Page 51 of The Girl in the Woods

‘A private security camera was overlooked, which showed the accident. The friend said the car stopped, and she heard a squeaky door. I believe the driver would have taken the car further afield to get the damage repaired, but only local garages were the ones checked.’

‘We didn’t have a registration, Ana.’

‘No, ma’am, but with all due respect, I think there are other things to look into.’

‘Such as?’

‘The private security camera. We might get some leads from that.’

‘This isn’t going down well with the officer in charge of that case.’

‘That’s his problem, ma’am, not mine.’ Ana knew she sounded gutsy and ambitious but wanted justice for Vanessa.

‘I don’t want to waste human resources on this. I’ll give you forty-eight hours. If you don’t come up with something concrete, you drop it. Understood?’

‘Yes, ma’am, thank you.’

‘I’ll authorise Ruth to let you in.’

‘Thank you, ma’am. I’m just making a brew. Would you like one? There are some doughnuts on the go.’

‘Thanks, Ana.’ Beth watched Ana leave. There was confidence about her but also a vulnerability.

Ana made tea while the authorisation went through. Then, taking a mug to Ruth, she said, ‘DS Harper put in a request for me.’

Ruth nodded. ‘I’ll take you through. Thanks for the tea, but I only drink coffee.’

Of course you do, thought Ana, following her to the evidence room.

‘There’s doughnuts?’

‘I’m on a diet,’ said Ruth.

Of course you are, thought Ana.

‘Drawer 36,’ said Ruth, unlocking it. ‘Let me know when you’ve finished.’

Ana rifled through the drawer for the CCTV tapes. At that moment, her phone vibrated, and Olivia’s name popped onto the screen.

‘DC Ana Rawlins.’

‘Hi, it’s Olivia. You spilt coffee on my dress?’

Ana’s breathing quickened. ‘Hi, how are you?’

‘I took it to be dry-cleaned and I’m picking it up later.’

‘Great, let me have your address and–’

‘A bank transfer will be fine,’ broke in Olivia.

Fuck, thought Ana.

‘Oh please, let me give you the cash. I feel so bad. I bought some chocolates as an apology.’

There was silence at the other end.

‘I’m quite safe.’ Ana laughed.

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