Within the Shadows by J.D MCG (book recommendations .TXT) 📗

trying to rid himself of his headache. The CID was flooded with detectives and counter-terrorism officers, bouncing from desk to desk, collaborating their information with each other.

Another knock on the door. For goodness sake, he thought as he sat up in his chair.

'What!' he yelled as Steven Hemmings entered.

'Just want to know if you've got any new information to share? My teams come up blank,' Hemmings asked.

'No, nothing.'

'What did he want?' Hemmings referred to Jacob.

'Oh, nothing. Unrelated to the case,' Barnes answered truthfully.

'I'm going to move the operation over to counter-terrorism and I want your team in with us,' Hemmings offered. 'I've already spoken to your Superintendent and she's agreed.'

'No problem,' he replied, leaning back in his chair while Hemmings left.

Giving it a minute, Barnes got on his feet and opened the door to the hustle and bustle. He got his team’s attention, clicked his fingers and pointed to the briefing room, signalling a private meeting.

Once they had all entered, Barnes shut out the noise before he brought the news to their attention.

'Hemmings is moving the investigation to his counter-terrorism unit and we've all been cleared by the Super to join him.'

'But sir, we've got our case to close,' Sarah voiced her concern.

'I know, but this is classed as our case and who better to be included than the people who know the suspects and all aspects of the case,' Barnes replied.

'I'm not sure about this, boss,' Ally raised her thoughts.

'Well, we're a part of this now, so there's no more room for discussion.'

'I found something just before you called this meeting, sir,' Ethan directed at Barnes.

'Carry on, DC Robinson,' Barnes said.

'Well, I was trying to find a connection, as you asked. One thing did pop up. All patients under Natalie Dixon were given an experimental drug to help with their conditions. This drug has more than one chemical that can trigger dissociative identity disorder,' he explained.

'Do you think Natalie Dixon is the main reason why our suspects have multiple personalities?' Barnes questioned.

'I believe so,' Ethan replied with certainty.

'Looks like Natalie's become more the villain than the victim,' Sarah said with a cocky tone.

'What company created the drug?' Ally asked Ethan.

'Harrington Labs,' he answered.

Jacob was parked outside his apartment building, debating going to the pub for a drink to suppress his craving or go inside to his family. Minutes passed with still no decision. He knew he shouldn't, but the drink was the one thing that numbed all the pain he'd thought about and been through. His life had become increasingly difficult since his first big case. Becoming a detective was harder than I thought.

The engine purred as he pondered. A decision was made as he pulled away, looking for the nearest boozer. The craving had grown stronger as he drove around until his eyes caught hold of a bright sign for a local pub. Jacob found somewhere to park and bolted out of the car as fast as he could.

Upon entering the pub, he strolled to the bar and ordered a pint of lager, hoping it would stop the craving and calm him down. He started to shake as he lifted the glass, then the lager touched his lips, calming him. Seconds later, the glass was empty and he ordered another. Memories of his old life came flooding back while he gulped the second pint down. His childhood, his mother, his father and their happy life as a family. But that's all in the past, he thought. Another empty glass sat on the bar as he shouted for a third.

'Slow down, mate,' the barman said.

'Mind your own business,' Jacob replied nastily, while the barman pulled another pint for him.

Jacob paused. He noticed his behaviour and apologised before suddenly heading for the exit. The fresh air hit his burning hot face and he placed his bum on the edge of the curb. What's happening to me? He cried. He'd hit rock bottom at a rapid pace. The night they'd arrived at Alex Baker's home to find him dead and Belle sobbing in the bedroom appeared in his thoughts. It was as if someone somewhere was trying to give him a reason to carry on and get past the difficult times. He helped Belle after that night, giving her a reason to live.

'I can do this,' he said as he pulled himself up onto his stumbling legs. Jacob's phone suddenly began to buzz. 'Hello,' he answered.

'Jacob, it's Ally. I've got some news. Can we talk?'

'Can you pick me up? I'm on Steelhouse Lane.'

'Sure. I'll be there soon,' she agreed and hung up the phone.

Twenty minutes later, Ally arrived and Jacob got inside the car.

'Have you been drinking again?' she asked, smelling the booze on his breath.

'Yes,' he hung his head in shame.

'You need help, Jacob. If not for yourself or me, then for Kate and Belle. They need you.'

He nodded and Ally sped off. The car was silent for a minute. Jacob rubbed his forehead upset, knowing how silly he'd been.

'What did you want to talk about?' Jacob cut through the awkward silence.

'The team’s been moved to counter-terrorism to help with the case,' she started.

'Why?'

'Hemmings thinks we'd be better off using their resources.'

'But this is our case.'

'I know, but he'd already gone behind Barnes' back and spoke to the DSI,' she explained.

'What an arsehole,' Jacob lost his tongue.

'That's not even the best bit,' she carried on. 'Ethan discovered that Natalie Dixon treated all our suspects with an experimental drug that has ingredients which can bring on dissociative identity disorder.'

'Do you think this could affect our case when it goes to court?' he asked.

'Maybe. They might even plead insanity anyway.'

'Is anybody looking into the company Natalie had gotten these drugs from?'