It was only three p.m. in Quantico, so Anna decided to send Blane a text telling him that she had finished work and would ring him at six p.m. his time. She couldn’t resist ending with a suggestive remark. ‘Just stripped off for a hot bath, wish you were with me – if you were, what would you do?’ Anna laughed like a mischievous teenager as she pressed Send. She suddenly felt much better and resolved that she wouldn’t review the case notes again but that what she really needed was to sleep and rejuvenate herself. Her phone beeped and she was certain it was Don replying but disappointingly it was a message from Langton, saying he had secured a flight and would be back in London early Tuesday morning. Anna texted back that she looked forward to seeing him and had a lot to tell him about the case and specifically Walters.
Walters’ overbearing conduct had obviously upset her, but she was glad that his sheer arrogance had led to him revealing the truth about his feelings for Langton. Anna believed that most of Walters’ hatred was actually jealousy at all that Langton achieved in his long and highly decorated career. Langton was respected by his troops and had worked hard to get to where he was, was not afraid to speak his mind and he always got the job done. Walters on the other hand had never been what Langton would call a real detective. He had never headed up a murder investigation or any serious crime case, for that matter. Walters had driven his career forward through departments where his role was investigating police malpractice, or developing strategy and planning. As a streetwise cop he couldn’t hold a candle to Langton. Walters had always been a yes man, who gladly trod on others to get to the top. But Anna now had the means by which Langton could secure his promotion to Commander.
Her phone beeped once more. Yet again it wasn’t Don, but it was good news. Pete Jenkins had texted to say, ‘Positive results all round – Samuel – Josh – spiced rum bottle all = ATROPINE!’
Anna took half a sleeping tablet and turned off her bedside light. She was feeling better, looking forward to the interview with Aisa, confident she could crack her, especially after their meeting in the cell. Anna knew that because Aisa had stolen money from a charity, which benefited the needy, it would not go down well with a judge and jury. Undoubtedly, if Aisa were to be found guilty it would result in a term of imprisonment and because of her wealthy background she would be constantly used and abused, by both the inmates and prison staff.
Anna felt herself becoming sleepy but still her mind wouldn’t stop ticking. She feared that Gloria’s hold over Aisa was even more powerful than she had imagined, but even if Ian Holme advised Aisa to make no comment, Anna knew that she still had a wealth of evidence that would allow her to pose some searching questions.
At last she fell into a deep sleep. Some time later she was woken by the sound of her mobile phone ringing. She had left in the kitchen, and by the time she got herself out of bed to answer it the caller had hung up. She recognized Blane’s number and pressed recall.
‘Hello?’ It was a woman’s voice and Anna was surprised, thinking she must have pressed the wrong number.
‘I’m sorry, who is this?’
‘Who’s this?’
‘I must have dialled a wrong number,’ Anna said, about to hang up.
‘Oh, is this Anna from England? It’s Beth Jackson, from the course. I’ll get Don for you.’
‘Thanks,’ Anna said, wondering what the hell Beth Jackson was doing answering Don’s phone. It felt as if the rug had been pulled from beneath her feet as she desperately tried to calculate what time it was in the US. She almost put the phone down when she heard his familiar voice.
‘Hey, you get back okay?’
‘Yes, did you just ring me?’
‘Yes, I wanted a catch-up, maybe talk a few things through with you.’
‘Why did Beth Jackson answer your phone?’ Anna asked with a sinking sensation in her stomach.
‘I was getting an article for her to read for her case study. It’s work, Anna.’
‘Okay.’ Anna wanted to believe him, but couldn’t help having doubts. ‘Was there any problem with the Academy Director about my leaving the course?’ she asked hesitantly.
‘You kidding? I told him how you helped solve the Mandy Anderson case, which absolutely blew him away. Then when I explained your reasons for returning to the UK, he was totally understanding and said you were welcome back to complete the course whenever you want.’
‘That’s very kind of him,’ Anna said.
‘He’s also sending a letter of appreciation to your Commissioner.’
Anna felt both humbled and honoured, but what she really wanted to ask Don was if he and Beth were at the cabin.
‘So, whatever happens, the good news is I will get to be with you for ten weeks when you come out on the next course.’
Anna heard that comment with mixed emotions; more than anything she wanted to be with Don Blane but she feared that he had lost no time in finding a replacement. She had instantly taken a dislike to Beth Jackson when they had met at the Academy and she couldn’t help but think that Beth wanted more than just help on her case. However, Anna knew she was still very tired and was unsure if she was thinking clearly. She wanted to trust Don, and to believe that what they had started was real.
‘It’s been a really hectic time since I got back. Virtually everything you said has been right so far, but I wish you were here right now so we could bounce ideas off each other,’ Anna said quietly, but couldn’t help but feel there was a massive distance between them.
‘I’m always here for you, Anna, twenty-four seven, you know that,’ Blane said in his natural comforting way.
When Anna didn’t reply he continued, ‘What did you want to bounce off of me anyway?’
Anna gave a quick synopsis of all the developments since she had returned to London and Blane listened intently.
‘You must be exhausted. I should let you get some sleep,’ Blane said, and Anna feared it was a ruse to avoid talking to her any further and get back to Beth Jackson.
‘No, I’m fine. Do you need to go for some reason?’ she asked, dreading a ‘yes’ answer.
‘No, not at all, I’m really interested in everything.’
Somewhat relieved, Anna continued, ‘I can prove an association between Samuel and Gloria by calls made from Marisha’s house and mobile phones, the majority made during the day and night of Josh Reynolds’ death.’
‘Well done, you must be pleased.’
‘Yes, but I’m still waiting for the results from Gloria’s phones. If she was calling Marisha’s numbers then she’s slipped up and will have to answer some serious questions.’ Anna grew edgy, as she was certain she could hear Beth Jackson in the background asking him something.
‘So that’s me up to date. How are things with you?’ she asked.
Blane told Anna that after he left her at the airport he went back to the Academy to do some in-depth research on sociopaths and it was quite disturbing.
‘I don’t mean to put a downer on things, Anna, but you need to tread warily with Gloria.’
Anna detected concern in his voice. ‘Don’t worry, Don, after her performance today I think I’ve got the measure of her. She was taking the bait and reacting to it.’
‘I don’t want to sound negative but you need to understand that things may not be quite what they seem.’
‘That’s an understatement where Gloria’s concerned, isn’t it?’ Anna countered, not quite sure what he was referring to.
‘Gloria’s reactions could be deliberate and she may actually be getting the measure of YOU,’ Blane said seriously.
Anna was taken aback. ‘Well thanks for the vote of confidence, Don. I appreciate your concern but you’ve never met Gloria and I have.’
Now he sounded irritated. ‘That’s the thing, Anna, I am concerned. You’ve only met Gloria twice and it’s impossible to get the measure of someone like her that quickly.’