Shot of Silence (Justice Again Book 3) by M Comley (best contemporary novels txt) 📗

you do that than screw things up…oh God…” Katy emptied her stomach and kept retching for the next few seconds until she was able to speak again. “I’m okay, it’ll pass. Don’t worry about me.”

“Of course I’m worried. I wish I was there with you.”

“I don’t. This fucker could still be around…”

“No, don’t say that. I can’t see anyone from here. Just stay safe and alert.”

“I’m trying my best.”

“Don’t hang up, keep the line open. Patti is here now. I’ve seen her arrive down below. Wait, yes, the ART are here now as well. They’ll be with you soon.”

“Thanks, Charlie. You’ve done good. I’ll buy you a cream cake…oh God, did I have to mention food?”

“Hang in there. Rid your mind of cream et cetera.”

Katy vomited again. She’d never felt so ill in all her life. Well, maybe throughout her pregnancy, but the morning sickness soon passed after a few months of discomfort. It was the dizziness overpowering her that she found hard to bear.

“Are you okay?” Charlie shouted, concerned.

“I will be soon. Are they on their way in?”

“They’re on the roof. I can see them approaching you now. Shout out to them, Katy.”

“Here, I’m over here,” Katy called out.

Four armed policemen dashed towards her.

One dropped to his knee, avoiding the vomit. “Are you all right?”

She pointed at the pile of sick beside him. “Sorry about that, I couldn’t keep it down. I think I’m all right. My legs are wobbly, so standing is out of the question.”

“We’ll help you. What about the assailant?”

“I don’t know. He knocked me out. When I regained consciousness he was gone—at least I think he’s gone.”

“Stay there. We’ll do a quick recce of the area and then get you to safety.”

“I appreciate it.”

One officer remained by her side while the three others set off in different directions. They returned moments later.

“There’s no one here,” one of the men said, and the other two agreed.

The officer who had narrowly avoided what she’d had for lunch placed a hand on her elbow and helped her to her feet. She wavered slightly, and her vision blurred.

“I feel bloody drunk—no, it’s far worse than that.”

“We’ll get you some medical attention soon, I believe an ambulance has been called.”

“No, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. I’ll be fine after a sit-down.”

“I doubt it. You seem concussed. You’re going to need to go to the hospital.”

“Damn, not what I want to hear.”

“Tough, it’s a necessity. We can’t have an inspector on duty, vomiting while she questions possible witnesses, now can we?”

“I’d laugh at that if I had it in me. Don’t make me chuckle, please.”

He snorted. “I’ll try not to. Jed, take the other side, let’s get this young lady back downstairs.”

“Young lady? You old charmer. Hey, I’m a married woman, you know?”

“He’s a lucky man. What am I saying? I’m a married man, so we’re quits, right?”

Katy attempted a smile, and it came out more of a grimace.

The four men, two in front and one on either side of her, accompanied her down the flight of stairs and into the lift.

“Shit! Not an ideal travelling mode when your guts are doing dozens of somersaults.”

“I know. Try not to think about it and breathe,” the officer in charge said.

The lift hit the bottom, and the men swiftly left the cavity and transported her outside.

“Thank you, I’ll be fine now. My partner is here, she’ll take care of me.”

The four men nodded and hopped into their vehicle.

“My knights in shining armour are now departing,” Katy mumbled.

“You look rough. Hospital with you, and no arguments.”

“What a waste, calling for an ambulance. I’m all right, honestly!” Katy turned to look over her shoulder and swiftly lost her balance.

Charlie rushed to hold her upright and prevent her from bashing into a nearby wall. “Never kid a kidder, as Mum has been known to say. Don’t fight me on this one, boss.”

A young female paramedic came to their assistance. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine.” Katy beamed, eager to brush off her dizzy spells.

“Hmm…you don’t look fine. Let’s get you in the back of the ambulance and run a few tests.”

Katy sighed and puffed out her cheeks. “If you insist. I’m not one to argue with authority.”

“Bullshit,” Charlie said on a cough, earning her a dig in the ribs.

The paramedic helped Katy into the back of the ambulance.

“Should I call AJ?” Charlie asked.

“No. Definitely not. I swear I’ll be fine in a little while. Jesus, you need to leave me and get on with the case, Charlie. Someone needs to tell Colin’s next of kin before they hear about it through the media. Send Stephen and Patrick, tell them to be compassionate.”

“Should I need to tell them that?”

“Whatever. Just do it.”

Charlie raced off, and Katy let out a long breath.

“You can stop the pretence now,” the paramedic whispered in her ear. “How do you really feel?”

“Like my head, and my legs come to that, belong to someone else. I’m disorientated and don’t know what to do for the best. Sit down, stand up, lean against something to support me.”

“That’s all natural. You definitely have concussion. We’re going to take you in. Who’s AJ?”

“My husband,” she replied quietly. “Please, I don’t want to worry him, it’s an important day for him and his business. What’s your name?”

“Angie. I understand, but surely he’d want to know if you’ve been injured.”

“He would, but he’s a worrywart. Leave things as they are for now. I promise to ring him after a doctor has given me the once-over.”

Charlie reappeared at the back of the ambulance. “That’s sorted. I’ve told the guys I’ll be coming with you.”

“No, Charlie, I don’t want a fuss. You stay here.”

Charlie shook her head. “Sorry, boss, this is one order that I refuse to comply with.”

Angie laughed. “I love a bit of insubordination. She’s right, someone should be with you. Do you want to follow us in your car?”

Charlie held out her hand for Katy’s keys. “Good idea. Are you setting off now?”

“We are. The sooner