Free Girls Of The Dark by Katherine Pathak

last time.’
                  ‘What are you going to do?’
                  ‘There’s not much I can do. I’ll have to submit my name for the sergeants’ exams in the New Year.’
                  ‘It’s the DCS who has to sign off on it. I’ll approve your application, of course, but the final decision is his.’
                  ‘If Douglas really wants to get rid of me, he’ll find a way.’
                  Dani pursed her lips. ‘So the DCS wants to be the new broom, eh? Getting shot of anyone not seen to be on the fast track. To be honest, I didn’t think he was the type. I had him down as old school.’
                  ‘It might be coming from above. Nicholson never liked me much, but he wouldn’t have gone against your decisions. The old guv believed in letting his senior officers run their own team. Perhaps Nicholson actually made an effort to protect us from upstairs meddling.’
                  Dani smiled. ‘I didn’t think I’d ever hear you speaking wistfully about Angus Nicholson. His health has really improved, by the way. Eleanor says they’re spending a lot of time back in Dornoch. They may retire there permanently.’
                  Andy grunted. ‘I’d better dust off my golf clubs. I might be joining them soon enough.’
                  The DCI’s smile faded. ‘Not if I can help it.’ She leant forward. ‘I’m prepared to do what I can to keep you in the serious crime unit, but you’ve got to be honest with me. I’ve been trawling through all our case notes covering the past five years. I don’t want Douglas gathering any ammunition against us. But if there’s stuff going on I don’t know about, I can’t stop him from hanging you out to dry. Besides, I happen to know you hate golf.’
                  Calder took another swig from the cup. This time the contents were stone cold. ‘Actually, Alice and I have still been digging around into the Lisa Abbot case. We felt that Douglas was premature in kicking the investigation into the long grass.’
                  ‘And that’s what you were doing yesterday?’
                  ‘Aye.’ He shifted about awkwardly, surprised that his actions were so transparent.
                  Dani sat back in the chair and clasped her hands together, resting them in her lap. ‘Come on then. Tell me exactly what you’ve found out.’
     

Chapter 15
     
     
    W hen Dani was led inside Rhodri Morgan’s west-end flat, she was surprised to see he already had company. A smartly-dressed Afro-Caribbean man was seated at the table in the living room. His hair was cropped short and ash grey in colour. The DCI’s initial impression of the gentleman was that he possessed an air of dignity and self-composure.
                  ‘Calvin, this is DCI Dani Bevan. She’s a friend of mine and an excellent detective.’
                  Calvin Suter rose from his seat. They shook hands warmly. ‘I’m very honoured to meet you Detective Chief Inspector.’
                  ‘Call me Dani, please.’
                  ‘Shall I make more coffee?’ Rhodri enquired.
                  ‘Don’t go to any trouble on my account. I’m sorry to intrude. I didn’t realise that you would have a guest.’
                  ‘Oh, we’ve finished our session,’ Rhodri explained. ‘But I hope that Calvin will stay for a drink?’
                  ‘Yes, I’d like that.’
                  ‘Then so would I.’ Dani sat at the opposite side of the table and wriggled out of her jacket.
                  Rhodri scooped it up and disappeared out into the corridor.
                  ‘You must already know who I am.’ Calvin made the statement matter-of-factly.
                  Dani