Echoes in the Woods by Georgina Scott (ebook reader web txt) 📕

“We appreciate you putting yourself forward Chief Inspector, however, we feel this task will be better suited under someone with experience. Also, the individual we have in mind worked within Serious Crime at the London Metropolitan Police as a Detective and is highly specialised within this field and we are very lucky to have her, Chief Inspector Suzanne Jenson,” said the commissioner.

“Inspector Rankin, we want the both of you to work together on this but Chief Inspector Jenson will take the lead,” said the chief super.

Hearing her name, made him cringe inside. If memory served him correctly, she was extremely attractive, long brunette hair, slim, fit and very sexy. His advancements towards her came to nothing. She was a sergeant back then and didn’t play like the other females.

“Yes, sirs. When we will be expecting her?” he replied.

“She is already en route, so probably the next two to three hours,” said the Chief Super. He tried to hide the dread that appeared all over his face. “I take it there isn’t going to be any problems or issues, Chief Inspector Rankin?” the Chief Super asked directly, staring at him.

“No, sir, no issues or problems,” said Chief Inspector Rankin.

“Very well, you have a lot to do. We will let you get on, and I want daily reporting chief inspector and nothing is released to the press unless I specifically approve it,” said the Chief Super, with the Commissioner nodding like a lapdog.

With that Chief Inspector Rankin left the office deflated, his ego just clinging on to the soles of his feet. He headed to the male toilets and washed his face. Looking in the mirror, he said to himself, “C’mon Peter, pull yourself together. It’s been ten years.” He took a pee and washed his hands, then headed back to his office.

When he opened the door, a second desk and computer had already been delivered. Great, he thought. His office was big enough to fit two more desks but he liked the space and now it has been invaded. A coffee machine was another new addition to his office. He turned around scratching his head, growling under his breath.

***

Suzanne Jenson arrived at the station at approximately 3:45 pm. She was in uniform, her hair pulled back into a bun. She wore no makeup; her nails were freshly manicured which showed off her sparkling engagement ring. The reaction was always the same when she arrived at a new station; the men couldn’t do enough to help her and gave her all the attention in the world. The women, on the other hand, weren’t as forthcoming and it always took a while for them to become friendly.

“Can I help you, ma’am?” said the Sergeant on the desk.

“Yes, I am Chief Inspector Jenson; the chief super is expecting me,” she replied.

“We have been expecting you, ma’am, if you can sign the register and I will get someone to escort you,” said the sergeant.

“Thank you,” she replied.

Making her way up to the chief super’s office, memorising the layout as she went. The building was relatively new, completed three years ago and with a gymnasium and cafeteria which looked out onto its own green space and was fully enclosed, which pleased her. The super’s office was situated on the fourth floor. She was impressed with how modern it looked. She could have taken the lift, but wanted to walk and to get to the layout and know her way around.

On reaching the super’s office, she said hello to his secretary. “He is waiting for you, go straight in,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you,” replied Inspection Jenson.

Inspector Jenson tapped on the door and entered.

“Suzanne, how the devil are you?” said the chief super getting up from his desk, making his way over to her.

“Hello Simon, yes, it’s been a while, how is the family? How is Kate?” she said, with a beaming smile.

“Fine, all is fine and dandy. We have just celebrated our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary in Alaska, of all places, it was her idea she wanted to go somewhere cold,” he said, rolling his eyes with a little chuckle.

“Well, she definitely got what she wanted and congratulations I am really chuffed for you both,” she replied.

“Come, come sit down. Coffee is already waiting for you and I take it you are still partial for the old Ginger Nut. See I remembered,” he said.

“Did you really remember or was it Kate that reminded you? Spill, ’cos you know I will ask her,” she said, all comical.

“Okay, I surrender, it was Kate, but let’s talk shop. I am sorry to get in touch with you under these terrible circumstances. However, we need someone with your experience and expertise on this,” he said, sipping his coffee.

“What do you have for me? I hear from the news on the radio that a body has been found in woodland,” she said.

“Six children to be precise,” he said

“Six? Did you say six children? Oh my God, Simon!” she said, totally shocked, bringing her hands to her face.

“You will also be working alongside Inspector Rankin but you have overall jurisdiction and control, we have put you in the same office as him, as well,” he said. Seeing her reaction sent a cold chill up through his body, seeing she wasn’t happy.

“I take it he is aware I am coming on board?” she said.

“Yes, and I saw him grimace; any problems, you come straight to me, ok,” he said.

“Ok,” she replied finishing her coffee.

***

She made her way down to the third floor, again, walking and taking the stairs rather than the lift. She finally arrived at what would be her office for the next coming months. Peter sat at his desk typing away. “Hello Peter,” she said, with a smile walking over to her desk.

“Hello Suzanne,” he replied, sitting back in his chair folding his hands behind his head.

She could feel his eyes on her, watching her every move, which made her cringe. Come on girl,