‘Yes, where are you?’
‘We’re near to Scotty’s house now because Cain’s partner’s phone pinged within a one-mile radius of it and we’re searching the area.’
‘It could have been accidental; he might have tried to pull the blade out in a panic. It doesn’t mean he’s a killer.’
Morgan’s throat was so dry she felt as if it was closing up. ‘I guess we won’t know until we question him. Thanks. Don’t mention this to anyone until I’ve talked with Ben, is that okay?’
Wendy grunted and the line went dead.
Morgan walked back to where Ben and Madds were standing, and she shared with Ben what Wendy had just revealed.
Ben asked Madds. ‘Where’s Scotty, is he around?’
Madds shrugged. ‘You tell me, is he ever around when he’s supposed to be? He’ll be skiving somewhere.’
‘Can you get hold of him for me? I wanted to ask him a favour.’
Madds stared at Ben. ‘Ask him yourself.’
‘It’s complicated.’
‘Really, like how complicated?’
Ben took him to one side, and Morgan knew he was reluctant to share this information with Madds, who was a gossip at times, but she also knew they were running out of time. By the jaw-dropping expression on Madds’s face and the burst oflaughter, he wasn’t convinced that Scotty could be involved in the murders, which didn’t help matters.
She repeated the news that Wendy had just given her in little more than a whisper.
Madds was shaking his head. ‘You’re joking me. Scotty? The world’s laziest copper is the mastermind behind these killings, and could have abducted Cain’s partner. Have a word with yourself, Ben, it’s not even feasible and if there’s a print on the blade that belongs to him then there is probably a good reason for that. He might have tried to remove it then thought better of it.’
‘Can you be discreet for once? I agree but Morgan has a hunch and we can’t discount a fingerprint.’
Madds turned to look at her and rolled his eyes. ‘You’re both as crazy as a box of frogs.’
He called out Scotty’s collar number over the airwaves, twice, before Scotty’s voice answered.
‘Yes, Sarge.’
‘What’s your current location? We need a hand with a missing persons search.’
‘I’ve just nipped home to grab some bait. Where are you? I missed it.’
Morgan stared at Ben, her eyes wide, and mouthed. ‘We need to search his house.’
Ben shook his head, and she wasn’t sure why he was having such a hard time with all of this when the facts were blatantly obvious. She took out her phone, worried for Lisa, and messaged her.
Hey, trying to find Scotty to discuss a job but he’s skiving. Are you at home by any chance? Is he there?
Three dots appeared immediately.
There’s a surprise.
Followed by a rolling eyes emoji and a laughing face.
I’m at my sisters in Barrow for a few days, she had a baby, so I brought the boys with me to help out. No idea where he is. Should I message him?
No, it’s fine. Not that important, I’ll catch hold of him later. Thanks, Lisa.
She tucked the phone back into her pocket. ‘Ben, Scotty is home alone. Lisa and the boys are out of town for a couple of days, which gives him the perfect opportunity.’
