

"You have five seconds before I call the police."

He roared with laughter. "I am the fucking police." And stomped out.

***

Joyce leant back in her chair, raised her arms, and stretched. Her mind wandered. I must phone the docs and make a well-woman appointment. She flipped open her phone index and found the number as it gave a shrill ring.

"Hi Joyce, Sara, the governor wants to see you ASAP."

"Any idea why?"

"All I know is he received a call from the prison governor, finished the call and asked me to get you here, like yesterday. What have you been up to?"

"I need to visit the girl's room, but you can tell him I'm on my way." She replaced the handset, lifted her shoulder bag and left her office.

"Go straight in," said Sara.

She knocked and entered.

"Morning Joyce, grab a chair."

She looked at him, ready to answer his questions, but he waited.

"You visited Pete Mitchell yesterday."

"I did, but he's a waste of space. Told me a story I'll have checked out, but I don't expect an arrest soon."

He grimaced. "Close the case. The prison staff found him as part of the concrete recreation area. They reckon he fell from the roof."

Joyce narrowed her eyes. "And you believe a prisoner whose home is a locked cell went for a stroll on the roof and fell off?"

"Stop being factitious. If nothing else, it doesn't suit you. I want one of your team to investigate. You talk with Mitchell, and he's learning to fly without wings within hours. And while you're at it, get that woman who is involved."

Joyce chuckled. "I assume you mean, sir, the charming Miss Christabel, Jack Watson's piece of shit."

Julian gave half a smile. "With luck, this will scare the crap out of her, and we can close this case."

She frowned. "If I were a betting woman, I'd put my money we will not find her. I know she's a tart, but I don't wish her dead. If Jack's minder finds her, he will abuse her and then kill her. Getting rid of the rubbish is his speciality."

"Stay focused, Chief Inspector. It could mean a promotion if we could get anything on Watson and his people."

"I'll do my job, sir. In fact, while one of my inspectors checks out Pete Mitchell, I'll collect loves young dream girl, Christabel. That is if she is still on this planet." She stood and, without another word, left Julian's office.

On passing Sara's desk, Joyce stopped. B" He's in a perfect mood. I'd ask for a pay rise."

"Never going to happen. I'm on the top grade of pay for the job."

"Never hurts to ask. Must dash."

***

In silence, four police cars covered Jack Watson's detached house.

Joyce remained in the car until Sergeant Bagshaw and his armed team moved swiftly. Before the uniformed constable could use the big key, the door opened.

Jack Watson stood there with his arms crossed. "Damage my door arsesole, and I'll have your head on a spike for decoration."

Joyce strolled towards him. "I'm here to arrest Christabel for the murder of a young man. Will you get her for me, or do you want my team and their hobnailed boots destroying your expensive flooring?

"She's not here. The last time I saw her was when you lot arrested us for having some fun."

"Getting a blow job in a public car park is an offence. Where is she, Jack?"

"Don't know and don't care. She was past her sell-by date, anyway. Penny, get your arse out here."

Joyce smiled at the young woman, who still retained a sweetness about her. "How old are you, Penny?"

"Twenty, and Jack's a wonderful man before you start preaching. He loves me."

"You standing there is enough to tell me Christabel is not around anymore. When did you last see her."

"I don't know her."

Joyce turned and walked towards her car. "Inspector, thanks for your help. You can return to base."

Seated in the passenger seat, she gave one last lingering look at Penny. "Poor cow."