Rupert left his office and glanced around the vast expanse before him.

Maggie came and stood beside him.... "Penny for them?"

"Where do we begin?"

"If you don't mind, a suggestion, sir?"

"Of course. I want a team that is not afraid to speak up."

"Rows, sir. One for each of the seven main areas we cover. Cold cases we keep separate. We'll attach signs at the top denoting robbery, murder, and missing persons. Domestic abuse should remain separate. As you know, it is on the up."

He smiled. "Tell me about it. My partner is dealing with it full-time. Talk to the desk sergeant and ask him to get a gang of lifters and shifters up here to sort this mess out."

"Will do, sir."

"Excuse me, my phone is ringing."

He entered his office and lifted the handset. "Chief Superintendent Parsons speaking." He chuckled. "My apologies, Crime Records Office Manager."

"Great news. Promotion to Chief Inspector." A giggle came from the handset.

Rupert seated himself on the edge of his desk. "Congratulations, my love, and it's about time. You always were one of the best coppers in your section."

"Did you know?"

"With my departure, I knew a few promotions were up for grabs, but I didn't want to build your hopes up."

"We should go out tonight and celebrate your new job and my promotion. As it's Monday, it shouldn't be a problem. I'll book the curry house on the High Street. To simplify life, I'll reserve a table for six o'clock."

"My mouth is watering already." Rupert ended the call as Maggie entered. "Five men tomorrow morning at nine. We'd better have a plan ready."

Rupert glanced at his watch, 1500. "I've nothing better to do. Might as well get on with it."

They strolled into the main area.

"I suggest using straight lines from the office and floor to ceiling. I'll order a couple of ladders like they use in the library," said Maggie.

Rupert went and paced out the width of the room. "Could work. Cold cases against the wall with windows. We might take the light, but we can always leave the ceiling lights on."

"We can double up to use the shelves from both sides."

"Maggie, You'll be in charge, but if you have any problems, let me know sooner rather than later. I'm new to this but can still kick arse."

Maggie giggled. "If there's any arse kicking, I'll do it, boss. Can't have your shiny shoes covered in shit."

He studied her for a few moments. Her uniform, tailored to fit, hugged her curves. Her white shirt was clean and ironed. "Maggie, your records show you passed the exam for an inspector, top of the class, and still a sergeant. Why are you here?"

Maggie frowned. "I disliked working in complaints. This job gave me a way out."

Rupert shook his head. "My gut tells me there is much more to this."

"Sorry, sir, but I don't want to discuss it. Can we change the subject?"

Rupert studied her expression. "Before this morning, I never even knew you existed, which bothers me. Why didn't I meet you when you first arrived?"

Maggie was not sure how to reply. "I can't answer your question, guv. Perhaps you were on holiday. I don't know. I did keep my head down and did my job."

Rupert listened to what Maggie had to say. "We both know I've worked in this building for more years than I can remember. I will find out, so it's better we talk about it now rather than later."

"You won't want to hear this."

"Why? Good people do bad things, and evil people crucify their victims. I no longer see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I've become used to dealing with the crap the world throws at us. Maggie, tell me. I can find out by lifting the phone, but I'd rather hear it from you."

Maggie gave a tight smile. "You'll find out soon enough. I was at Hendon before arriving here. It was the Complaints Section or leave. Do you mind if I sit?"

He nodded. "Of course, you can."

"I made a mistake by being sociable with Inspector Hugh Talbot, my course instructor. He appeared to be one of the good guys. When our training finished, he asked if I would join him and a few others for a drink. And, of course, I thought, what the hell, time to relax and have fun.

"We consumed a few beverages at the local pub used by detectives. At about eleven, I said goodbye and returned to my accommodation."

"Maggie, you seem a tad stressed. Would you rather continue this some other time?"

Tears ran across her cheeks. "No, sir. It's best you know the truth from me and not twisted rumours. Back in my bedsit, I went for a shower before sliding into bed. I'm still unsure of the time, but someone started banging on my door.

"Wearing my nightdress, I jumped, ran to the door, peered through the spyhole and saw Hugh.

"I slipped the security chain into place before opening. It fell apart when Talbot shouldered the door and barged inside. I should have told him to get fucked, but half asleep, I didn't.

"He stood, his bulk filled the entrance and kicked the door shut with his right foot. You didn't think you'd get away. I don't care whether you make this easy or not. You owe me, and I've come to collect.

"He must have hit me because I remember opening my eyes. My nighty was over my head, my face hurt, and he was inside me. He did what he wanted and stood over me. He wiped himself with the remnants of my knickers before pulling up his trousers. As he fastened his belt, he told me I was rubbish but useful for dumping his dirty water.

"Stunned, I lay on the floor, gathering my thoughts. It seemed so unreal. I knew I should go to the station and report the bastard. I dressed and phoned for a taxi.

"When I explained my situation, the night sergeant appeared on my side. He tried to contact a doctor, but the calls rang out.

"He placed my nighty in an evidence bag and made sure I signed over the seal.

"I arrived for my shift the following morning and asked the duty sergeant about my complaint. While checking the incident log, he gawked at me as if I was stupid and asked what report I was referring to.

"I told him the report of my rape."

"He looked at me as if I was stupid and said nothing was in the log. Confused, I asked to see the log and saw empty pages. I also asked where the evidence bag with my nighty inside was.

"The sergeant left and went to check the evidence room. He shook his head as he returned. Pissed off, I stormed into the superintendent's office. I knew without evidence, it would be my word against his. The super never said a word until I ran out of steam.

"He glared at me over the top of his glasses and stated, "Rape's a serious charge. What do you want me to do?"

"I lost it and shouted, what the fuck do you think? Charge the bastard.

"He asked if there was a witness or any evidence.

"I lost the plot and let loose both barrels. The idiot did not accept the night sergeant would have deleted my statement. He was unhappy when I told him some of his staff were corrupt. He ordered me out of his office and told me he would accept an apology when I regained my senses.

"The result of my kicking the can along the road was to accept a transfer or leave the force." She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Now you know."

Rupert grimaced. "Maggie, give me all those details in writing. Don't leave anything out. I need dates and times. I can't promise anything, but I know a few of the officers at Hendon are as straight as a dye. There are many ways to skin a rabbit."

"Is it worth the time and effort, sir?"

"I know there's sex in the cells in this station. Consensual sex between two people started with Adam and Eve, and it's difficult to stop even here. In general, common sense prevails, and we look the other way. If I were you, I'd start writing your story tonight. Once we start working, it will become busy, busy."

"Excuse me, Mr Parsons, you no longer need to work overtime on your first day."

Rupert turned his head. "Hi, Joyce. Time flies when you're having fun."

She chuckled. "I've booked the Curry shop for half six."

"Maggie, time to go home. I'll see you in the morning."

"I'll be here, sir."

Rupert shuffled some papers into a pile. "Sorry, my love. Been a long and different day."

"No problem. We have plenty of time."

Rupert grinned. "I'm looking forward to celebrating your promotion." He stood. "Leave the cars in the car park. I need some fresh air."

"Can you talk about it?"

"I will, but not here."

Joyce's face wrinkled as she smiled. "Can't wait."

Once they cleared the station, Rupert told Joyce of Maggie's Catch-22.

She hesitated. "What do you want me to do?"

"Inspector Hugh Talbot. Start digging the dirt on him. I want to hang him out to dry.