Читать книгу The Principle of Evil: A Fast-Paced Serial Killer Thriller - T.M.E. Walsh - Страница 37

CHAPTER 13

Stefan followed Claire into her office, but no sooner had he shut the door after him than it was open again. Stefan frowned as Elias came in, looking frustrated.

‘I thought I told you I’d see you later,’ Claire snapped. She sat back in her chair, arms folded. ‘And next time, I’d prefer you knock on my door before you barge in.’

‘I need to speak with you, it’s important,’ he said, ignoring her words and body language.

‘It can wait.’

‘No, it can’t.’

The tone of his voice surprised her. She eyed him curiously. ‘Fletcher, would you mind waiting outside a minute?’

Stefan said nothing, but cast Elias a warning glare as he left.

In the incident room, Stefan went straight over to Matthews, who stood over DC Morgan Roberts as she fast-forwarded through some CCTV footage. She was about to hit Play when Matthews stopped her as Stefan approached.

‘You got a minute?’

Matthews didn’t look surprised. He nodded. ‘Sure.’

They wandered towards the water cooler on the far side of the room, out of anyone’s earshot.

‘You’re gonna have to rein in Crest, and fast. If there’s any more shit with Claire, something’s going to blow up… most likely Crest.’

Matthews grinned. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll get him on the mobile records, keep him busy. Then if he fucks up, it’s my arse the Guv’s gonna be grilling.’

‘It’s not your arse Claire’s after.’

‘Look, I understand. Don’t worry.’

Stefan nodded and gave a half-smile as Matthews poured himself water from the cooler. He gripped the plastic cup and stared at the glass partition wall, one side of Claire’s office that didn’t have closed blinds. ‘She looks pissed.’