Chapter 6

Early afternoon, nearing the end of a long shift, Clive’s phone rang. It was his work phone, as that was the only one he was allowed to carry inside the company’s secure area. The caller’s number was withheld but, since the only people who had his number were connected with his work, he elected to answer it. “Hello, Clive Holmes speaking.”

“Hello,” said Jane. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” admitted Clive. “Thank you for posting a copy of the paperwork, although I wish you’d been able to deliver it in person.”

“Me too. I can’t talk for long because I’m in a meeting break. The Caroline Whittingham story is breaking and the shit’s really hitting the fan. I drove back from Yorkshire this morning and straight away got hauled into a damage limitation meeting.”

In the background, Clive heard a man call out, “Ronni, we’re about to resume.”

A muffled version of Jane’s voice answered, “I’ll be right with you.”

Then, back to clarity, Jane’s voice resumed her phone conversation with Clive. “Watch tonight’s nine o’clock news if you can. We did good.”

“Thanks. Hope to see you soon,” replied Clive.

“You too. Bye.”

Clive deduced Ronni was another of Jane’s identities. He wondered how many more she had.

That evening, Clive turned on his TV in time for the nine o’clock news. Following the usual dismal political and economic news, anchorman Javid Ramprahan introduced a change of topic. “And now we head for the quiet South Yorkshire village of Bishops Kirkby where, ten years ago, Caroline Whittingham, a student and barmaid at the Tinker Belle public house, set off on her fifteen minute walk home after her shift and was never seen again. On the scene is roving reporter Noella Clarke. Noella, what can you tell us about the breaking story?”

The mixed race reporter responded, “Earlier today a police spokesman revealed that new information had led to a body being found in a shallow grave not far from here. It hasn’t yet been identified but they’re expecting it to be that of Caroline Whittingham. A forty-five year old former employee of the Tinker Belle public house has since been taken into custody for questioning in connection with her disappearance.

“Earlier today I spoke to Caroline’s parents, who still live in the village.”

There followed a taped interview with Caroline’s parents who expressed the hope that if their daughter weren’t still alive, that her body had finally been found so they could have some certainty.

The Javid Ramprahan then returned to Noella Clarke. “Noella, I understand there’s been another surprising story breaking.”

“Yes, Javid. In another breaking local news story, it’s just been announced that Deputy Chief Constable Angela McKechnie has been suspended for unspecified reasons. There’s no suggestion of any connection with the discovery of the body in the Caroline Whittingham case, but a source has revealed that Angela McKechnie was in charge of the original investigation. Colleagues describe Deputy Chief Constable Angela McKechnie as being a hard-working and conscientious career police officer.”

“Thank you Noella,” said Javid. “We’ll provide updates on our rolling news channel as more information becomes available.”

Clive couldn’t help give a smile of satisfaction. It looked as though Jane had adroitly navigated the political minefield presented by the case. He was glad Jane, or Ronni, or whatever her real name was, on his side. And he hoped she would now have some free time to come and visit him again.