The state of the bedroom was much worse, and McCall let out a shocked yelp when she saw it. Still, she did extremely well to hold in the tears. Furniture had been chucked and upturned everywhere, whilst folks were doing their best to straighten things up.
Apart from being there to comfort McCall, CID didn’t really deal with break-ins. Not unless they were connected to prior intelligence we had or an MO of sorts.
“It’s not looking good, I’m afraid,” DCI Reid said quietly, rounded body barely fitting in between the door frames. “It was your neighbours who raised the alarm, so to speak. Of course, uniform got here first and expected it to be quite a simple call. Turns out, it isn’t as easy as they’d expected,” DCI Reid’s frown nearly cut his weathered forehead in half.
“What isn’t quite as easy as they expected?” I interjected impatiently. Protectively even. As much as McCall was a work partner, she was also a kind of sister to me. We wound each other up, shared fond memories and almost always made our own enjoyment wherever we went. To see her heartbroken like this wasn't easy.
McCall’s sunny disposition had well and truly disappeared. The buggers who broke in deserved my hands around their neck and tightly too.
Tony, who was towering above the CID group, cleared his throat expectantly. A few stains covered the skinny tie around his neck.
“It seems they broke in for a reason.” There was a plastic evidence bag clutched firmly in his grip. We didn’t notice it before, presumably too preoccupied with the injustice of the break-in. Tony raised the bag up higher, for McCall and me to take a look over. There were assorted phones, ranging in price points and makes. Collected together in the tiny plastic bag, there were well over a handful.
“Old phones,” I whisked the bag into my own grip and peered closer at the array of technology. “Is that supposed to be impressive or something? Everyone keeps some of their old phones. We forget about them, that’s all. It’s only natural.”
“They’re not mine,” McCall interrupted, nostrils flaring in indignation. Her attitude was beginning to match her mane of ginger hair. “I’ve never seen them before in my life.”
If they weren’t McCall’s and they appeared tonight, then that could only mean one thing.
“This is why they broke in. To plant them here?” Whoever was supposed to do the job subtly had clearly failed their anointed task. I felt my heart sink when imagining these criminals going around the bay and planting evidence in a respected superiors house. There were lines that shouldn’t be crossed, and this was the prime example.
“They’re stolen goods, Sir.” Tony switched his stance, deflating at the nature of the crime that faced us. “Petty technology from various towns. Not serious enough to raise many alarms beforehand, but stolen all the same.”
A crash bellowed from the opposite side of the bedroom, and a PC apologized for tripping over a fallen lamp. McCall’s jaw locked at the second round of smashed glass but appeared to have disconnected from the scenario altogether. Whispers of cool air escaping through the broken window sent goosebumps up my arm, and all the hairs stood on edge.
“Planting stolen technology? If they wanted to get away with it, they shouldn’t have broken the window. It’s a bit of a giveaway.”
“Something’s got them spooked,” DCI Reid agreed, just as visibly shocked as we. “Probably spotted a neighbour.”
“But they’re not just any old stolen goods, sir. And sarge,” Tony added and gently stood back to let Rebecca chime in. “I’ll let Rebecca explain, as it is her area of expertise.”
What were they talking about, areas of expertise? McCall’s indicolite coloured eyes held both tears and extreme fury. Rebecca empathised with McCall and exchanged a quick hug.
“Bet you’re glad I’m working this case now too,” she spoke to me. “Otherwise, you guys wouldn’t have noticed the connection.”
“Connection?” My fists balled at the lack of information we were receiving. I wanted facts, not encryptions and riddles.
“Those robbery files I was sorting out via instruction,” the leggy brunette reeled off efficiently, jogging our memories. “The very first phone stolen was on the same date as the setup in Glasgow. Originally, I thought nothing of it, believed that it was a coincidence, you know how it is. But now... I’m not so sure.”
I caught onto the direction this was headed in. “You’re thinking the person who broke in is also a part of these setups.” Our team exchanged grim, sardonic glances.
“It does make sense, Cooper,” DCI Reid cut in above the chatter taking place. “DS McCall was getting close to Flynn by building trust with him. Maybe these bastards realised that we’re hot on their trails and followed her home from the hospital?”
Who else could these people be watching? We were all a part of this case, were we next?
“They could have easily found out where you lived and planted these stolen phones. Especially if they’d had the phones ready and waiting to stitch up any officers getting close to finding out who they are. They’re framing officers to conceal their identity. Brutally clever, if it had worked properly,” I steadied McCall’s swaying self.
Tony rustled the evidence bag. “All a part of their bigger setup. Seems they’ve been planning all of their hits at once and must be working their way through the chains of stations. Lying in wait and placing these traps and diversions to keep their operation afloat.”
They were devious and cunning, all the things we at CID weren’t. They’d been lying in wait this long and were starting to come out of the woodwork like worms.
We cut the chain, we stop the strain. In order to find these bastards, we’d have to think like them, figure out what the next step would be from here.
“The only good thing is that we must be close to uncovering something,” Rebecca shrugged cluelessly, doing up her tailored suit jacket for warmth. “For them to react in this irrational way can only be out of fear. Whatever Flynn knows about these people is certainly serious. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be this desperate.”
“I wonder if they’ve done the same in the Edinburgh and Glasgow branches?” I hypothetically put the idea out there, as my legs significantly weakened from hunger and shock. “It’s lucky we know McCall well enough to know she’s not this type of person, not that way inclined. Some other teams may believe their own officers could have stolen goods like these.” There was no doubt in my mind that McCall was a trustworthy and honest being.
Rebecca’s pencil-thin eyebrows furrowed. “But someone’s after her.”
“I’m afraid that’s true. I don’t think you should stay here for a while, at least until this has all blown over,” DCI Reid instructed, attempting to console McCall.
“I don’t think I could stay here tonight, anyway.” She stared sheepishly at the carpet. “I’ll book in at the local B and B or maybe ask John--”.
“She’ll stay at mine,” I informed everyone, despite McCall’s splutters. “That’s final. I’m not letting her out of my sights, at least not until we’re certain it’s safe out there.”
“Thanks, Cooper. We all care about you, DS McCall. We want you to be safe first and foremost.” DCI Reid let out a shaky sigh. He wasn’t finished yet. “And I hate to do this, honestly, I do. Losing one of our best sergeants isn’t going to be easy for a crime of this proportion.”
“Losing?” McCall and I looked up in shock.
DCI Reid held out his palm flat. “DS McCall, I'm formally suspending you from all of your duties.”
The statement hit us equally like a ton of bricks. Unexpected and jolly unwelcome. She didn’t deserve to be suspended over a setup.
“But she hasn’t done anything wrong, Guv,” I protested out of confusion.
DCI Reid quelled me by continuing calmly. “I know that, Cooper, which is why she’ll be receiving a full salary, instead of the usual compensatory payment. I don’t want to do this, but it's in my best interest to ensure the safety of my team. The best bet to achieve that is to get you
far away from this case. You’re a target now, that much is clear.” DCI Reid’s cheeks quivered, thick neck concealing his Adam’s apple.
McCall didn’t argue or dispute against the instructions as expected. She wasn’t herself tonight, that wasn’t hard to notice.
“It’ll give you a chance to lie low a while, get the heat off your back,” DCI Reid said. “The criminals will think they’ve succeeded in setting you up, and will hopefully leave you alone from now on. It’s our best plan of action.”
Nobody could deny that it was our only plan thus far.
“We don’t know how far these people will go in making sure we don’t uncover their secrets. They’ve got blood on their hands already, and I don’t want McCall’s added into that final tally,” the Guv informed our team altogether.
He was right, too much blood had been spilt already. None of us would forgive ourselves if it was McCall’s. Still, I had to protest.
“But Guv--”
McCall stepped up, shaking her head. “Finlay, he’s right. I’m… frightened. Staying away from the station and here is all I can think about right now. Please, let it be.”
Gaping like a fish out of water in these uncharted courses, I backed away per her instruction. McCall was what was important here and getting her safe is the top priority.
“Fine.” I nodded and wiped both slick palms along my suit trousers. Tiny shards of glass nibs had embedded in the soles of my shoes, pressing against the fabric insoles. “But you’ll make sure McCall returns as soon as possible, Guv?”
DCI Reid bowed, the dark shadows under his eyes highlighted in the poor lighting. “I’ll bloody well make sure of it. They’ve come in all guns blazing and we, as a team, will give these criminals twice as much as they’ve given. Once they’re safely behind bars, we can rest.”
A single, appreciative tear slipped down McCall’s hot cheek. “Thank you. All of you, for helping with… this.” As though the state of her house had become clear again, McCall hid behind her hands. “God, this is such a mess. Everything’s ruined.”
Hearing the pained groans, I wanted nothing more than to make the hurt go away.
“We’ll get someone to fix the window, add some extra locks,” I assured her. “We’ll sort out your security, courtesy of the station. They’ll do everything in our power to keep you safe.”
Rebecca and Tony rubbed either shoulder in aid.
“They will. We will. You’ve done so much for us, sarge, and everyone will do the same. Count on us and trust us to find these guys,” Tony pleaded, gently as ever. His tone soothing and caring, it was plain to see that he was a doting father.
“Take her home, Cooper,” DCI Reid instructed. “Get her some rest and a drink to steady the nerves. We’ll carry on here and see you tomorrow.”
McCall held back. “Finlay, I can’t burden you with me. Abbey lives there too, I’m sure she doesn't want me staying there for long.” I didn’t know why she was hesitant to stay with me.
“Nonsense. Abbey loves your company, she’d be glad to have another woman around for a while, especially under these conditions. In fact, I’m willing to bet she’ll keep you company when she’s not working, and even bake you cakes if you’re lucky. We care about you, McCall. Now I’ll wait here whilst you get your bags.”
I wasn’t taking no for an answer. McCall noticed and gave a fake but appreciative grimace. It was all she could manage to do.
“Thanks.” She shook violently and started rifling around in some opened drawers for the bare essentials. Rebecca helped grab a toothbrush, hairbrush and dressing gown to keep her warm.
McCall’s life had been twisted and torn apart and I stood helplessly in the middle of the chaos. This case had taken an unpleasant turn. Revenge was the new name of this game.
Getting McCall back to where she belonged was the only thing I cared about, and nobody had better stand in my way.
15
As predicted, Abbey was more than welcoming to McCall. She even cooked us a hearty, slap-up breakfast in the morning, although none of us could do much more than pick at the food. The thought was what counted.
Bright flowers of sunflowers, McCall’s favourite, had been dropped outside the door that morning, courtesy of DC Taylor, who had sent over the small gesture before heading into the office. McCall had been in a disturbed sleep and only missed his visit by mere minutes.
With a gaunt face and horrible shadows around her eyes, McCall barely looked as though she’d slept two winks. Abbey watched on with the utmost sympathy, severely worried for her well being. Nobody had ever witnessed her so… glum. We all looked disgruntled from yesterday’s proceedings and sat around the dining table in our dressing gowns and slippers.
“I just can’t believe people would do all of this over drugs,” Abbey spoke up, struggling to understand the logic of these criminals. She wasn’t an officer, she didn’t deal with these sorts of things. Sometimes, unless I told her otherwise, Abbey would believe the world was full of nice people.
“Unfortunately, it’s the money more than the drugs themselves,” I charred my tongue on the burning tea. “Money equals power and status,” I finished up the baked beans on my plate and stared nervously at my discombobulated work partner.
Our forks scraped against the crockery, but even that didn’t stop McCall from staring out the window in a daydream. Slash nightmare. Disgusting, drizzly rain pelted against the pane at full force, mirroring our inner emotions.
“McCall,” I cleared my throat, but she didn’t respond. “Kirsty,” I tried again in vain. It felt strange using her real name. No matter how many times McCall had attempted to make me call her Kirsty, I always reverted back to her surname out of a certain fondness and respect.
“Kirsty?” Abbey placed her slim, manicured hand on top of hers, making McCall finally jump awake from the haze.
“Sorry. I was thinking about stuff.” She pushed a knife into the burnt on one side toast. I didn’t think she had much intention of eating it.
“I’m not surprised,” Abbey grimaced, her knotted tresses in the familiar messy bun style reserved purely for lounging around at home.
“I can’t help looking over my shoulder constantly,” McCall indulged us into her thoughts. “I’m worried that someone is staring through the window, or waiting out there for me. Stupid, isn’t it?”
Of course, it wasn’t stupid. It was a viable concern, one which was playing on all of our minds, even if we didn’t share it. Forcing a last mouthful of food that made me nauseous, I pushed the plate away.
“No. You’re not stupid. Are you sure you’re fine with me going into the office today? I can stay.”
The office was the last place I wanted to go. Dealing with everyone’s questions about McCall and our lack of leads on this was becoming increasingly frustrated. We needed clear heads. Especially since we were determined to achieve justice for McCall’s sake.
“It’s fine,” Abbey answered instead, fussing with the drinks. She gave us five-star service and refilled the glasses and mugs whenever anyone took a sip. It was Abbey’s secret habit whenever she was worried about something. “I’ve got a day off from work today. I’ll stay with McCall and we can talk, if you’d like or I can leave you be, it’s entirely your decision. We won't force you into anything.”
“That would be… nice.” McCall nodded, taking the idea on board. “Though I’m afraid I’m not great company at the moment.”
“That doesn’t matter to me,” my doting girlfriend assured her. “As long as I can keep an eye on you, make sure you're holding up okay. I’m sure Finlay would feel better knowing you weren’t alone today.”
Helping to collect the dishes and gather the napkins, I chimed in. “I would. I’ll bring some of your things back from your desk with me too. Anything you want in particular?”
As we paused, a depressing crack of thunder echoed across the stormy skies. The sound was harsh and we could’ve done without the loud noises, especially after a scare of ye
sterday’s proportion.
“Just my mug would be nice.” Ah. Her favourite faded, spotted mug. It had barely moved from our staff kitchen in yonks. Since we began working at CID, actually. I think I gifted it as a birthday present once. “Tea just doesn’t taste the same without it, no offence.”
“None taken. I’ll let DC Taylor know that he can stop by whenever he likes to,” I suggested as I handed Abbey another dish to wash up.
“Please don’t,” McCall desperately shook her head. “Not right now. This morning was hard enough. I’m not in the right headspace to deal with a relationship, plus all of this too. Look at the state of me, I'm not exactly girlfriend material in this state. I stink, look awful and feel terribly grumpy.” She waved towards her appearance to prove the point. “Tell him I’ll ring him at some point, but that I'm not feeling myself at the minute.”
I didn’t want to deny McCall of her wishes right now, even though I knew DC Taylor would be equally distressed to hear that.
“If you say so.”
“I do,” she repeated gravely, having aged years in just one night. Stress could do that to a person.
Abbey let out the dirty sink water, diffusing our minor disagreement. “Finlay’s trying to say that they’re just worried about you. We all are.”
“I know,” McCall’s teeth clinked against the glass of water. “And I feel guilty for being so antisocial.” As I listened to their girly conversation, I checked my phone for any updates. A whole host of messages had been sent over a few hours ago that remained unchecked.
“Don’t feel guilty,” Abbey grunted as she collapsed tiredly to the sofa, next to a curled up McCall who wore cotton pyjamas. “Your life has been turned upside down. It’ll take some readjusting.”
A need for a cigarette was suddenly rising as I scrolled past some urgent texts.
“Work is my life,” McCall expressed and wiped the sleep from the corners of her eyes. “Without it, even for a few weeks, I feel a bit… useless.”
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