Chapter 4

Jean walked Laura to her car and waited until she was safely locked inside it. She remained in the parking lot until Laura had pulled into traffic and was on her way. Upon entering the station she went in search of James, hoping her favorite Inspector was keeping up with his workaholic ways.

As she rounded the corner she saw the light on in his office and smiled. Peeking around the corner she saw him pushed back in his chair reading a book. She smiled to herself thinking of the best way to catch him unaware. Just as she worked out a plan, "Ma'am either go home or come in, it's rude to lurk in doorways."

Stepping into the room she gave him a look of deep consternation, "Most people show some semblance of respect when they speak to me."

James looked up from his book, "I said ma'am, what more do you want?'

"You are the only person I know that somehow manages to make ma'am sound like an insult."

Pushing up from his chair, he placed the book on his desk then snapped to attention, "What can I do for you this fine evening Chief Super Innocent ma'am?"

Jean couldn't help but laugh. Had it been any of her other direct reports she would have skinned them alive. But James was a special case, Robbie had been a special case too. She looked at him still standing at attention, "At ease Detective Inspector, I have a question for you." As quickly as he had snapped to attention he dropped indolently into his chair. He made a flipping motion with his hand as if giving her permission to carry on, "Exactly how long have you know that Malcolm Tucker was Laura's ex-husband? And why didn't you ever tell me?"

Propping his feet on his desk he fixed her with a benign gaze, "That's two questions ma'am but as a sign of respect I will not split hairs and answer both. I've known since we investigated her seven years ago. As to the other, it wasn't my secret to tell."

She stared at him for a moment. There were times he was such an odd duck, "James, you would have made a good priest."

His head lowered slightly, "No ma'am I wouldn't have. I'm fairly certain a priest has to believe. I'm not certain that I do."

A moment of silence passed between them before Jean continued, "I need a favor James. One that's not strictly by the books."

His indolence disappeared instantly and he leaned toward her, "Do tell ma'am?"

"I need to know where Malcolm Tucker is staying while he is in Oxford."

"How do you know he is in Oxford?"

"I just found him in Laura's office. He panicked when he saw me and left. But I got the distinct impression it was simply the building not the city."

"Is Laura OK?

Jean looked at him curiously, "Why would you ask that?"

James cursed internally, he shouldn't have asked that. Innocent was entirely too sharp, "No specific reason, I just imagine it's a shock to have your ex-husband that you haven't seen for a decade or more show up at your place of work."

Jean didn't really believe him but decided to let it go for the moment, "So can you do what I asked?"

"Give me an hour."

Jean turned to leave then looked back at James, "I don't suppose it would do me any good to ask you why you are really concerned about Laura?"

"No ma'am it wouldn't."

"You're an odd duck James. You claim not to believe in God so what exactly is it that you do believe in?"

With the most serious look Jean had ever seen on his face James answered, "I believe in Robbie and Laura ma'am."

Taken aback by his answer all Jean could do was nod. She had known he had an unnatural closeness to Robbie. She hadn't known that closeness extended to Laura as well.

One hour later, sitting at her desk, still working, her phone buzzed signaling a text. Looking at the clock she knew exactly what the message would contain. She gathered her things and headed to her car.