66 Two weeks later
‘And it’s definitely Buryakov?’ Hawes asked, already knowing the answer but hoping it might all just be a horrible mistake.
‘Afraid so,’ Culverhouse replied. ‘What’s left of him, anyway. On the plus side, we don’t need to worry about a trial and there’s no way he’ll be running any more s*x trafficking rings.’
Hawes shook his head. ‘They’ll just find someone else to do their dirty work for them. There are always more than enough people who think they can earn a few quick quid by bending the rules. Good news is they’re unlikely to try setting up in Mildenheath again, anyway. I’ll make sure neighbouring forces are aware of what’s been going on.’
Culverhouse shuffled awkwardly. ‘I might leave out the bit about the stakeout if I were you.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Hawes replied, s
