Before long they were in place. Looking down, Harwood could see Helen’s bike parked outside the squat opposite. Charlie had already entered it—the people living there had confirmed that Ella Matthews lived at the very top of the building. Across the way, Tactical Support was now in place and searching for their quarry.
“What’ve you got?” Harwood demanded, her nerves jangling.
“Two females.”
“Grace?”
“And another.”
“What’s happening?”
A long pause.
“I can’t see. They are kind of locked together. It’s hard to get a good angle from here.”
“There’s nowhere else to go, so work with it. Can you see a weapon?”
“Negative.”
“Can you get a clear shot?”
“Negative.”
“Well, what the fuck can you give me?”
“You want to be hauled up in front of the IPCC, be my guest,” the irritated sniper replied. “But I can’t get a clear shot and I’m not doing anything until I can. You know better, then take over, please.”
He spat the words out without once looking up, his vision locked on the drama playing out across the road. Harwood scowled inwardly. She knew he was right, but it didn’t make it any better. She had staked a lot on this investigation and it had to turn out right.
What the fuck was going on in there?
118
Helen refused to drop her gaze. Ella was virtually eyeball to eyeball with her. Helen could smell her rank breath, could feel the cold steel of the knife pressing against her leg. Still Ella refused to relinquish it.
“Why do you want to save me, Helen?” Ella asked suddenly.
“Because I think you’ve been wronged. Because I think the world owes you.”
“You think I’m good?” A snarl came and went in her voice.
“Iknowyou’re good.”
Ella smiled bitterly.
“Well, then, you listen to me. I want you to know something.”
She was about to speak, then paused, distracted by a sudden squeak from the living room. A board creaking. Helen knew immediately that they had company. Charlie? Tony? Tactical Support? Helen wanted to scream at them to stay the fuck away, but she stayed stock-still, not breaking eye contact, not breathing. Ella hesitated for a second, then leaned in closer.
“I don’t regret it, Helen. Whatever I say afterward, I wantyouto know. I don’t regret a single thing.”
Helen said nothing. Ella’s pupils were dilated, her breathing unsteady.
“Those men... those hypocrites... theydeservedto be exposed,” she continued. “They were happy enough to flaunt their wedding rings, play the husband and father. They weren’t so happy to be seen with girls likeme. Well, I changed all that. I showed them up for what they really are. Sometimes the world needs a wake-up call, right?”
She looked at Helen fiercely for a moment; then the fire seemed to die in her eyes.
“But I want to do right by Amelia. So I’m going to trust you. Can I trust you, Helen?”
