Page 15 of The Girl in the Woods

Anika held back her tears until they reached the hospital, and Brenda was ushered into a treatment room. Only then did Anika cry.

In the early hours of the following day, Laurie came prematurely into the world, carrying emotional baggage before she’d even opened her eyes. Charlie never visited them in the hospital. Dil drove Brenda home a few days later with a new baby, a black eye and a broken wrist. Holding her baby in her good arm, Brenda arrived at the house to find her husband and all his belongings gone.

Things were never the same after that for Brenda. Life was a constant struggle, and her financial dependence came from the state and anyone who would help. Loneliness drove her to drink. Life looked rosier after a few vodkas. It was easier to cope when the blood running through her veins was pumped with alcohol. Then there were the men. They were happy to help out in return for a fun night. It helped pay for the vodka and heat for the house and allowed her to put food on the table.

Laurie had no idea who her biological father was, and as she grew older, she decided she didn’t want to know.

It was curiosity that drove her to the vodka bottle one night. The last dregs of that bottle had been her first taste of alcohol. Laurie had always been curious about the bottle that her mother seemed to love more than her. At first, the liquid had burned her throat, making her cough, but then it made her feel good and more confident.

Now, at fifteen, she had a mature face, and once made up, she could easily pass for eighteen. It hadn’t been difficult for her to get what she needed from the off-licence. Soon, like her mother before her, vodka would become Laurie’s drink of choice and, with it, her downfall.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

PRESENT DAY: SUNDAY MORNING

Stonesend police station was a small building beside the village library and opposite the bakers. Neil Watson, head computer analyst, was thinking about doughnuts, but Beth’s eyes were trained on him as he finished working on the photo, so he knew doughnuts would have to wait.

‘That’s the best I can do,’ he said.

Beth looked closely at Neil’s computer screen. The photograph that Hale had given her was still blurry. She’d hoped for a better outcome.

‘Features are impossible to see. There are some marks on the arms,’ said Neil, pointing. ‘I’d wager ten to one that they’re tattoos, but deciphering them is impossible. They could be scars. Like I say, hard to tell.’

‘Someone here to see you, ma’am,’ said DC Carpenter, popping his head around the door.

‘Right,’ she said, standing up. ‘Can we try and get a closer view of those tattoos?’

‘I’m a computer expert, not bloody Jesus,’ replied Neil.

‘I’m not asking you to walk on water,’ she sighed. ‘Just try to get a close-up. Otherwise, one of us will have to catch the bugger red-handed at one in the morning. All volunteers write their names on the board.’

Beth picked up her phone from the desk, checked for any messages, then scrolled into her contacts and stared at Tom Miller’s details for the hundredth time. She deliberated again whether to message. Insiders had told her he’d returned to work at Notting Hill station. Had she imagined the chemistry between them? It had felt so real at the time. Or had it been the closeness they’d shared because of the murder and suspicion surrounding the village at the time? Impulsively, she typed a message and then hit the send button. It simply read:

Can you believe it’s been a year since we worked on that case together? How are you?

Then, pocketing her phone, she walked to the outer office where, according to the desk sergeant, someone was waiting to see her.

The woman looked up as Beth entered. Beth felt uncomfortable meeting her gaze. She knew she didn’t look her best. There were dark circles under her eyes where she’d not slept enough, and there never seemed to be enough time to put on make-up.

‘Can I help you?’ asked Beth.

‘I’m Constable Rawlins. I was told to report to you today.’

Beth fought back a sigh. Shit, how could she have forgotten? Blimey, constables are getting younger, she thought, or maybe I’m just getting older.

‘Have I got the day wrong?’ asked Ana innocently.

‘Of course not. Sorry, it’s been a long night. Come in and meet the team. Are you old enough for this job? You look about sixteen,’ said Beth as they walked.

‘I’m well over sixteen, I assure you.’ Ana laughed, confidently following Beth through reception and into the busy department. Beth clocked the admiring glances the men gave Ana, but the new DC seemed unaware of it, as if it was something she had experienced often.

‘Everyone, this is DC Ana Rawlins. Ana’s joining the team. Make her welcome. No filthy jokes, and watch your language until she gets used to it here,’ announced Beth. ‘Ana, this is DC Luke Carpenter, and that’s DC Matt Wilkins. We’re a small department, as you can see. You’ll meet the DI later.’

‘Hi, I’m pleased to be part of the team,’ Ana said, her accent taking them all by surprise. ‘And I think it’s my language we’ll have to watch.’

‘You from up north then?’ said Neil.

‘Meet “state the bloody obvious” Neil Watson. He’s one of our computer analysts and not bloody Jesus, as he keeps reminding me.’ Beth laughed.

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