The Devil Among Us by Ramsay Sinclair (easy books to read txt) 📗

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 yesterday’s proportion.

“Just my mug would be nice.” Ah. Her favourite faded, spotted mug. It had barely moved from our staff kitchen in