Stephen Hazel stared blankly at his computer screen like a writer with writer's block. He just couldn't do anything. He knew what to do, he had the name, the search engine was up, but not matter how hard he tried there was no focus, no enthusiasm. He knew he still wasn't well, but with Gemma in a far worse state, Hazel counted himself lucky. But, even that did not help him. Hazel hung his head only to hiss again in pain. He couldn't let Hathaway down again, no way! He entrusted him to assist him on this case which will also help his Inspector's assessment. He was aware that Hathaway had words with Bright about him taking up a case, especially when the last one backfired so spectacularly; and although it wasn't his fault, Hazel could not help but kick himself constantly for not speaking up when he knew what to say, what to do. The young sergeant looked over at Gemma's empty desk and began to think about her. He wondered whether it would be a good idea to go down to London to see her once this case was solved. Her mother gave him her number to call and told him he would be welcome anytime. Hazel then remembered how much he reminded her of someone and he couldn't help but wonder whether it was the person Gemma mentioned. A soft rap on the window got his attention and he sat up straight as Bright walked in. She gave Hazel a look of concern and pulled up a rogue chair and settled it opposite him on the other side of his desk. She sat down and wondered what he was up to. Hazel told her and she nodded.
"Stephen… You are in no fit state to work…"
"Ma'am, I will be okay…"
"You and I both know that isn't the case." Hazel sighed heavily and his eyes dropped to the floor. "The doctor did not pass you with a clean bill of health, Stephen. I only signed it because I know you are fed up of seeing the four walls of your bedroom." Hazel's eyes rose to look at her. He saw the kind look on Bright's face, but knew he had to carry on.
"Ma'am, I will be fine. Thank you for your concern."
"All right, but what I said to you this morning stands, okay?" She smiled and Hazel nodded. Bright stood up and placed the chair back where she found it. She noticed the plastic bag with the red dress by Hathaway's desk but didn't dwell on it. She looked once more at Hazel before leaving.
Hazel decided to get a move on and typed the name on the piece of paper into the search engine. To his dismay, more than one result came up. Hazel grabbed his pad of paper and a pen and began to jot down some of the results.
The waves of the river splashed onto the banks as the punters gradually made their way along the water in both directions. You could hear the tour guides tell stories of the city, introducing the colleges along the way and the history behind them. You also had private punters, albeit drunk, trying to weave their way past the others rather hysterically with the majority falling in to laughter and applause by the others.
Caroline stared at the Bridge of Sighs from her position on the next bridge and noticed people walking along the corridors inside. She remembered her time when she used to do that, when her first room as a fresher was adjacent to it. She didn't mean not to reply to Hathaway, but she just wanted to be alone. She fiddled with her engagement ring and bracelet and looked to the sky as if she was asking her mother for help, for guidance. A nudge on the arm forced her to look and she nearly cried when she saw the person next to her. Comforting arms came around her and she held the person tightly, trying her best not to cry. She felt a hand stroke her hair and as she looked at her comforter, her hair was cleared from her face and a soft pair of lips caressed her forehead, the feeling making Caroline close her eyes. A strong, but protective arm came across her shoulders and they walked off together across the bridge and down a path, passing the banks where people had gathered to take a break and watch the punters go by.
Hathaway walked back into the station and towards his office, his strides brisk but easy going. He passed Bright's office and expected her to call him, but to his pleasure, he heard nothing. He continued on his journey, his opened office door in sight. He was going to make it… He knew he was going to make it. But, just as he stepped one foot in the doorway…
"James, a word please!" Hathaway closed his eyes having come so near and faked a smile as he turned.
"Ma'am," he greeted pleasantly as he saw the familiar figure of Bright standing in front of him.
"Take your shades off, James. You are not auditioning for the next James Bond. You may share the same Christian name, but that's as far as it goes."
"Ma'am." Hathaway did as was told. Bright walked ahead of him into his office and Hathaway followed. He was a bit surprised to find Hazel not at his desk.
"I've sent him home," she replied before Hathaway had a chance to ask. "He wasn't feeling too well. Don't worry, he will be back tomorrow." She leaned over to pick up the pad of paper. "He did what you asked him to before he left." Hathaway took the pad from her and walked to his desk. The pad made a hollow thud as it hit the surface. His path was blocked by the plastic bag and he picked it up and chucked it on the other side of his chair before sitting down.
"What do I owe the pleasure, ma'am?" Hathaway eventually asked trying not to sound irritated. Bright walked over and stood by a filing cabinet nearby. She watched Hathaway closely like a hawk and didn't like his attitude.
"This case you are on, what can you tell me about it so far?"
"Ma'am?" Hathaway sighed in annoyance. He wished for once she wouldn't interfere.
"I am asking you a direct question, Detective Inspector Hathaway. I would appreciate an answer." Bright did not raise her voice, but her tone spoke volumes. Hathaway, his right leg crossed across his left, bent at the knee looked directly at her. He sighed again, closing his eyes briefly, and he sat up straight.
"Aurora got hold of her dental records," he began. "The body is completely decomposed I doubt she will be able to find out much else." He leaned forwards to hand over the paper Aurora gave him. Bright took it and read it quietly to herself.
"Have the next of kin been informed?"
"Not yet, ma'am. The reason being is that I recognise the name, but I want to be sure before I get Hazel to call."
"One of your past cases, you think?" Bright handed the paper back over.
"I'm not sure, ma'am. That is why I want to be sure." Hathaway threw the paper to the side. "I asked Hazel to research for me."
"I see." Bright noticed the bag. Hathaway took note and glanced at it. "How is Caroline, James?"
"She's fine," Hathaway replied not giving anything away. Bright nodded knowing him all too well. She leaned off the cabinet and walked past him.
"Don't leave it too long, James," she said.
"Yes, ma'am." Hathaway watched as Bright left and leaned back in his chair, his head raised to look at the ceiling. But as he stared, his thoughts went awry and he leaned forward to thump his fist on the desk. He looked again at the red dress and took out his phone from his suit jacket pocket. "Caroline, it's me. Please call when you can." He chucked his phone on top of the pad of paper and looked at the empty office. Just like his personal life, his working life was beginning to cast him as a loner.
The moon rose over Oxford lighting up the dark sky. The city centre was still quite busy with locals breezing in and out of the bars and restaurants. A drunken couple, obviously meeting at the mentioned establishments, staggered through the streets laughing and howling at the top of their voices. They turned a corner into a park and straight away, the male pushed the woman up against a tree. He began kissing her, quite badly, but they were both in a state not to care. The woman began to lift the shirt up from her companion and likewise he her dress. He suddenly turned her round so her back was to him and he reached to pull down her lower undergarment. Before he could even get started, the woman's eyes widened, what she witnessed a complete and utter sobering moment and she began to scream. The male looked in the direction she was pointing at and he shakily reached for his phone.
Hathaway was lying in bed on his front sleeping. His blond hair was a mess and his mouth was slightly open. It wasn't a pleasant sight, but he had grown so accustomed to sleeping on his own now, he began to make the most of it. He was sprawled diagonally across the bed, his left leg on top of the duvet, his boxers in full view as was his naked back. He was in the middle of a deep sleep, so much so that he didn't hear his mobile phone go off. The ringtone stopped and the silence was crudely interrupted by the ringing of the house phone, the display of the cordless on the side table coming to life. Hathaway snorted suddenly, his breath catching which sent him into a short coughing fit. He turned his head wondering where the noise was coming from and realising it was from the cordless phone, picked up the handset.
"Hathaway…" he answered groggily. He reached over and fumbled for the lampshade switch and he nearly groaned as the bright light shone into his half-opened eyes. "Yeah, yeah, okay. Where?" Once he was told and the line went dead, Hathaway fumbled to place the phone back on its charging cradle. He looked at the time on his phone's display and groaned. He forced himself out of bed taking the covers with him and he dragged his feet to the door, grabbing a pair of jeans and a jumper nearby.
Aurora didn't like what she was seeing and the photographer likewise. Not far away, the SOCO team were being busy finding evidence, the tall spotlights erected not far away aiding them. A couple of painted cars were parked by the roadside, the police cordon protecting the area. Hathaway's car slowly drove by. He parked next to one of the painted cars and got out, walking towards the scene, acknowledging the uniformed officers before lifting the blue and white tape above his head so he could walk through. Aurora meanwhile was jotting down notes on her clipboard, her head tilted to the side in contemplation.
"James," she said. Hathaway found it to be strange but equally fascinating how she could recognise him without looking.
"Doctor Aurora." He looked at the body and grimaced slightly. The stiff was partly clothed, the long hair obviously indicating she was female. Blood matted her back, arms and legs and there seemed to be signs of a beating judging by the bruising which were just making themselves visible. Her head was turned to the side, her eyes open. Hathaway watched as Aurora crouched down and cleared the hair away from the victim's face. She leaned over to take a look and gently closed the girl's eyes as a mark of respect.
"She was beaten… quite badly. The pupils of her eyes are blown. She was probably struck on the back of her head." Aurora stood up and she looked at Hathaway, eyeing him up and down.
"I hope you approve," he said a little arrogantly.
"I'm not Bright," Aurora replied. "You were called out of bed presumably."
"Yep." Hathaway walked over to the victim's feet and crouched down. He noticed some matter between her toes and called over one of the SOCO team. "Drowning?" he asked Aurora noticing the clothing the victim was wearing was slightly damp.
"I won't know until I do my bit," she replied. Hathaway walked over and stood beside her.
"You can't blame this on thrashing surely!"
"Don't be so facetious, James!" Aurora's tone made Hathaway grin. "I don't think this has any link to the first find. I think she was beaten, obviously, with other pursuits in mind."
"Sex game gone wrong?" Aurora rolled her eyes. She looked up at Hathaway not amused one bit.
"And how is your Caroline, James?" she asked. Before Hathaway had time to answer, a call from one of the SOCO team got their attention and they walked over towards him.
"I found this," he said holding up a heavy-duty evidence bag. Hathaway took it from him and held it up to the spotlight. It was a glass jar with what looked like coloured paint stained inside. He looked at Aurora and gave it back to the SOCO thanking him.
"If it is thrashing," Aurora said as they walked to the top of the bank. "Then you will need to sort this out with the university and quickly."
"I intend to. I don't want resources wasted on student antics." Aurora looked at Hathaway slightly impressed.
"Wait for my report. I will confirm it for you." Hathaway nodded and left the scene. As he got into his car, he felt his phone vibrate and he took his phone out. The message from Caroline sent him into the stratosphere and he quickly called her back, but again got her voicemail. Hathaway decided against leaving a message, fed up with the lack of replies. He felt like he was wasting his time, but each day made him grow more sick with worry. He knew Caroline like the back of his hand, but what she confessed to him that day in his father's back garden just added to the worry. Hathaway strapped himself in and turned the key in the ignition and shoved the gear into first before driving away.
The next morning, Bright gathered her teams around the evidence board in the incident room. She began the briefing getting updates from each and pointing out what needed to be done, places to go and things to investigate according to the different cases each team had. Hathaway, standing nearby against a wall, had a feeling that the two murders discovered recently were not isolated and that there would be perhaps more to come. He hoped secretly not though.
Hazel walked in looking slightly better. He decided to dress down slightly but made a point to hide the wound in his neck. Not that he needed to hide it from anyone, but there was still a sense of hidden pride, something he hated as he inherited that from his mother. He walked in virtually unnoticed and stood at the back of the room listening. He glanced at Hathaway as Bright continued with the briefing, giving further instructions to the various teams. Once she dismissed them, she nodded once at Hazel before leaving. The young sergeant ventured forward. Hathaway was looking at the board. Hazel decided to stop a few feet away.
"Feeling better, Hazel?"
"Yes, sir. Much better."
"Good." Hathaway turned. "There was another body found last night." He stepped aside so Hazel could take a closer look. He stood in front of the board analysing all the evidence so far.
"Another thrashing incident?" He looked at Hathaway who didn't answer, rather letting him decide. Hazel knew he was giving him another chance and went back to the board. He looked at all the pictures carefully, the jar evidence catching his attentions more. He stepped back to make one more overview and looked at Hathaway. "All evidence points to thrashing," he said. "But everyone knows it is more or less over now." He paused. "This may have been planted by the body to make us think it was thrashing."
"Is there anything that proves it wasn't?"
"Not sure, sir," Hazel replied. "We need to get the report back from Aurora before thinking otherwise. We also need to get the SOCO evidence report on what they found."
"Good." Hathaway was satisfied with the analysis. "I may have come across as being too harsh on you, Hazel." He looked at him. "I know it was too soon for me to expect you back, and I apologise if you felt pushed into a corner."
"Thank you, sir." Hazel knew this took a lot from Hathaway to say this to him. Maybe Bright had a word?
"Sir?" A young buck of a detective poked his head around the door.
"Mitch?" Hathaway looked at him.
"Pathology called. They want you both there sharpish."
"Cheers." As the detective left, Hazel took one more look at the board. Thoughts were going through his head as he followed Hathaway out.
Aurora once more looked up from her clipboard as both detectives walked inside. She didn't look very happy as she placed the clipboard on top of a ledge and walked towards them. Hazel didn't like the feeling this was giving him. He knew something was wrong. Hathaway looked straight at Aurora as she stood in front of him. Both detectives waited for her to speak.
"Your second victim was indeed drowned, but that wasn't the cause of death. As I thought she was battered across the back of her head. She was also subject to an assault just after." She paused. "Not sexual."
"Random?"
"No. Whoever did this knew what they were doing." She walked over to where she left the clipboard, picking it up and bringing it over. Hathaway glanced at Aurora as he read the report in front of him and passed the board over to Hazel, as always expressionless. The young detective read the first few lines to himself quietly and his facial expression spoke volumes. Aurora walked back over to the empty slab. "This will not be easy for her parents to accept, detectives," she told them. "I doubt they even know."
Hathaway looked at Aurora again. "What about the first victim?" he asked.
"That is different." She paused. "She had been dead for about a week, hence her being food for the animals. She was in good health from what her bones told me. Her teeth indicates she was a casual smoker, but nothing too major."
"A week?" Hazel looked up from the clipboard. "That means it was not thrashing."
"Doesn't look like it. I am releasing her remains as soon as her next of kin are notified."
Hazel walked out of pathology still with a million and one thoughts in his head. Hathaway followed him not long after and stopped on the top step to light up a cigarette. As he stood rather casually blowing out smoke after taking a drag, he observed Hazel as he stood by the car reading the report once again. He noticed the concentration on his face as he took in and absorbed each word. Hathaway took one final drag and stubbed out the rest of the cigarette, placing the remains into the compartment on the wall behind him. He blew out the last bits of smoke as he walked slowly down the steps.
"How can I break this to her parents, sir?" Hazel asked at a complete loss as Hathaway stood not far away in front of him. Hathaway again watched his young sergeant and shared his concern. Hazel gave the paper to him and turned his back, his head bowed. Hathaway read the report again and folded it up, placing it inside his pocket. Hazel walked round the back the car to the driver's side and opened the door getting inside. Hathaway said nothing as he got into the passenger's side. He closed the door and looked at Hazel.
"These things are never easy," he explained. "No matter how long you have been at this job for, these things are one of worst things we do." He suddenly stopped as he realised he sounded like Lewis. Hazel sighed and strapped himself in, turning the key in the ignition.
"Does it get easier, sir?" he asked innocently. But, Hathaway didn't reply. Hazel took that as a definitive answer as he pushed the handbrake down and slowly reversed, shoving the gear into first and slowly drove down the forecourt.
Clarissa stood with her back to the Magdalen Bridge and watched the traffic go by along the main road. The Botanical Gardens was directly opposite her. She was worried. Worried and frantic. This wasn't like her housemate. She knew she had her quirks, which the others treated her like she was strange and weird, but not Clarissa. They befriended each other during Fresher's Week when everyone crowded into the Student Union to queue for their cards and to find out more about the societies the university had to offer. Serena had trouble applying for her card and Clarissa, standing behind her in the queue, stepped in to help her out. They were both studying different subjects but made a plan to share a house during their second year. Clarissa also brought her own friends she made on her degree course and there started everything. Serena retreated and only spoke to Clarissa. Even when Brian moved in, she only spoke to him to wish him a good morning, afternoon or evening if it stretched that far. Brian, one of the university's top rugby players, empathised with her but also grew to find her irritating and weird. It wasn't the best of times for both girls, but Clarissa made sure she and Serena had their own time together as she knew Serena wanted to tell her everything.
Clarissa leaned off the bridge as she saw Brian walk out of the Gardens with a shake of the head. Clarissa's face fell and watched as Brian carefully crossed the road. She met up with him and he looked down at her.
"We have to find her, Bri," she said to him. "This is not like her."
"We will," Brian told her. "Come on. Let's meet up with the guys and see if we can think of other places she may have gone." He held her close and Clarissa nodded. Together, they walked across the bridge and down the path towards the river.
James Hathaway shut the door of his own vehicle and locked it. He was off duty and decided to pursue an extra-curricular activity. He had the plastic bag with the red dress in his hand. He made sure both sides of the road were clear before crossing. He walked inside a black painted iron gate and down the huge gravel driveway towards what was a grand looking establishment, which from the outside looked like a millionaire's mansion not dissimilar to those along The Bishop's Avenue in London. Hathaway reached a huge white door with two pillars on either side. There was a black brass door knocker and a buzzer on the wall. Hathaway decided on the latter and pressed it. A short wait followed. Hathaway introduced himself once asked and the latch on the door opened. He pushed the door and stepped inside closing it behind him.
Nell Hathaway watched Stephen Hazel as he was still deep in thought. They were sitting outside in her father's back garden. The evening was warm and perfect for socialising. Two plates of a finished meal were in front of them as well as two glasses and a bottle of red was in the middle between them. Nell, knowing the look on Hazel's face all too well, smiled but out of concern and refilled his glass. She placed the bottle carefully back down and reached over to hold his hand. Stephen looked at her upon feeling her touch and smiled.
"What's the matter?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," Hazel replied. He decided to think happy thoughts and took a sip of his wine. "Thank you for dinner," he said. "I didn't realise you were such a good cook."
Nell laughed softly. "Why, thank you." Hazel laughed a little and looked at her. He noticed the way she was looking at him and blushed, which Nell found adorable about him. Hazel looked at the garden around him. It offered him such tranquillity; a world away from it all. He felt Nell squeeze his hand a little tighter and once again looked at her. He lifted her hand up to kiss the palm before standing up to lean over to kiss her. Nell opened her eyes after savouring the kiss and gazed into Hazel's brown eyes. She smiled and kissed him again. Hazel gently touched her face as his lips met hers and he gently caressed her cheek with the side of his thumb. They both sat down and he took another sip of his wine. As Nell cleared the plates away and brought them back inside, Hazel found himself and his thoughts wandering… Wandering in the direction of London and a certain detective constable. He wondered how she was doing and if her recovery was going well. He then thought about their moment at the hospital and back at the station before everything happened when she rejected him and a feeling of guilt hit him hard. He looked up and watched as Nell got dessert ready and smiled as she came back outside. He stood up to give her a hand bringing the cake over to the table and offered to serve it. He liked Nell a lot, ever since they first met, but no matter what he still couldn't get Gemma out of his mind. But, who was this Martin? Nell once again noticed the look on Hazel's face and gently called his name. Hazel blinked and came back down again. He smiled at Nell and broke off a piece of the strawberry gateau with his fork. The sweetness of the cake made his face lit up and Nell grinned happy her experiment worked.
"I made it today," she told him. "I found an old recipe book from one of the cooks in the place where I grew up."
"This is amazing!" Hazel exclaimed, his mouth full.
"I'm glad you like it," Nell said with a smile. Hazel nodded enthusiastically and sliced himself another. "Do you have somewhere to go tonight?" she asked. Hazel stopped eating and looked at her. He shook his head with a smile and Nell nodded. "As long as James doesn't find out."
"I won't if you won't." They burst out laughing and Nell took up her glass of wine to take a sip. Hazel looked at her and realised how pretty she was in the sunlight. He ate some more of his cake, not realising he was gazing at her.
The next morning, Hathaway was at his desk making notes. It was a very warm day across the city and his office window was wide open. Hathaway typed a few more things and the results that came up surprised him somewhat. He quickly scribbled down some more notes and tore the paper from its bind, stuffing it into his pocket. He looked up as Hazel walked in. He watched as he took off his jacket flinging it on his desk before sitting down. It didn't take him two seconds to figure out he was nervous. Hathaway opened up his desk drawer and took out what looked like a notebook. He walked over the short distance to drop it in front of Hazel. The young detective looked up at Hathaway before picking it up.
"Sir?" he enquired.
"Just read it." Hathaway sat back down at his desk and watched as Hazel opened up the first page. He read the words quietly without any reaction before placing it back down on his desk face down. He looked up at Hathaway not knowing what to think.
"Are you sure?" he asked him.
"Positive." This didn't help Hazel's poor nerves. He took a deep breath before dragging the handset nearer him and picked up the receiver. As he spoke to the person on the other end, Hathaway looked back at his monitor pleased that it at least helped a little. An email alert got his attention and he sat up straight as he stared at it, the subject title concerning him more than anything. He picked up his mobile phone.
Hazel placed the receiver back down on the cradle and bowed his head in relief. He looked up about to call Hathaway's name only to see he was deep in hushed conversation. He picked up the book and resumed reading. It was a book of handwritten notes he assumed were by Hathaway detailing various things he learned since becoming a detective. His old boss's name was mentioned as well as the old super. He wondered how much Robert Lewis meant to him. By what was written it was a hell of a lot! Hazel placed the book back down as he heard Hathaway finishing his call and looking at him.
"They will come down tomorrow," he told him of the second victim's parents. "They will start the long drive down tonight."
"Keep it, Hazel," Hathaway said of the notebook before he had a chance to ask. "Will you be okay to talk to them tomorrow?" Hazel nodded. Hathaway stood up.
"I'm off for a couple of hours," he told him. "In case Bright asks, tell her it is to do with the first body."
"Really, sir?" Hazel didn't believe a word he said. Hathaway looked straight at him.
"Just… do as I say." He winked before leaving. Hazel smiled in amusement as Hathaway left. He picked up his mobile phone and saw a text message waiting for him. He looked at it and saw it was from Nell, thanking him for last night. Hazel sent a reply back, a rather hurried one, and hit 'send'. He then left his phone on his desk and left. Not even 10 seconds later a reply came through from a different number with the message saying:
Who is Nell?
Clarissa hurried down the stairs of her student house and walked into the living room. She had her mobile phone in her right hand and was dressed in jogging bottoms and a grey oversized T-shirt. She sat down on the sofa, chucking some old newspaper on the floor, and turned on the television via the remote control. She rolled her eyes as one of the sports channels showed a rugby match and knew Brian was to blame. She quickly changed to one of the music channels and decided to look at her phone, but to her dismay found no messages from Serena. She put the phone in her pocket and quickly grew bored of the music playing. She settled on a trash talk show and laughed suddenly at the state of the guests on the stage. As she watched in amusement, her phone buzzed and her ringtone went off. Clarissa hurriedly fished out her phone and a huge relieved look on her face appeared as she answered.
"Serena! Honey, where are you? I've been worried sick!" She listened carefully. "You're where?!" She sat up straight. "But… Serena, why didn't you…? Serena?" Clarissa looked at her home screen of her and Brian after a rugby match and sighed. "Why do you do this, Serena?" she asked out loud with concern. She quickly hit a number and stood up walking to the window. "Bri, it's me. I've heard from Serena. Look, I think we should go to the police. She is in trouble. I'll meet you outside the entrance to the Covered Market. Sure thing." She placed the phone back in her pocket as the call finished and stared out of the window. She knew Brian wasn't overly keen on going to the police, but knew it had to be done. She knew her friend well enough. She walked back through the living room, pausing to turn off the TV via the remote, and left running up the stairs to her and Brian's bedroom.
Hathaway parked his car on the side of a road of what looked like the middle of nowhere and got out. He took off his suit jacket flinging it inside and reached over to open the glove compartment. He took out what looked like a wallet or pouch and closed it shut. He then slammed the door of the car, locking it with the remote before walking down, putting on his shades as he did so. He took a small pathway and came to a halt as he saw a figure walking towards him. The exchange was brief and final and as Hathaway walked back to his car, he took a look over his shoulder only to find the road empty. He quickly unlocked the car and got in slamming the door. He reached into the plastic bag and took out Caroline's red dress. He delved into the bag and found the envelope he was expecting. He chucked the dress and the bag on the back seat behind him and tore open the envelope taking out the single white A4 sheet inside. As he unfolded it and read what was on it, a look of pain came across his features as if he half expected this. He folded the paper back and placed it into the glove compartment. He then started the car, quickly glancing at the rear view and side mirrors before driving off, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
Stephen Hazel walked back down the corridor all laughs as he told one of his detective colleagues he will take them up on whatever they had planned later on that month. He walked back into his office and sat down, logging back into his computer. He picked up his phone only to panic when he read the message. He scrolled down his sent messages folder and groaned when he realised his error. He quickly called the person only for someone different to answer. He quickly hung up in embarrassment and gently hit his head on his desk a few times. Hathaway walked in and viewed Hazel's actions a bit strangely. He walked over to his desk sitting down. Hazel sat back up and groaned, burying his face in his hands. Hathaway shook his head slowly, a look of amusement coming across his face.
"Mobile phones are more trouble than they're worth, sir," Hazel moaned.
"In what way?" Hathaway asked. "Let me guess – you sent the wrong message to the wrong person?" Hazel took his hands away from his face completely shocked.
"How did you…?"
"We've all been there," Hathaway replied trying not to laugh. He picked up the phone as the internal call alert came through. "Hathaway." He listened as a colleague spoke to him. "How many of them? Okay, put them in an interview room." He stood up and grabbed his phone. "Come on," he said to Hazel. "We have visitors."
"Sir." Hazel logged out of his computer and followed Hathaway out.
Clarissa and Brian were sitting on one side of the table in an interview room. They had a plastic cup of water each in front of them untouched. She was nervous and he wasn't all that bothered. He was just there for her, no more no less. The door opened and Hazel walked in. He introduced himself before sitting down opposite them, a pad of paper in front of him. In the adjacent room, Hathaway stood by the mirror looking in. This was Hazel's chance now to shine and he will only intervene if he needed to. Bright walked in after knocking. She stood beside Hathaway and looked in.
"How do you think he will do?"
"Let's wait and see, ma'am." They watched as Hazel took out his pen ready to make notes.
Clarissa looked at Hazel and glanced at the pad of paper. Hazel picked up on it straight away and asked her name. Clarissa replied and introduced Brian. Hazel took note of his appearance – and his attitude.
"So, what is it we can do for you, miss?" Hazel asked.
"It's our friend… Well, my friend. Her name is Serena." She watched as Hazel jotted down her name. "She lives with us. We're all students."
"What are you all studying?" Hazel asked.
"I'm studying Linguistics," Clarissa replied. "Muggins here is studying Economics." Hazel tried not to laugh as he jotted it down.
Behind the mirror, both Hathaway and Bright were also amused by the young girl's response.
"I bet you get called that often," Bright remarked.
"All the time, ma'am." Hathaway looked at Bright with a glint in his eye.
"What is Serena studying?" Hazel asked looking at both students in front of him. Brian suddenly scoffed and Clarissa kicked him.
"Ignore him, detective," she told him. "She is studying Psychology…"
"Figures," Brian remarked albeit on the sarcastic side. Clarissa glared at him.
"Look, if you don't want to be here…"
"It's okay, miss." Hazel said in a calm manner. Clarissa backed off and looked at him. "How does it figure, sir?" Hazel noticed what he was wearing and the badge on his chest.
"The girl is a nutter!" Brian replied suddenly. "She got something missing up here!" He prodded the side of his head. Hazel found his blood boiling.
"Serena has a learning difficulty," Clarissa explained calmly. "But, she is one of the cleverest people I have ever met. She also has an OCD which is triggered only when something is wrong. For her to suddenly up sticks and leave right before her end of year exams is out of character for her."
"Good riddance if you ask me…"
"I did not ask you, Brian!" Clarissa raised her voice. Hazel, now really annoyed, enquired as to why.
In the viewing area, Hathaway knew Hazel was going to let his feelings get in the way again and rushed out. He walked in just as Hazel was about to stand up to confront Brian and quickly diffused things. He whispered in Hazel's ear to go and the youngster had no choice but to obey. As the door closed, Hathaway sat down. He introduced himself and took a look at the notes Hazel wrote. He couldn't help but be surprised at one piece of information.
"Where is Serena now?" he asked.
"She is in trouble, Inspector," Clarissa replied. "This is so out of character for her."
"Is she still in Oxford?" Clarissa hesitated. Hathaway knew it was because Brian was there. "Sir." The student looked in his direction. "If you don't mind, can I have a word with your girlfriend in private?"
"Sure!" Brian threw his arms up in the air, completely fed up. Clarissa could not help but give him a dirty look as he left.
"I am so sorry about him, Inspector."
"Not to worry." Hathaway set the pad aside. "Do you have information about Serena?" Hathaway took Clarissa's phone from her and looked at Serena's last call received. "Clarissa, I'm afraid this is out of our jurisdiction…"
"You don't understand!" Clarissa's voice was a desperate whisper. "She is in trouble. She ran away. I know she knows."
"Knows what?" Hathaway glanced at the mirror to his left.
"About who murdered Grace."
"Grace?" Now Hathaway was all ears. Bright meanwhile left the viewing room.
"Yeah… Grace Staveley. She was one of our friends." Hathaway sat back in his chair. That name! He passed over the pad of paper, making sure he ripped out Hazel's notes. He took a pen from his suit jacket pocket and gave it to her.
"Everything you know," he told her gently so not to frighten her further. Clarissa nodded and began to write. Hathaway watched as she did and knew things were taking a turn for the worst.
