The traffic backed up after a lorry shed its load of pallets across both lanes. One hour later, Joyce sat at her desk and stared at the ever-increasing pile of files. With Inspector Roger Brown recuperating at home, she appreciated how much work she delegated to others. When her telephone rang, she moved half a dozen files to locate it.

"DCI Parsons speaking."

"Morning, Joyce. It's Sara. The boss wants a word. Any chance you can come straight away?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"If you want, I could say I couldn't find you."

"Thanks, but he has eyes in the back of his head. I'll be on my way in a couple of minutes."

"Okay, Joyce."

On entering Julian's office, Sara, his secretary, nodded and waved her on. She knocked and entered.

"You want to see me, guv?"

He grinned. "I need to know how things are with my Chief Inspectors. You direct the investigations, perhaps not directly but as a guiding hand. Take a seat."

She smoothed her skirt as she made herself comfortable. "I'll be honest. I need help. You never appreciate how much others do until they're not there. I want another Inspector Brown."

"It's obvious you're trying too hard. I did wonder when you'd ask."

"The traffic was awful this morning, and I arrived late. I knew I needed help when I saw my in-tray. Personnel informed me Roger may be out of action for up to a year."

"Not a problem. I have two sergeants who have passed the inspector exam." He handed her two folders.

She scanned the contents of both. "You're missing Sergeant Bell. My husband tells me she's first class."

Julian grimaced. "Bell has issues she needs to sort out. I wouldn't recommend her."

"Sir, Sergeant Bell is dealing with the problem. She is taking her rapist Inspector Talbot to civil court. There's enough evidence to hang him. When it's over, she will request a promotion. How do I know? I told her to do so."

"There was no evidence Talbot raped her."

Joyce raised her eyebrows. "Not true, sir. You and I both know how it unfolds. She is a woman and was gagging for it. The poor inspector couldn't help himself. Internal affairs have investigated him and his activities. "You never informed me."

"Chain of command is one thing, sir. And as this is not a police matter. I never had to tell you."

He smiled. "Okay, Chief Inspector. If Talbot is guilty, I'll promote her, but not until. Do you still want her to work for you?"

"I do, but I'll ask her first."

"I'd do it sooner rather than later, or the work on your desk will only grow higher."

"You're right. Thanks, guv."

He laughed. "Always here to help. By the way, when will Roger's attacker appear in court?"

"Not sure. The last I heard, his brief is claiming it was an accident. You know how long lawyers debate such issues."

Julian churched his fingers. "Tell me about it. We give them the evidence for a conviction, and they argue over a comma in the wrong place. What do you believe?"

"He'll go down for at least fifteen. I intend to chat with him. If he supplies us with useful information and we can arrest a few others, I'll apply for a reduction."

"Keep me in the loop on this one."

Joyce nodded, stood, turned and left his office. She stopped at Sara's desk and whispered, "I bet it's not easy working for him."

She shrugged. "Since my old man died, his pension plus this job pay the rent and puts food on the table."

"You should find yourself another fella."

"Don't have the time. And I'd never marry a copper."

"I never married mine."

"You were lucky."

"I know. Must dash. Take care."

***

Joyce had been keen to talk to Maggie and went straight to the lift. On entering the stainless steel box, she pressed the button for the top floor.

She sauntered into Rupert's domain, saw Maggie and went towards her.

"What have you forgotten, Boss," said Maggie when she noticed Joyce.

Rupert peered around the metal shelving. "No problem. She's smiling."

"Rupert, I need to speak with Maggie. Can I use your office?"

"Can I listen in?"

"Only if you make two cups of coffee."

"Three. I'll have one."

Rupert followed Joyce and a bemused Maggie into his office and closed the door. "Get comfortable."

Joyce seated herself and motioned for Maggie to do the same.

Rupert poured three coffees and placed them before them.

While Rupert seated himself, Joyce sipped her coffee. "Maggie, I need an inspector to work with me and to be my right arm. You're qualified, and I can have you promoted to acting inspector tomorrow."

Maggie's face filled with suspicion. She lowered her head as if in thought. "I always dreamt of promotion. I worked hard and did my job. I could make a difference. At this moment, I want to get on with my job. We progress daily and have a laugh. When I'm promoted, I want it to be on merit, not for any other reason."

Joyce sighed. "I need an answer."

Rupert leant back in his chair. "May I say something?"

"We're in your office," said Joyce. "I can't stop you."

"Maggie, you are a copper, much better than a clerk working in records. When you leave to check something out, there's a buzz in your actions. It's what you want to do. But I know where you're coming from. When your attacker is convicted, you want the force to put their hands in the air and apologise. It ain't going to happen. Your promotion to inspector will arrive in the post. The Chief Superintendent will tick the box, and all will be right with the world. But what he did will remain in your memory. Why not accept what is on offer? Together, you can be a fighting force for those female officers who are less strong than you. You can only change things from the inside. Give it some thought."

Maggie nodded. "When do you need an answer?"

Joyce's mood had changed. "Today is Wednesday. I'll give you twenty-four hours."

"Thanks. I'll sleep on it and give you my answer in the morning."

Rupert checked the time. "It's almost time to go home. Maggie, I need to chat with Joyce. See you tomorrow."

Maggie knew the conversation was over. "See you in the morning, guv."

Rupert waited until his office door closed. "I thought she'd jump at the chance of promotion."

"She's frightened they'll give it in one hand and remove it with the other. She will win her court case and be in a better place."

"I hope so."

***

Rupert's phone rang. "Excuse me, Joyce." He lifted the handset. "Records, Rupert Parsons."

"Sergeant Fields, sir. Do you know the whereabouts of Chief Inspector Parsons?"

"She's sat in front of me, Sergeant. Two seconds."

Joyce took the handset. "DCI Parsons.

"Guv, There's been an explosion in the Greenwood district. The boss wants you to attend."

"On my way. Have the address written out for me at reception." She ended the call. "Explosion in Greenwood."

"Bloody hell. Joyce, grab Maggie. She lives there."