Stan held out a ham and coleslaw sandwich. ‘Peace offering.’
He grinned at Cain, who shook his head, still annoyed, but took it off him anyway because he was starving.
‘So, what are we on with after this?’ Stan asked.
‘Back to the station, Ben messaged to say to meet him there.’
TWENTY-EIGHT
Morgan was consumed with reading the YouTube comments on Crystal Yolanda, Lynsey Williams’s last vlog when Cain and Stan barged in. Cain launched a cheese savoury sandwich at her, which she deftly caught despite not looking up.
‘Get you, that was a great catch. Remind me to sign you up for the next rounders match.’
This made her look him straight in the eye. ‘I’ve told you before, if you sign me up for that, I’ll take your head off with a rounders bat. I mean it, Cain.’
He laughed loudly. ‘Chill, Brookes, I know you’re allergic to exercise.’
‘Got a death wish today, Cain?’ She was smiling sweetly at him despite the threat.
He shook his head. ‘Not me, but Stan here has. He’s been very rude to me in the car, so it’s only by the grace of God that he’s still breathing.’
Morgan looked in Stan’s direction. He didn’t seem bothered by Cain. She wanted to talk through her ideas about Scotty, but not to these two. She’d have to wait until Ben got back.
The door flew open and in rushed Ben, pushing it shut behind him.
‘Is he here?’ He was breathing heavy.
‘Is who here?’ asked Morgan.
‘Bigfoot.’
Cain and Stan both groaned loudly, but Morgan had no idea what any of them were on about.
‘Bigfoot?’
He nodded, looked at the sandwich on her desk and picked it up, peeling the corner of it open. ‘Are you eating this, can I have half? I’m starving.’
‘Who is Bigfoot?’
‘Marc’s cover whilst he’s away, real pain in the arse. The only saving grace is he’s retiring in a few weeks, so hopefully it won’t be for long. He left before me, I thought he’d be here by now.’
‘Nobody has been in except for those two.’ She pointed at Cain and Stan.
‘Well, just keep your fists clenched, and your mouth shut, he’s very outspoken and it’s easier for us if we don’t argue with him too much. If you have anything for me, tell me first, okay? Don’t tell him because he’s not running this investigation no matter what he thinks. He’s not coming in here and taking over like he has done with others in the past.’
The door opened and all four of them turned to stare at the guy who had to duck his head to get inside without hitting it on the frame. Ben stuffed half of the sandwich into his mouth.
‘So, this is where the infamous Rydal Falls supercops hangout then. Have to say, it’s not as glamorous as your reputation.’ He was staring directly at Morgan, who dead-eyed him, not saying a word.
‘DI John Wilde.’
Morgan realised this was purely for her benefit as the others all seemed to know him. She nodded. ‘Morgan Brookes.’
He strode towards her, holding out the biggest hand she’d ever seen, and she took it and shook, if brief but firm. It dwarfedher hand as he pumped hers up and down. Then he looked at Stan.
‘Has Ben told you the plan?’
‘No, boss, just got here myself.’
