The traffic became gridlocked after a lorry shed its load of pallets across both lanes. Not in the best of moods, Joyce sat at her desk an hour later than she wanted, staring at the increasing pile of files languishing in her tray. With Inspector Rogers recovering from his operation, she now understood how much she delegated to others. When her telephone rang, she moved half a dozen files to locate it.

"DCI Parsons speaking."

"Morning Joyce. The boss wants a word. Any chance you can come straight away?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"If you want, I could say I couldn't find you."

"Thank, but he has eyes in the back of his head. I'll be on my way in a couple of minutes."

"Okay, Joyce."

On entering Julian's office, Samantha, his secretary, nodded and waved her on. She knocked and entered.

"You want to see me, guv?"

He grinned. "I make it a regular occurrence. I need to know how things are with my Chief inspectors. You lead the investigation, perhaps not directly but as a guiding hand. Take a seat, Joyce. How are things."

She smoothed her skirt as she made herself comfortable. "I'll be honest: I need help. You never appreciate how much others do until they're not there. I want another Inspector Rogers."

"I wondered when you'd ask for help. It's not a sin, you know."

"The traffic was awful this morning, and I arrived late. I knew I had to ask when I saw my in-tray. Personnel informed me, and it was confirmed that he may be out of action for up to a year when I talked to his wife."

"Not a problem. I have two sergeants who have passed the exam for inspector." He handed her two folders.

She scanned the contents of both. "You're missing Sergeant Bell. My husband tells me she is first class."

Julian grimaced. "Bell has issues that she needs to sort out. I wouldn't recommend her."

"Sir, the issue in question will soon be resolved. She is taking her rapist Inspector Talbot to civil court. There's enough evidence to hang him. On completion, I know she will request a few police issues to be investigated. How do I know? I told her to do so."

"The incident was investigated fully."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "No, it wasn't. You and I both know how it unfolds. She is a woman and was gagging for it. The poor inspector couldn't help himself. Internal affairs have investigated him and his activities. I can assure you whether you recommend her or not. She will be promoted. I'm not prepared to reveal more than what I've said."

"You kept that quiet."

"Chain of command is one thing, sir. And as it's not a police matter. That's why I never told you."

He smiled. "Okay, Chief Inspector. If Talbot is found guilty, I'll promote her, but not until then. Make a decision. Do you still want her to work for you?"

"I do, but I'll ask her first.

"I'd do it sooner rather than later, or the work on your desk will only grow higher."

"Why didn't I think of that? Thanks, guv."

He laughed. "Always here to help. By the way, When is Roger's attacker appearing in court?"

"Not sure. The last I heard, his brief is claiming it was an accident. You know how long lawyers debate such issues."

Julian churched his fingers. Tell me about it. We give them the evidence for a conviction, and they argue over a comma in the wrong place. What do you believe."

"He'll go down for at least fifteen. I intend to have a chat with him. If he supplies us with useful information and we can arrest a few others, I'll apply for a reduction."

"Keep me in the loop on this one."

Joyce nodded, stood, turned and left his office. She stopped at Samantha's desk and whispered. "I bet it's not easy working for him."

She shrugged. "Since my old man died, his pension plus this job pay the rent and puts food on the table."

"You should find yourself another fella."

"Don't have the time. And I'd never marry a copper."

"I never married mine."

"You were lucky."

"I know. Must dash. Take care."

***

Joyce had been keen to talk to Maggie and walked straight to the lift. On entering the stainless steel box, she pressed the button for the top floor.

She strolled into Rupert's domain, saw Maggie and went towards her.

"What have you forgotten, Boss," said Maggie when she noticed Joyce.

He peered around the metal shelving. "No problem. She's smiling."

"Rupert, I need to speak with Maggie. Can I use your office?"

"Can I listen in?"

"Only if you make two cups of coffee,"

"Three. I'll have one."

Rupert followed Joyce and a bemused Maggie into his office and closed the door. "Make yourselves at home."

Joyce seated herself and motioned for Maggie to do the same.

Rupert poured three coffees and placed them in their place.

While Rupert seated himself, Joyce sipped her coffee. "Maggie, I need an inspector to work with me and to be my right arm. You're qualified, and I can have you promoted to acting inspector tomorrow."

Maggie's face filled with suspicion. She lowered her head as if in thought. "I always dreamt of promotion. I worked hard, and I believe I did my job well. I could make a difference. At this moment in my life, I want to get on with my job. I like it here. No hassle. We laugh and make progress each day. If and when I'm promoted, I want it to be on merit, not for any other reason."

Joyce sighed. "I need an answer."

Rupert leant back in his chair. "May I say something?"

"We're in your office," said Joyce. "I can't stop you, not that I would."

"Maggie, you are a copper, much better than a clerk working in records. When you leave to check something out, there's a buzz in your actions. It's what you want to do. But I know where you are coming from. When your attacker is found guilty, you want the force to put their hands in the air and apologise. It isn't going to happen. Excuses will be made, and surprise, your promotion to inspector will arrive in the post. The Chief Superintendent will tick the box, and all will be right with the world. But what that bastard did will remain in your memory. I suggest you accept what the Chief Inspector is offering you, and together, you can be a fighting force for those female officers who are not as strong as you. You can only change things from the inside. Think about it."

Maggie nodded. "When do you need an answer?"

Joyce's mood had changed. "Today is Wednesday. I'll give you twenty-four hours."

"Thanks. I'll sleep on it and give you my answer in the morning."

Rupert checked the time. "It's almost time to go home. Maggie, I need to have a chat with Joyce. See you tomorrow."

Maggie knew the conversation was over. "See you in the morning, guv."

Rupert waited until his office door closed. "I thought she'd jump at the chance of promotion."

"She's frightened they will give it in one hand and then remove it with the other. She will win her court case and ultimately be in a better place from there."

"I hope so."

***

Rupert's phone rang. "Excuse me, Joyce." He lifted the handset. "Records, Rupert Parsons."

"Sergeant Fields, sir. Do you know the whereabouts of Chief Inspector Parsons?"

"She's sat in front of me, Sergeant. Two seconds."

Joyce took the handset. "DCI Parsons.

"Guv, There's been an explosion in the Green-Wood district. The boss wants you to attend."

"On my way. Have the address written out for me at reception." She ended the call. "Explosion in Green-Wood."

"Bloody hell," said Rupert. "Take Maggie. She knows the area well. She lives there."