Sant grabbed it in double quick time. ‘Sometimes, you know, I imagine us in a stress-free working relationship.’
She was about to reply when a call came through. Hardaker’s voice piped up instantly.
‘A Renault Megane matching Benn’s has been spotted by a farmer. Abandoned off Gelderd Road. We’re heading there now but you’re closer. I’ll get a civvy to text the exact location.’
‘Have you got back-up?’ Appleyard queried.
Muffled conversation finally gave way to a resumption of the Chiefman’s precise tones.
‘Assembling a team may take longer than normal,’ Hardaker replied. ‘We’re short on scenes-of-crime personnel as many of them are responding to the other incident.’
‘At Benn’s house?’ she asked.
‘Correct.’
Sant twisted his head to speak into the phone. ‘Is Gilligan with you?’
‘Yes.
