SH03 - Whoops! Someone Is On Our Case Read online

  As Neil left the flat, he almost walked into a young woman, carrying two huge boxes.

  “Hi.” He treated her to what he liked to think of as his ‘sex-on-legs’ smile.

  “Hi there. Does the lift often break down?”

  “Only on days with a ‘Y’ in the name.”

  “I wish someone had mentioned that before I took a flat on the top floor.”

  “You’re moving in?”

  “Yeah, but it’s going to take a while at this rate.”

  The woman was a looker. Definitely a nine out of ten, Neil decided.

  “Why don’t I take one of those?” He offered.

  “They’re really heavy.”

  “I think I’ll manage.” How heavy could they be if she was carrying two of them?

  “Are you sure?”

  “Definitely. I can’t abandon a damsel in distress.” He grabbed the top box, and almost collapsed under the weight.

  “Are you sure you can manage?”

  “Yeah. Of course.” He could only just lift it.

  She led the way upstairs, and he did his best to keep up. By the time they reached the top floor, he was gasping for breath, and his arms felt like they were about to drop off.

  “Just put it on top of this one. Thanks again for your help.”

  “No problem.” His heart was racing, and he could barely speak.

  “Only another twenty or so to go.”

  “I’d like to stay and help, but I have to get to work.”

  “That’s okay. I appreciate what you’ve done. I take it you live on the third floor?”

  “Yeah. I’m Neil, by the way.”

  “Everyone calls me Faze.”

  “Faze? Is that short for something?”

  “Fiona Hazel, but I prefer Faze. Are there many sups in this building?”

  The question took him by surprise because he hadn’t cottoned on to the fact that she was a sup. He’d just assumed she was human.

  “Err—yeah. In fact, there’s only one human in the whole block. Her name is Susan, and she shares with me and two other sups.”

  “That must be a bit awkward?”

  “It has its moments. Look, I don’t mean to be rude—I can usually tell—are you a witch?”

  “Yes, and no. I’m actually a sup sup.”

  “A—err—you mean a—err?”

  “Rogue retriever? Yeah.”

  “Right. And you’re moving in here? Is this like a temporary let?”

  “I hope not. The powers-that-be want all of us to be based in the human world, so here I am. Maybe you could introduce me to the other occupants of the block? Are they a good crowd?”

  “The others? Nah, they’re all a bit standoffish. I rarely speak to them—just to say good morning—that’s it.” He made a show of checking his watch. “Is that the time? I have to dash. Bye.”

  “Bye, Neil. Thanks again.”

  ***

  “Manic should get a bonus.”

  Susan was now used to the creepy little man appearing from the shadows in the underground car park of The Bugle.

  “A bonus for what?”

  “Manic saw you on TV. All thanks to Manic.”

  “I’m not sure I’d go that far.”

  “Manic has another story for you.”

  “Okay, I’m listening.”

  “Manic is going to need some money upfront this time.”

  “Not happening. I told you that we’ll only pay if and when a story gets published. You got your money last time, didn’t you?”

  “But now you know Manic’s leads are good.”

  “It makes no difference. Payments are on results. Take it or leave it.”

  “Manic likes an assertive woman.”

  “I’m going.” She started for the lifts.

  “Don’t you want to hear what Manic has for you?”

  “Okay, but no cash upfront.”

  “Do you remember the murder in the alleyway, off the high street?”

  “The young man who had his throat slit? Yeah, I was over there just after it happened. They still don’t have anyone for it yet. Do you know who did it?”

  “Slow down. Let Manic tell his story.”

  The man was infuriating, but Susan knew that there was no point in trying to get him to hurry up. “Go on. I’m listening.”

  “It wasn’t an isolated killing.”

  “What do you mean? Do you know who did it? Yes or no?”

  “No, but Manic knows that it wasn’t the first time they’ve struck.”

  “They? Who’s they?”

  “The serial killer.”

  “How can you possibly know that if you don’t even know who it is?”

  “Manic just knows. Do your research. There are other murders—same MO—same killer.” With that, he turned away and disappeared into the shadows.

  “Wait, hold on.”

  It was too late. He’d gone.

  “Morning, Susan.” Stella Yates was much happier in her job since she and Susan had moved into their own little office.

  “Morning, Stella. Will you research all the unsolved murders over the last twelve months—make that eighteen months—in and around Washbridge.”

  “Are you looking for anything in particular?”

  “I want to know if any of them have a similar MO to the recent murder in the alleyway in town.”

  “Okay. I’m on it.”

  ***

  Dorothy made it to the shop with only minutes to spare. Neil was such a plonker; if he’d told her the previous night that he wouldn’t be going in until late, she could have got up earlier, and walked in. She hated the bus; it was always crowded, and smelled of sweaty armpits.

  Molly was waiting for her outside the shop.

  “No Rocky? Don’t tell me you’ve chucked him already? That would be a record, even for you.”

  “Course not. You don’t think I’d let that hot bod get away, do you?”

  “Morning, Molly.” Nobby the nerd appeared from somewhere. “Are we still on for sushi this lunchtime?”

  “You bet. I can’t wait.”

  “Great. See you later.”

  “How can you do that?” Dorothy said, once they were inside the shop.

  “Do what?”

  “Lead poor old Nobby on?”

  “I’m not leading him on. I’m just going for lunch with him.”

  “And I suppose you’ll let him pay?”

  “It would be rude not to. Anyway, how come you came on the bus? Have you fallen out with Neil?”

  “No, but I’m going to if he pulls that trick again. He didn’t mention he was going in late until a couple of minutes before we usually leave. Charlie and me both had to get the bus.”

  “I don’t see how you can complain. It’s not like you give him petrol money.”

  “Charlie does, so I don’t need to.”

  “You’re unbelievable.”

  “Anyway, I’ve got more to worry about than Neil. That stupid human is doing my head in.”

  “Again? What’s she done this time?”

  “She’s investigating missing person cases in Washbridge.”

  “So?”

  “They’re all sups who got their asses handed to them by the rogue retrievers. They’re all back in Candlefield.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “I know, but there’s more. She also thinks she’s uncovered a new drug network based in local shops.”

  “Has she?”

  “No. She’s somehow stumbled across the blood distribution network.”

  “The what?”

  Dorothy pointed to the fridge-cum-safe where the blood was stored.

  “Oh boy. How did she find out about that?”

  “I have no idea, but it could mean big trouble. I’m going to call them up, and get them to take the fridge back. It’s too dangerous to be selling this stuff now.”

  “What if she comes around here before it’s gone?”

  “Susan won’t come here; she
has no reason to.”

  “I have some good news that will cheer you up.”

  “Hit me with it.”

  “There’s a supernatural ball being held in Washbridge this weekend.”

  “A what? Which idiot came up with that idea? It’s difficult enough staying under the radar of the rogue retrievers without putting up a big banner that says: Come and arrest me.”

  “No. You’ve misunderstood. It isn’t actually being billed publicly as a supernatural ball; they’re referring to it as a fancy dress ball. It will allow sups to be themselves in the human world for once without being noticed.”

  “Are you saying that only sups will be at the ball?”

  “Officially, it will be open to anyone, but effectively only sups will get invitations. It will be great. It means werewolves can turn, we can show our fangs, and witches and wizards can do whatever it is those freaks get up to. Rocky and me are going. I can’t wait to see him as a wolf. You, Charlie and Neil should definitely go. I can get you tickets if you’re interested. What do you reckon?”

  “It does sound like fun.”

  “It’ll be fantastic.”

  “I’ll check with Neil and Charlie tonight, and let you know in the morning.”

  ***

  “Nice of you to bother.” Debs tapped her watch.

  “I was working from home,” Neil said.

  “Of course you were.” She went back to chatting with Fable.

  Those two were now as thick as thieves, Neil reflected, as he went to hang up his coat. Debs had been dead set against taking on a human, but now they were like a double-act, always teaming up against him.

  “Don’t either of you have any work to do?” he said when he got back to the counter.

  “Everything’s up to date.” Debs sounded so smug.

  “The stockroom needs tidying.”

  “I did it last night,” Fable said.

  “The reordering needs doing.”

  “I did it while you were working from home.” Debs laughed.

  “Debs and I were just talking,” Fable said.

  “I can see that.”

  “We were saying that we should all go out together for dinner. Debs and Johnny, me and Troy, and you and your girlfriend.”

  “I told Fable that you haven’t got a girlfriend,” Debs said. “Sad sack that you are.”

  “You have no idea who I’m seeing.”

  “You aren’t seeing anyone.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong.”

  “Okay. What’s her name?”

  “Err—it’s—” His mind went blank. Why couldn’t he think of a single girl’s name? Debs and Fable were both staring at him. “It’s—err—Mable.” It was the best he could come up with. He’d seen Fable’s name badge, and suddenly the name Mable had popped into his head.

  “You’ve just made that up.” Debs laughed, and turned to Fable. “He’s made that up.”

  “No, I didn’t. I’ve been seeing—err.”

  “Mable,” Debs prompted.

  “Mable, yeah. We’ve been seeing each other for just over a week.”

  “Great,” Fable said. “Where shall we go for dinner, then?”

  Chapter 6

  Charlie was on his break in the staff room. It had been a quiet morning so far, but at least he’d had Andy to chat with. She was good fun, and had had him in stitches with some of her stories about the gym she used to work at in Candlefield. The one about the pixie and the barbells had been hilarious.

  “Charlie.” Andy poked her head around the door. “There’s someone who’d like a word with you.”

  “I’m on my break. Can you handle it?”

  “It isn’t one of the members. It’s a young woman called Jade. She says that she’s a friend of yours.”

  “Jade?” He stood up, and brushed the biscuit crumbs off his top. “Will you tell her to come through?”

  “Sure.”

  “Hi, Charlie.” Jade flashed him that cute smile of hers. “I hope you don’t mind me dropping in like this. I was just passing, and thought it would be nice to see where you work.”

  Just then, Charlie spotted Draycott headed their way.

  “Of course not, but would you do me a favour?”

  “Sure. What?”

  “My boss is on his way over, and I’m already in his bad books. Will you pretend to be considering a membership?”

  “No problem.”

  Draycott walked in, and glared at the two of them.

  “This is Jade; she’s thinking of becoming a member.”

  “Oh? Right.” Draycott’s demeanour changed instantly. “You won’t find better value anywhere in Washbridge.”

  “So Charlie just told me. Are all your staff as helpful and friendly as he is?”

  “Err—yes—of course. Well, I’ll leave you to look around.”

  “Did you want me for something, Mr Draycott?” Charlie asked.

  “Err—no, carry on.”

  “Thanks for playing along, Jade.” Charlie breathed a sigh of relief once Draycott had left them alone.

  “No problem. Why does your boss have it in for you?”

  “One of the members accused me of coming onto her.”

  “Oh?”

  “I didn’t. I still don’t know why she said it.”

  “That was a horrible thing for her to do. Didn’t you tell your boss she was lying.”

  “Of course, but I’m not sure he believed me. And then there was the billboard.”

  “Do you mean the jeans shoot we did together?”

  “Yeah. I hadn’t told him that I was doing some modelling on the side. The first he knew about it was when he saw me and you on the billboard across the street.”

  “We looked good together, though, didn’t we?”

  “I guess.” He blushed.

  “The woman who showed me in seems nice.”

  “Andy? Yeah, she is. She’s new.”

  “She looks in good shape. I guess she must have done this kind of thing before.”

  “She used to work in Candle—err—” Charlie caught himself just in time. “In Candle Health and Fitness.”

  “I don’t think I’ve seen that place. Where is it?”

  “It’s not in Washbridge. I forget where she said it was.”

  “I suppose you’d better show me around, then.”

  “Sorry?”

  “You’re supposed to be selling me on the membership, remember?”

  “Oh yeah. Okay.”

  Charlie gave Jade the tour, and she went out of her way to look and sound impressed.

  “Thanks for playing along,” Charlie said, as he showed her out.

  “No problem. I guess I’ll see you at the shoot tomorrow?”

  “Sorry?”

  “They told me they were signing you up for the swimwear shoot.”

  “Oh, yeah, I’d forgotten. Okay, I’ll see you then.”

  As soon as Jade had left, Charlie hurried back to the staff room, and grabbed his phone.

  “Charlotte, it’s Charlie. Have you got anyone for the swimwear shoot you asked me about?”

  “Not yet. Why?”

  “I’ve changed my mind; I’d like to do it if that’s okay?”

  “Great. I’ll text the details over to you now.”

  “Jade seems nice,” Andy said when Charlie went back out onto the floor.

  “Yeah, she is.”

  “Pretty, too.”

  “She’s a model.”

  “Are you two—err—like a thing?”

  “Me and Jade? No.” He laughed. “She would never go out with me.”

  ***

  Susan had had a tickly throat all morning. This was her third visit to the water cooler.

  “Are you stalking me, Suzy?” Dougal Andrews appeared behind her.

  “I’m just getting a drink.”

  “Only, every time I look around, you’re there.”

  “That’s because you spend ninety percent of the day at this water coole
r. Here’s a wild idea: how about doing some reporting? You might find you actually like it.”

  “Just because you got your face on TV doesn’t make you some kind of hotshot reporter. No one watches that programme, anyway.”

  “It sounds like you did.”

  “I’ve heard the new owners are growing impatient with Flynn. If you ask me, his days are numbered.”

  “No one did ask you, Dougal. Especially not me.”

  “When he goes, you’ll be the next out of the door.”

  “You’ve been singing that same tune ever since I arrived here. Don’t you get bored of being wrong?”

  “I’ll have the last laugh.” He took a couple of steps closer, deliberately infringing her personal space.

  “Whoops! Sorry, Dougal.” She spilled the cup of water all over him.

  “Look what you’ve done.”

  “You should thank me. That shirt needed a wash.”

  “What was that all about?” Stella asked when Susan got back to her desk.

  “Nothing. Just Dougal being a prat, as usual.”

  “He doesn’t look very happy.”

  “I might have accidentally spilled a cup of water over him.”

  Stella laughed. “Nice one.”

  Susan’s phone rang.

  “Hi, it’s Greg. I realise it’s short notice, but I managed to get hold of Deidre Lane.”

  “Who?”

  “She’s one of the people I told you about. Her husband went missing some time ago. She’s going to Australia for a few months to visit her sister, but she said she’d talk to us before she goes.”

  “Great.”

  “The thing is, she leaves tomorrow. Is there any chance you could come with me today to talk to her? At five o’clock?”

  “I suppose so.”

  “Do you know Westland Street in the city centre?”

  “Yeah, I know it.”

  “She has a flat there. Shall I pick you up from your office?”

  “Why don’t I meet you on Westland Street? There’s a bookshop there—do you know it?”

  “Yeah. I know the one.”

  “I’ll see you outside there at ten to five.”

  “Okay. See you later.”

  ***

  Neil had to get out of the shop because Debs and Fable were doing his head in. What had possessed him to dream up a name like Mable? It’s not like he hadn’t dated tons of women—he could have used any of their names, but no, he had to blurt out: Mable.