She hands out a document. ‘It’s code black,’ she says, leaning back. ‘Take a minute to digest.’The report makes grim reading: outlining the latest intelligence regarding the simmering unrest surrounding the murder of Jadus Golding.‘Of course, we could be in there like that’ – Beverley Strong clicks her fingers – ‘if I gave the nod, but we are already distrusted in our community, even though we are straining every sinew to save it from itself. This is the status quo. We run to stand still, so you will understand my loathing of surprise. Especially surprises from within.’ She gives Pennington a long, withering look and puckers her mouth.Pennington addresses Staffe and Josie, says, ‘I can’t tell you how grave this matter has become and I want you to know, before I even get started, that neither of you will go within a country mile of Jasmine Cash or Brandon Latymer. If you see them in Tescos, I expect you to drop your bastard baskets and run for the door.’Beverley Strong says, ‘Part of the problem is you have allowed yourself to become so inextricably entwined with DS Pulford’s fate.’Pennington sips from his glass of water.
