Pop Goes the Weasel | страница 82

‘We will follow up on all those lines of enquiry, but I also want us to think laterally. If she hates these men and wants to expose them, then she will presumably want to enjoy her triumph. I’ve asked for extra manpower so we can watch the families of the victims in case she shows up. I want surveillance at the funerals, at their homes, places of work – I’ve asked DC Fortune to run this for now. Also, you will no doubt have noted the absence of DS Bridges. He is doing some undercover work for us on this case which I am coordinating and for now this is on a need-to-know basis. If it becomes relevant to your enquiries, you will be informed. But for now assume he doesn’t exist – DC Brooks will be temporarily filling his shoes.’

Once more all eyes swung to Charlie, who Helen had suddenly promoted, albeit on a temporary basis. Would people support this decision or resent it? Charlie kept her eyes straight ahead.

‘Last thing – we’re going to shake our killer’s cage a little. She’s probably already rattled following her near miss, so I want to turn up the heat. I’m going to let the press know that we have her DNA and that it’s only a matter of time before we ID her. I want to make her angry, I want to make her careless.’

Helen paused a moment before concluding:

‘It’s time to take the fight to the enemy.’

Caffè Nero was packed to bursting, which is why Helen had chosen it. It was on the high street in the smart suburb of Shirley. A million miles away from the grubby brothels and ill-lit streets patrolled by Southampton’s sex workers.

Helen was pleased to see that Tony had arrived and was waiting for her, tucked away in a booth at the back as agreed.

‘How are you doing, Tony?’

He looked drawn, but oddly cheerful.

‘I’m ok. I’m actually… ok.’

‘Good. So this will be our regular spot to debrief. We’ll arrange our meets by text and meet here only. I should say up front that if at any time you feel it’s not working or that pursuing this avenue of investigation is putting your life at risk, then you call me and walk away immediately. Your safety is my number one priority.’

‘I know the drill, boss, and there’s no need to look so serious. It really is ok. I was shitting myself last night, but it turned out fine. In fact I think I might have something.’

‘Tell me.’

‘Well, I didn’t have much luck to start with, I trawled Bevois, Portswood, Merry Oak without any joy, so I headed south to the docks and picked up a girl there. Samantha. Early twenties but an old hand on the street.’