The Curtis Blake Killings

by Simon McCleave

  ‘Good idea,’ Nick said.

  As they turned to go back up to the house, Gwen looked at him. ‘You’re looking very smart today, Nick.’

  ‘I’ve got a job interview, of sorts,’ Nick explained.

  ‘Come and sit down and you can tell me about it,’ Gwen said as she linked her hand into Nick’s arm.

  NICK SHIFTED IN THE plastic seat. Opposite sat two Detective Inspectors who were interviewing him after he had put in a request to move from uniform to CID and become a Detective Constable.

  Having already completed various tests, Nick now had an interview to see if he could get a place on the twenty-week foundation detective training course. Throughout this time, he would be studying for his National Investigators Exam, the NIE. After that, he would progress to the more advanced detective training course on his route to becoming a CID detective.

  The male DI picked up a form from the desk and looked over at him. ‘This is an incredibly good application, Constable Evans. And your references from Llancastell are excellent.’

  ‘Thank you, sir,’ Nick said, feeling anxious.

  ‘Tell us, if you were working as a Detective Constable and were first to arrive at a crime scene, what would be your immediate priority?’ the DI asked.

  ‘Preservation of life, sir. It’s the first mandatory protocol. Assess, administer first aid and call for an ambulance if required,’ Nick explained with confidence.

  ‘What about your crime scene, Constable? Your actions could jeopardise vital evidence?’ the DI said, playing Devil’s advocated.

  Nick stuck to his guns. ‘The preservation of life and the safety of any victims is the priority, even if evidence is lost or a crime scene is compromised, sir.’

  ‘But preserving the crime scene would be your next priority?’ the female DI asked.

  ‘Yes, ma’am,’ Nick said.

  ‘And how would you do that, Constable?’ she asked.

  ‘Secure all routes to and from the crime scene, using evidence tape or uniformed officers if they are available. Deny access to all civilians. Secure physical evidence, take witness statements immediately and identify any victims,’ Nick replied.

  The two DIs exchanged a look but Nick couldn’t tell if this was a positive sign.

  ‘Tell me, Constable Evans. Why do you want to become a detective?’ the male DI asked.

  Nick took a few seconds to compose himself. ‘Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be a detective. Everything I’ve ever done up to this point has been to achieve that goal. I want a challenging job where I can make a difference to people’s lives. I love being a police officer, and even though it’s hard work and frustrating at times, it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I see becoming a detective in CID as the natural progression of my career in the police force,’ Nick said.

  The male DI looked over at Nick for a moment. ‘That’s an outstanding answer, Constable Evans.’

  ‘Thank you, sir,’ Nick said, swelling with pride.

  ‘But why do you really want to be a detective? Tell me something that you haven’t prepared and know that we want to hear,’ the DI said.

  Nick was surprised and slightly taken aback. He thought for a moment, wondering how honest he should really be.

  ‘There was a situation a few months ago. Someone hurt somebody that I was very close to. It really got to me. For a moment, I didn’t know what the best way of getting justice for her was. Because I was so personally involved. But she managed to let me know. She said, go and spend your life helping people whose lives have been devastated by crime. Get justice for the victims and get those who destroy lives off the streets and put away. And being a Detective Constable is best way for me to do that.’

  THE SNOWDONIA KILLINGS

  A DI Ruth Hunter Crime Thriller Book 1

  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08268L6L8

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08268L6L8