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

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

"Where do we begin?"

"Can I make a suggestion, sir?"

"Of course. I want a team who are not afraid to speak up."

"Rows, sir. One for each of the seven main areas we cover. They can be subdivided as we progress. Cold cases we keep separate but attach signs at the top denoting robbery, murder, missing persons and only, in my opinion, domestic abuse. That is on the up these days."

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."

"That's my phone."

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

"Great news. I've been promoted the Chief Inspector. A giggle came from the handset."

"Rupert seated himself on the edge of his desk. "Congratulations, and 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 should not be a problem. I'll book the curry house in the high street. To simplify life, I'll reserve a table for six o'clock."

"My mouth is watering already." Ian 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. We might as well get on with it."

They strolled into the main area.

"I suggest in strain lines from the office and floor to ceiling. I'll order a couple of ladders similar to what they use in the library," said Maggie as she pointed.

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 so we can use to use the shelves from both sides."

"I'll go for that. You'll be in charge of the lifters and shifters, but if you have any problems, let me know sooner rather than later. I might be new to office management but can still kick arse."

Maggie laughed. "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, obviously tailored, fitted her figure perfectly. Her white shirt was clean and had been 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 told you I was fed up working in complaints. This job gave me a way out."

Rupert shook his head. "I believe you, but my gut tells me more. "

"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, and 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."

"I don't think you 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. What can you tell me what's worse?

Maggie gave a tight smile. "You'll find out soon enough. I was at Hendon before being sent here. It was here in complaints or leave the force. Do you mind if I sit?

He nodded. "My apologies. Of course, you can."

"I made a mistake by being pleasant 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 all had a few laughs in the local pub used by detectives, and at closing time, I said my goodbyes and made my way back to my rented accommodation in a block of Victorian houses.

"Maggie, you seem a tad stressed. If you'd rather continue this some other time."

Tears ran across her cheeks. "No, Sir. 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 he shouldered the door and barged his way inside. I should have told him to get fucked, but after a few drinks and 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 leaving me standing in the bar. 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.

On leaving, he yelled, "Don't try and report me, or I'll tell everyone you were gagging for it.

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 with my nighty dirtied with his semen, I phoned for a taxi.

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

My nighty he placed 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.

He looked at me and flicked the pages of the incident log. "To what are you referring?"

"The report of my rape.

"Sorry, sergeant, but there's nothing in the log."

Confused, I asked to see the log, and nothing showed I had made a report. "My nighty was placed in an evidence bag."

The sergeant left and went to check the evidence room. He shook his head as he returned.

I was pissed off, and my temper peaked as I stormed into the superintendent's office. I knew I had been stitched up, and without any nighty as evidence, it would be my word against his. The super never said a word until I ran out of steam.

"The station Commander stared at me over the top of his glasses. "Rape's serious charge. What do you want me to do?"

What the fuck do you think, "Charge the bastard."

"Sergeant, I accept you are upset. Have you a witness or 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. 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 who are as straight as a dye. There are many ways to skin a rabbit.

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

"You were taped. I know in this station, there's been sex in the cells. Consensual sex between two people started with Adam and Ever, and it's difficult to stop even in a police station. 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, 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 laughed. 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 a 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, like you to start digging."