Rupert strolled into the station the following day and waited at reception.

The duty sergeant looked up from his desk. "Anything I can help you with, guv?"

The true story is that the tree I held onto gave way, and I fell into a deep, ice-cold pool. You may now laugh, but my version is the story I would prefer to do the rounds.

"We did hear you were in hospital suffering from hypothermia. Pleased to see you alive and well.

"Thank you. It could have been worse. My wife had my favourite suit dumped in a bin. Still, it had seen better days. Must go and annoy my staff."

"They think the sun shines out of your backside, guv."

Rupert laughed as he entered the lift.

Coffee in hand, Maggie waited at his desk for him to enter his office.

"How are you guv?"

"Everyone knows I went for a swim yesterday. I'm fine, and thank you for asking. Now, I'd prefer to enjoy my coffee in peace and for the team to return to what they do best."

Maggie placed his coffee on the desk. "On my way, guv."

He smiled at her as she left. The question he had woken up with was foremost in his mind. With a clean sheet of paper, he began writing. Crime. Six women are missing. Where did they go? According to reports, they all stated they had a meeting with the vicar. Did they arrive? If not, why not? If they did, who did they meet? Where did they go after the meeting, if there was one?

Mentally, he struggled to make sense of the situation. He reread the obvious and answered his question with the improbable. The missing women knew the person who asked them to meet the vicar. This person also knew the vicar would not be there. Was the pendant Julie saw the same as the one in the photo? He believes her. She had no reason to lie. The housekeeper came to mind, and as much as he tried to eliminate her, she would not go away.

Rupert stood and stared out of the window. Being in the police station and not being a force member was odd. He smiled as a police vehicle, its siren blaring and lights flashing, sped out of the car park. It would take time for him to come to terms with being on the sidelines. He needed to talk to people, but who would listen and do something? He reminded himself of how the Chief Constable described his job. "If you find anything interesting, you pass it to CID."

Rupert Left his office and, using the stairs, walked to Chief Superintendent Julian Archer's office.

Anne Sharpe stopped typing as he entered. "Good morning, Rupert. I heard you had an exciting day yesterday."

"Depends how you look at it. It was a refreshing experience. Is Julian busy?"

"He's wrung a paper on stop and search for the Chief Constable. I suggest you go in. After all, it was once your office."

"Those days have gone, Anne. He's the governor. I'm the records officer, and I work for the Chief Constable. What the hell? He can only tell me to take a hike or make an appointment.

Out of politeness, he knocked on the door and entered. "Morning Julian. How's life at the top?"

Julian lifted his head and smiled. "Enjoy your swim yesterday."

"Invigorating, although not recommended."

Julian laughed mockingly. "Why are you standing in my office, Rupert? I assume it's important."

Rupert grabbed a chair and seated himself. "I'm sure you are aware of my terms of reference. If I find anything interesting, I hand it over to the force, who will investigate further."

Julian smiled. "What have the files unearthed?"

Rupert told him of the six missing women and his thoughts.

"Interesting, but what evidence do you have?"

"The dead woman we recovered yesterday was my prime suspect. Furthermore, the pendant worn by one of the victims was seen by Officer Oddman."

Julian shrugged. "And you want me to use the forces' scarce resources on a hunch and a random comment from a female officer. My answer is you get me evidence, and I'll consider it. In my opinion, you are making the evidence fit the crime. You may have used gut instinct in the good old days, but it doesn't work for me. Never did. We get convictions with solid evidence."

Rupert's face remained expressionless despite what he was hearing. "Fine, sir, but I thought you should be informed of my findings."

"Absolutely. My door is always open. You know that. Now, if you don't mind, I'm busy."

Rupert felt his anger rising at the put-down but remained calm. "Thank you for listening, sir. "He stood and, with both fists clenched, turned and left the room. As he passed Anne, he muttered what an arsesole.

"Anne nodded but remained silent.

On returning to his office, he decided to do something to prove he was right. He leant back and knew what he must do. He removed a battered diary from his jacket pocket and located a number. Lifting the handset, he dialled Geoff Cooper, an ex-copper.

"Morning Geoff, Rupert Parsons. How has life been treating you since you left the force?"

"What are you after, Rupert?"

"As you put it so politely. A favour."

Geoff gave a huge laugh. "Who are you out to prove wrong?"

"Geoff, why would you say such a thing?"

"Because you always bent the rules to their limit to gain the upper hand. I should know I worked with you for almost twenty years."

"Are you still an instructor at the local Sub Aqua club?"

"It is my business these days. I teach and organise diving trips. I love it, and the money comes in handy. As I'm sure you know, I have a pension, but Fiona and I enjoy the good things in life."

"What are you doing at the moment?"

"Nothing that can't wait."

"Fancy a beer on me in the Masons Arms."

Geoff jumped in. "Now I know you're up to something. I can be there in twenty minutes. Mine is a pint of Newcastle Brown."

"I'll be waiting. Bye." Rupert ended the call. "From his pocket, Rupert removed a picture of the pendant.

With a broad smile, Rupert waved to Maggie and beckoned.

"Yes, guv," said Maggie as she entered his office.

Rupert sat on the edge of his desk. "Maggie, I'm about to break the rules and need a witness. You."

She hesitated before asking the question. "Do I need to know?"

"If you are to assist, yes."

"Is it illegal?"

"No, but the Chief super will want my balls on a plate when he finds out."

"Okay, I'm in. Can you give me any details?"

"Grab your coat. I'm taking you for a drink and to meet a colleague. Don't tell anyone."

Fifteen minutes later, Maggie and Rupert were seated in the lounge of the Masons Arms, chatting and sipping their drinks.

"You bought a pint for someone. When will they be here?"

Rupert stood. "He has arrived."

Maggie stared at a tall, handsome man, his face obscured by a ginger beard. There was a solid bulk to him. Muscles appeared to ripple beneath his jacket. She wondered how many comments he suffered because of his height.

Rupert pointed. "Your pint, and this is Maggie Bell."

Geoff held out his hand to Maggie. "Geoff Cooper, Chief Inspector, retired."

"Maggie Bell, Sergeant, and this is my boss."

Geoff dropped into the spare seat, lifted his ping and drank half of it. "I see your taste in women has improved, Rupert. How's Joyce these days."

"To set the record straight, Joyce and I are happy with our lives together. Maggie and I have nothing going on between us. Apart from that, how is Fiona?"

"Why am I here, Rupert."

"Because your nose started to twitch. You know me as well as anyone, including Joyce."

"True. Whose wound you up, and you want to prove them wrong."

"The station governor. I need your professional assistance for free."

Geoff smiled and finished his pint. "Say what you want."

"I need you and a few of your divers to search the bottom of an old swimming pond. It's not far from here and shouldn't take long, and Sunday would be a good day."

"My glass is empty."

Maggie lifted the glass. "What is it."

"Newcastle Brown Ale," said Rupert as he handed her a ten-pound note. "Get yourself another."

"What are we looking for?"

An opal pendant."

"Any idea of the viz?"

"I fell into the pond yesterday, and I can honestly say I could see my hand in front of my face."

Maggie returned with Geoff's pint and a fresh orange juice.

"Geoff smiled at her. Thanks. Rupert, when do you want this pond searched?"

"Like yesterday. If the pendant isn't there, I'm up shit creek without a paddle."

Geoff chuckled. "Only if god almighty Julian Archer finds out, and I won't tell him. I worked with the tree climbers in the past. They don't want to know if the job doesn't give them max brownie points."

Maggie laughed. "Can't argue with your premise."

"What are you driving these days?" asked Rupert.

"Top of the range BMW for fun and diving. I have a long-wheelbase Land Rover fully kitted out, an air compressor and a RIB on the roof. Why?"

"The track we must use is grim, more potholes than the craters on the moon."

"My wagon can go anywhere. I reckon myself and a dive team of four. I know my guys, and they will keep their mouths shut. In addition, I won't charge them for the experience. Thinking out loud, would Sunday be a good day."

Surprised, Rupert frowned. "Ideal. Can you collect me from home, and I'll have lunch in a hamper?"

"Seven o'clock start, and with luck, my team will find the crown jewels by midday."

Rupert held out his hand. "I owe you one."

"You covered for me in the past. Pleased to help. See you Sunday morning. I love a bit of smoked salmon in my sandwiches."

"Not a problem."