Shot of Silence (Justice Again Book 3) by M Comley (the unexpected everything .txt) 📕

“Honest truth? Very poorly. We’ve been forced to resuscitate him several times already. I believe we’ve got him stable, for now. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I think you should prepare yourselves for the worst.”

“What? Why? What injuries does he have?” Jo clutched her mother’s hand.

“We’re sending him down to the theatre. X-rays show he has a bullet lodged close to his heart. It will need to be removed before we can assess him further. It’s going to be a tough operation.”

“How long will the operation take, Doctor?” Charlie asked.

“Could be an hour, it might even be six or eight. There’s no telling until we open him up and see the damage that has been caused. I need to go now.”

Charlie nodded. “Thank you for keeping us informed. Please, do your best for him.”

“Of course. Once he’s been operated on, I’ll get someone to come and advise you of the outcome.”

After he left, they all stared at each other. Jo was the first to crack, her strong resolve crumbling. Sue comforted her, and Charlie went in search of coffee.

She returned with three cups and distributed them. “Please, you need to have faith in the surgeon. It’s the only way you’re going to get through this, Jo.”

“I know. It’s the thought of him lying there, all alone. None of this makes sense.”

Sue pointed at Charlie. “You shouldn’t be here, you should be out there trying to find him.”

Charlie couldn’t argue, Sue was right. That wasn’t how Roberts wanted to play this, though, so her hands were tied.

Another couple of hours dragged by until the doctor returned to share the news. “They’ve successfully removed the bullet. He’s on his way to intensive care. You’re welcome to visit him now.”

“Thank you, Doctor, that’s good news,” Charlie replied on behalf of Jo and Sue who were hugging each other tightly.

Charlie’s mind whirled. If Ben was on his way to ICU, he needed to have a guard placed outside. She decided to call Roberts from the hallway.

He barked a hello down the phone.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir, it’s Charlie.”

“I’m aware of that. Are you at home?”

“No, at the hospital still. Ben’s had surgery to remove a bullet close to his heart. I was wondering if we could put an armed guard on his door, sir, in light of what has already happened this evening.”

“Oh, you were, were you? No can do. A uniformed officer will suffice. Get it organised with the desk sergeant.”

“As you wish. Sorry to bother you, sir.” Charlie ended the call and stared at the damn phone. It appeared to heat up in her hand the longer she stared at it. What the fuck! This is so wrong.

Her mind made up, she didn’t bother ringing the station. Instead, she led the ladies up to ICU and sat outside the unit for the rest of the night. No one would get past her, she was adamant about that.

11

Katy got on the road early that morning, eager to get to work and see how the investigation had progressed overnight. She’d received a text at around eleven from Charlie, telling her she would remain at the hospital to ensure that Ben stayed safe, in case Boyd got wind of him being the sole survivor. Pride puffed out her chest. She was proud to have Charlie as her partner. She wished her well again for what lay ahead of the young DC and told her to call her after she’d left the exam.

I hope she doesn’t flunk it after not sleeping all night. What a committed copper she is.

Roberts was the first to join her in the incident room.

“Hello, sir. How’s it going?”

“Fine. Glad to have you back. I’ll leave you to it.” He turned and walked towards the door. “Sorry, how rude of me. How’s Georgie?”

“I called the hospital first thing. They said she was a lot chirpier than she has been. AJ left at the same time as I did to be with her.”

“You have a good man on your hands there, Katy. Be kind to him.”

Katy frowned. “Meaning what?”

“Meaning don’t go taking him for granted, either now or in the future.”

“Excuse me? Since when does showing up at work give you the right to give me advice on my personal relationship? May I remind you of your position, sir? Divorced and living on microwave meals for one.”

“Nasty retort. I didn’t mean anything by my comment, only warning you what could happen in the future if you take your eye off the ball.”

“I see. I’m glad we cleared that up,” Katy snapped back. She stormed into her office and slammed the door hard enough for it to rattle in the doorframe for a few seconds after impact. Jesus, what a frigging nerve. As if I haven’t got enough shit to deal with right now. How dare he!

She sat at her desk and sorted through the letters Roberts had placed into different piles. He couldn’t even do that right. All the piles were jumbled up, only adding to her foul mood.

Karen knocked on the door with a cup of coffee ten minutes later. “Good to have you back, boss. Anything I can do to help?”

“Thanks for the coffee. No, I’ll be out in a sec, after I’ve put these in the right places. Is everyone here?”

“Yes, all present and correct, except for Charlie. I hope things go well for her today.”

“Me, too. She was at the hospital all night, guarding another victim. I’ll tell you all about it in a few moments.”

“No. That’s dreadful. Poor Charlie. I’ll leave you to it.”

Katy smiled and put her head down once more. The phone rang, disturbing her when she was halfway through her task. “DI Katy Foster, how can I help?”

“I think I’ve been put through to the right person. This is Reverend Davison from St Bart’s Church on Croft Road.”

Katy’s interest piqued at the name of the road. “I see. What can I do for you,