Page 89 of The Girl in the Woods

‘It’s often used to spike people’s drinks and–’

‘Yes, I know,’ interrupted Ana. ‘But it’s not enough to kill someone, is it?’

Gina shook her head. ‘No, I agree with you. The amount to spike a drink is sufficient to incapacitate a person but not to kill them. This kind of dose was fatal.’

‘Thank you,’ said Beth, making her way to the door. ‘If you could send over your report as soon as possible.’

‘The person who witnessed the encounter saw the man kneel beside Laine and give her a drink. It could have been the Rohypnol he’d given her,’ suggested Ana.

‘That’s supposition,’ said Beth.

But most likely, thought Ana.

‘Was she a virgin?’ she asked.

Gina raised her eyebrows. ‘No, she wasn’t, but it’s interesting that you ask. There was no evidence of recent sexual activity, but there was some bruising on the breasts and a fair amount of soreness in the vagina which would suggest previous sexual activity may have taken place without the victim being aroused or perhaps she had indulged in rough sex.’

‘Or while under the effects of Rohypnol,’ suggested Ana.

‘That’s not something I can comment on. I can only tell you that there were no signs of sexual activity that evening.’

‘DNA?’ asked Beth.

‘Loads. She would have had contact with many people at the fair.’

‘Great, thanks.’

The sound of a door closing told Ana that Beth had left. Ana glanced around at the other bodies lying on gurneys, some with tags on their feet, others covered with sheets. She found herself wondering how they died. Were they good people? Or had they done evil things like him? Something deep within her told her she was close and that he wasn’t that far away after all.

‘So, she was murdered?’ asked Ana.

‘That’s my conclusion, or someone gave her too much without thinking, in which case you’re looking at manslaughter.’

Ana found Beth waiting outside.

‘She was murdered,’ said Ana.

Beth nodded. ‘Possibly. It seems we’re not just looking for a vigilante anymore.’

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

‘Harper,’ said Tom, walking from his office.

Beth looked up, a half smile playing on her lips. The memory of the fair night was so fresh in her mind that she could still smell his body’s musky scent. Now, here he was, calling her Harper as if nothing had changed between them.

‘We’re visiting Elaine Lees’ school. See if we can find anything more about her and who she’d been mixing with. Luke, organise a police presence outside the flats where Frankie Reece and the other sex workers live.’

Luke gaped at him. ‘I didn’t think we were taking that seriously.’

Tom stared into Luke’s eyes until Luke found it so uncomfortable that he dropped his gaze.

‘We are. We don’t want another attack on our hands when we could have prevented it.’

‘Right, sir,’ said Luke.

Tom saw Luke glance over at Ana, anger shining in his eyes. Ana Rawlins was clearly pissing Luke off.

‘Harper?’ questioned Beth once they were in the car.

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