Page 50 of The Girl in the Woods

‘Laurie, it doesn’t matter where you come from–’

‘Of course, it does. It matters a lot. No, I need to get rid of it.’ Like a bit of unwanted rubbish, she thought sadly.

‘Do you want to tell me who raped you, Laurie?’ the doctor asked. ‘I’ll report it on your behalf.’

‘No, I can’t.’

The doctor sighed helplessly. ‘Think things through, Laurie, and then come back in a week.’

Laurie took the tissue handed to her and wiped away her tears. It wouldn’t take a week to decide, but she nodded anyway.

CHAPTER THIRTY

PRESENT DAY

Matt approached Ana with two paper bags. ‘Custard tarts or jam doughnuts, which is your favourite?’

‘Custard tarts.’ She smiled, dipping her hand into the bags and pulling out one of each. ‘By the way, how do I get into the evidence room?’

‘You’ll need clearance.’

‘Who from?’

‘DI Miller or DS Harper.’

‘Thanks, mate,’ she said. ‘I’ll make a brew in a sec.’

Matt smiled. Only Ana would have the nerve to take two cakes. ‘I thought you didn’t like doughnuts,’ he said.

‘Custard tarts first, then doughnuts.’ She smiled.

‘By the way,’ he said cautiously. ‘The village summer fair is on Saturday. I was wondering if you’d like to go. There’s live music, a funfair, and a cèilidh in the evening.’

‘What’s a cèilidh?’

‘It’s like a barn dance,’ said Luke, taking a doughnut. ‘You know, do-si-do and all that.’

‘Sounds like fun.’ She smiled. ‘Is there food?’

‘Sure is.’ Matt grinned.

‘The only problem is Matt’s got two left feet, so you’d be best off finding another partner. I’m happy to offer.’

‘Aren’t you bringing your wife?’ said Matt sharply.

‘I’ve got tough toes,’ Ana said, smiling at Matt. ‘I think I can handle your two left feet.’

She waited until Luke returned to his desk before knocking on Beth’s door. ‘Ma’am, permission to look at the CCTV tapes from the hit and run.’

Beth looked up. ‘Any updates on forensics?’

Ana realised she was being put in her place. ‘No, ma’am. Analysis showed nothing we could work with.’

Beth sat back in her chair. ‘The hit and run had a full investigation, Ana.’

‘I beg to differ, ma’am.’

Beth raised her eyebrows. ‘Excuse me?’

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