Page 108 of Worth the Wait
Freddie’s throat tightened. “I didn’t process it as a conflict at the time. I was focused on the child. On Alfie. Once I realised who Nathan was, I should’ve flagged it. That’s on me.”
March tapped a few keys. “Under Regulation 9 of the Code of Ethics, you have a duty to act with transparency and declare any potential conflicts, perceived or actual. Even if contact was historic.”
Freddie nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”
Bowen leant forward. “It’s not just about ethics. It’s about safeguarding the integrity of the case. If defence counsel finds out you withheld a personal link—”
“I know,” Freddie said quietly. “It could compromise the whole thing.”
Carrick sat back, arms folded. “And now that personal link is the father of a vulnerable young witness we’re hoping will support the investigation. A safeguarded child in an active drugs case.” He paused, letting that sink in. “That creates a potential conflict and undermines our position if it ever comes out in court.”
Freddie braced himself.
“You’ll need to submit a full written account,” March said. “Timeline, rationale, everything that led to your decision not to declare the link. That’ll go on file for the Professional Standards review.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“And we’re placing you on restricted duties pending the outcome of an internal review,” Carrick said. “No field work. No direct contact with operation echelon or associated individuals. You’ll be seconded to admin support at HQ.”
Freddie swallowed. “How long?”
March closed the laptop with a quiet click. “You’ll remain on restricted duties until the conflict’s been formally assessed and resolved. It’s not necessarily a career-ender, but itwasa serious lapse in judgment.”
Freddie gave a curt nod. “Understood.”
“I want your written account on my desk before the end of your shift,” she added, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Freddie stood. “Yes, ma’am.”
Freddie opened the door, stepped out, and he was halfway down the corridor when Carrick jogged after him.
“PC Webb?”
“Sir?”
“You’re a solid copper, Webb. We all agree. You’ve been an asset. And yes, you’ve made a serious misjudgement, but we’ve all been there in one form or another. What counts now is how you manage the fallout.” He paused, voice dipping low enough to signal the shift from official to personal. “And, off the record, there was an incident this afternoon. Thought you should know.”
Freddie frowned. “Sir?”
“Alfie Carter was targeted with a knife. Attempted GBH. Suspect fled the scene.”
The colour drained from Freddie’s face. “Is he—?”
“He’s physically unharmed. His father intervened. Took the injury in his place.”
The floor tilted beneath Freddie, and he wasn’t sure how he would remain upright.
“They’re at A&E now. Alfie’s physically unharmed but visibly shaken.” Carrick’s voice lowered. “CID’s been notified. Safeguarding’s been activated.”
Freddie swallowed hard. “And…how is Nathan? Is the injury serious?”
“We’ve had no further intel.” Carrick gave him a grave look. “It was serious.” He then turned on his heel and sauntered off, having no fucking clue how Freddie’s lungs had seized.
He blinked once. Twice. Still didn’t quite register the gravity of what Carrick had said.
Nathan.Stabbed.
The room tilted sideways, fluorescent lights blurring into white streaks as cold sweat broke along Freddie’s spine. Then a surge of adrenaline, sharp and brutal, slammed through his chest, and he ran.
