Chapter 11
He entered Jess’s office, unable to ignore the multitude of trophies that dominated the back wall.
A devotee of ju-jitsu, his superintendent was proud of her achievements.
Now she was climbing the ranks of the police force and was effecting some real change.
But he knew a part of her yearned for the gritty action of the streets, and that his weekly updates were something she looked forward to.
But today he was here to deliver disappointing news.
She sat behind her wide desk, watching him intently, the low chatter of her police radio playing as a backdrop to their meeting.
She was only five feet four, but her muscular build and assertive nature left people under no illusion as to who was in control.
“Take the weight off.” She gestured towards the swivel chair. Jess’s highlighted brown hair was pulled into a bun. Her skin was tanned from a recent trip to Thailand, and she smelled faintly of Tiger Balm.
“It’s Elea,” Swann began, sinking into the offered seat. “Her consultancy isn’t panning out . . . ma’am.”
“Is that so?” Jess arched an eyebrow, a familiar mannerism. “What’s with the ‘ma’am’ crap? You only pull that out when you’re in deep water.”
She had him there. Elea, with only one day on the team, had left him compromised. Swann tried to form a coherent explanation that wouldn’t land her in cuffs. “She’s too personally involved with the case. I should never have brought her here.”
Jess studied his expression. “She’s passionate, which is exactly what I expect of my team.
Unlike your bloody sergeant, who walks around in a daze.
” She scratched her arm and Swann caught sight of a bruise dappling her skin.
“Sparring injury,” she winked, following his gaze.
“You look tired, Swann. Are you getting any sleep? Must be knackering managing the twins . . . at your age.” She delivered a teasing smile.
“How’s Alice? I still think it’s a shame she left the force when she did. ”
Jess was only being courteous. Alice was never suited for the hustle of police work.
She was Elea’s polar opposite: risk-averse and strictly by-the-book.
She completed her work, no more, no less, and her detection rate reflected it.
“She’s fine. Home front’s stable,” he answered curtly, veering the conversation back to Elea. “Now, as I was saying—”
“I’m aware of Elea’s call-on,” Jess cut him off. “She’s cracked a lead on her first day here.”
Swann stiffened. She’d cracked more than a lead. “But Hobbs—” He stalled, preparing his words.
Jess pointed at her computer screen. “Haven’t you read the statements? Hobbs turned on his missus for letting Elea in. Elea acted in self-defence as she came between them, and now that we’ve got his wife’s statement covering years of domestic abuse, he’s going to be nicked.”
“She broke his fingers.”
“Self-defence isn’t a crime. She did a good job. Proper old-fashioned police work.”
Swan was dumbstruck. It seemed that Elea had beaten him to it, presenting her own version of events. No wonder she was smiling when she came into his office. But next time she might not be so lucky.
“She has guts,” Jess added. “And her track record is impressive, although I’m surprised at you, leaving her in the lurch after everything she’s been through.”
“What?” Swann stiffened as he was caught off-guard. “What else did she tell you?”
“We had quite a chat. She’s loyal, your ex-wife. I’m not sure you’ve earned it, mind, considering that you came in here to throw her under the bus.”
Swann’s laughter was devoid of humour. “Is that what she said?” He clasped his hands together, hating thoughts of Elea sharing details of their private life.
Jess inhaled a deep breath as she rested her elbows on her desk. “I want Elea on our team long-term. She’s ready for a change, and you’re going to provide your unwavering support.”
“Seriously? Even if she’s breaking the law?” Swan retorted.
“She’s worth the risk.” Jess stared at him, resolute. “And you’re responsible for making sure she doesn’t. Any law-breaking is on you.”
Swann bristled as he got to his feet. “I can’t watch her twenty-four seven!”
“Which is why you’ll pair her with DI Harding. Give her time. She’ll get us results.”
Swann ran a hand through his hair. Elea couldn’t have told Jess about their one-night stand.
Either that or his boss didn’t care. This was turning into a nightmare.
“Why Mitch? Granted, he’s a DI, but he’s wet behind the ears.
Shouldn’t we pair her with one of our veterans, like Ness?
” To Swann, experience wasn’t judged by rank, but by results. Mitch had yet to prove himself.
“Mitch needs some mentoring in his new role, and the responsibility won’t hurt. This isn’t up for debate. The pressure’s on, Swann. We need results, and Elea’s dug up some promising leads.” Jess checked her watch before flapping a hand in his direction. “Go on then. Off, you fuck.”
Swann sighed. In what universe was Elea a suitable mentor for someone new to their role? But there was no point in arguing. Once you got the “Off, you fuck” from Jess, there was no going back.