by Nick Oldham
Henry gave a sigh. ‘I’m not sure how to say this, Madeline, but I suppose I’ll get straight to the point, if that’s OK?’
‘Yeah, whatever.’
‘Did you have a good holiday?’
‘Oh, wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Great villa, Disney, the Gulf Coast, the Keys … you name it, we went, me and John – and the kids,’ she added with a hesitant afterthought. ‘Why, do you fancy going? I’ve got loads of brochures and things.’
He shook his head. ‘No,’ he said patiently, leaning forwards himself, but keeping his eyes to hers. ‘It must have cost a fortune … how did you finance your trip?’
‘What sort of question is that? We saved for it.’
‘You mean like the way you saved for your new car? And the way John saved for his? And everything else you’ve bought in the last couple of months.’
‘What are you saying?’
‘I’ve seen your bank accounts, love.’
Her mouth shut tight and she swallowed. He went on, ‘Lots of deposits in there that match lots of withdrawals from Lancashire Constabulary accounts, including Operation Wanted.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘You knew you’d get caught in the end, didn’t you?’
She turned her attention to the computer on her desk and her hand covered the mouse. ‘I suppose I’d better turn this off. I presume we’ll be going from here.’
‘Yeah,’ Henry said quietly. ‘Once we’ve got John, too. Shall I caution and arrest you here, or would you like me to do it in the corridor?’
‘Corridor, please.’