Chief Inspector Parsons smiled as Sergeant Jacobs entered her office.

"Must be your lucky day, boss."

"Pull up a chair and enlighten me."

"Last night, we charged Christabel Anderson. Guess who she was with?"

"You're smiling like the cat who got the cream. I'm not into riddles. Tell me what you know, and I don't?"

"When the boys in blue spotted Jack Watson's car in a car park, they stopped to check it out. Jack and Cristobel were giving oral sex to each other in the back of his Range Rover. I'm told Jack was manipulating a vibrator. When the sergeant opened the door, she didn't miss a beat until Jack pushed her off."

Joyce folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. "Where are they at the moment?"

"In the cells, but I expect their smarmy lawyer to turn up soon."

"Someone up there loves us. Place Anderson in the interview room, and don't let him know. I'll be there in a couple of minutes."

"Okay, boss."

She found the dance hall stabbing file, read it for five seconds, and then went to the interview room.

Joyce sat in the spare chair, started the twin-deck tape recorder and stated her name, rank, date and time. "Good morning, Miss Anderson. The charge is performing a sexual act in a public place."

"What fucking public. We were in the back of Jack's car. It's got tinted windows so no one can see. You haven't got any cigs, have you? I left mine in the car."

"Can't help you there. None of us smoke."

Christabel appeared unimpressed. "What do you want?"

"I've heard whispers it was Jack Watson who stabbed the young man who died in the dance hall. He believes he owns you, and the man who was having a dry shag on the dance floor wound him up."

"Oh fuck." Christabel released the words before thinking. "Whose been gobbing off? I bet it was Pete Mitchel. He's jealous because I won't let him fuck me."

Joyce smirked at her comment. "It's well known the Watson family have enemies who would love to see them in jail. You didn't think I would tell you who spilt the beans. If the Watsons found out, my informant would disappear like a rat up a drain pipe. I'm allowing you to come clean, and I'll drop the charge of an accessory to murder. I could even speak with the Judge to forget the charges you're up for in court today."

Cristobel churched her fingers. "Damage limitation. You and half the world know what happened. It wasn't supposed to happen. Jack told me the guy owed him a wad of money, and he was going to have some fun. I didn't know he was going to kill him. Jack told me it was an accident. The guy moved or something. I don't give a shit. Whatever I say makes no difference. Jack's a jealous bastard, so I tend to wind him up. When he's mad, he's magic in bed. His father or brother will turn me into dog food if I give evidence. So, what can you do for me? I need protection."

Joyce smiled one of her sweetest smiles. "Nothing, darling. You've told me all I need to know. Sergeant Jacobs charge Miss Anderson with accessory to murder. After which charge Jack Watson with murder. Grab Pete Mitchel off the street, and we'll question him until he tells us what we need to know."

"What the fuck," screamed Christabel.

Joyce shook her head as Jeromy Charters, Cristobel's solicitor, entered the room. "It's good manners to knock."

Christabel pointed at Joyce. "I ain't done nothing, and this bitch is going to have me charged with murder."

He shrugged. "I doubt it."

"Accessory," said Joyce as she picked up her file. "I know you will want to listen to the tape. I'll have a copy made for your personal use."

"Miss Anderson, what have you said?"

"She tricked me."

"Mr Charters. You can decide when you listen to the tape. My sergeant will play it back for you."

"No need, Chief Inspector. I need privacy to discuss options with my client. Can I use this room?"

"Of course, you can. When you're ready, I will interview Miss Anderson about a murder she was privy to. You also need to know Mr Jack Watson hit the jackpot. I intend to charge him with murder.

"Charters grinned. "Appears I have a busy day, and I'd booked dinner at the golf club."

"I can tell you the force will oppose bail for Watson. Bail for Miss Anderson will depend on her ability to pay. I want their passports in the station safe by this evening."

"You're enjoying this," said Charters.

"The evidence I needed on a plate. Saves time and paperwork. Let me know when I can charge your clients. Yet another long day for both of us."

***

Samantha Harman QC studied the Talbot rapes. She had spoken to another lawyer, who agreed with her. Men should not get away with rape because of a weak system.

She knew an officer of the court would serve the warrant. Talbot would receive his summons in three to four weeks. She smiled as she relaxed in her chair. Mr Talbot was soon to have the world fall on his head, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

***

Rupert was drinking coffee when Maggie knocked and entered his office. "All clear of mice on the western front, guv. Wendy and Linda are still searching."

Rupert grinned. "Let's hope so, but I baited the traps, and if any are lurking in the shadows, we should have them by tomorrow morning.

"Seeing as you're here, grab a seat and tell me how your meeting with Fred Dickson went?"

Maggie smiled, seated herself, and said, "He's remarried and owns his driving school. Odd, but he still doesn't understand why his wife left. I find it strange she took nothing except her bike and handbag. No doubt, she told the babysitter about her meeting with the vicar. Again, Ian Spence has a solid alibi. He was miles away at a meeting written into his diary months before. Someone, but not the vicar, arranged the meeting; Mrs Dickson knew who it was and trusted them."

"I would close the case, but I'm open to suggestions on what we can do next."

A knock on the door stopped the conversation. Rupert waved for Julie to enter. "Yes, Julie."

She handed him a worn folder. "Wendy had a nose at the old Dolston files. It's another missing woman. Having been with the sergeant when she talked with Mr. Dickson, I might have thought this was a copy, but it's not. April Thompson was going to visit the vicar and disappeared. Again, the vicar was out of the area. His alibi checked out. From the report, the file remains wide open."

"Good work, Julie. The village sergeant completed this report. As per the regulations, he would forward a single-sheet statement to Blackwell. I doubt anyone gave a missing person report more than a glance. Time would have allowed it to fall through the cracks in the system." He rubbed his chin. "One missing woman is unfortunate, but it happens. Two is more than a coincidence, especially when they had an appointment with the same vicar. I'll need to give this more thought."

Maggie motioned with her right hand for Julie to leave. She waited until the door closed. "Anything you want me to do, boss?"

"There are six years between these disappearances. Tell Julie not to talk about them until we know more."