Beyond Evidence (23 page)

Forty Eight

One month after the wedding

Preston closed the file that was stamped, ‘Ross Turner' and pushed it aside. He sighed a relieved sigh and looked across the desk at Patrick. "Case closed. Ross Turner is dead and all the evidence that we gathered from the materials Jodie handed to us from the flat proves that he was the only person involved in the murders."

Patrick nodded.
"You're giving me good cause to go out and buy a very expensive bottle of champagne Preston, thank you. Although, I still don't think there is cause for celebration, four women have died because of him. If anything we should have a drink in their honour."

Lang was stood beside Preston. He nodded and said, "I don't disagree with that."

"At least we can now rest and know that he cannot cause anymore grief to any other families, including yours," Preston said to Patrick.

"Speaking of
family, how was the wedding?" Lang asked.

"It was perfect and just what we needed after everything that has happened."

Lang smiled and sat down on the chair next to Preston. "Should we tell him now?"

Patrick knitted his eyebrows.
"Tell me what?"

Preston opened the drawer to his right and slid a brown envelope across the table which had Patrick's name on it.

"What's this?" he asked curiously.

"It's a contract," Lang replied.

"The boss was so impressed with what you helped us to achieve Patrick. We had no leads and you led us right to him, yeah OK, it took a little time and a lot of convincing on Lang's part," he rolled his eyes, "but you really pulled through for the case."

Patrick looked down at the envelope and then back to Preston and Lang. "So what are you saying?"

"We're saying the boss wants you on our team. He has had a contract drawn up that has certain policies and stipulations in place. It states that you will work with us on murder inquiries, missing person cases and generally cases like we have just seen. Your title will be specialist liaison officer and you will work with any officers within this region who need your assistance. All you have to do is sign." Lang said.

Patrick laughed.
"Lang, I would have thought you would want rid of me after the case was closed."

Lang stood up and walked around the table to Patrick's side. "Well, if I could have it my way." he said sarcastically. "No, seriously I am holding my hands up. You did a great job." Lang held out his hand and Patrick shook it.

Preston rested his hands behind his head and gently swirled his chair from left to right. "So, what do you say Patrick, are you in?"