Alesha
Matt scrubbed at his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt as Ronnie sat next to him. Logically he knew his friend was right. Alesha had always been the strong one. When he was on the verge of breaking down, if something had gone drastically wrong it was her that held them together. Even after she had been attacked Alesha had been more worried about the others on the team. She had been devastated when Kate had been attached and left for dead. It was her way to look after people; especially those she loved. It was that which made her attack in the office so much worse.
"Jake and Kate will be back soon."
"Yeah." Matt sniffed. "This is insane. One girl dead, one fighting to live and it goes back to a case from years ago. It shouldn't be us doing this. It's what UCOS is for."
"Yeah, not gonna happen though. Just because it's linked back to Sally's case doesn't make it cold. Her murder and today. It's all new." He paused. "Mattie, listen to me a minute. Cameron is with my girls. He's safe. You're priority now is that little lad and the lady through there."
He nodded towards the main doors to the treatment area.
"Alesha is gonna need you now. More than ever."
Xxxxxxx
Angie pressed the play button on the DVD player. The CPS were able to provide them with hours worth of CCTV. She frowned as she fast forwarded the footage to where Alesha could be seen entering the office.
"Anything?" Sam sat next to her. He placed a mug of tea next to her as he spoke. Angie frowned.
"We know Alesha was in the office for most of the day. She left at 1049 but was back by 11:15."
"Where did she go?"
"No idea. The loo? The coffee shop. Not the issue. James said he left about 11, for Andy's sports day. Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"So, she was alone in the office for hours. James said he had been out a all day." Angie continued. "Look at the time stamp. This woman emerged from the corridor about ten minutes before Alesha was found."
"Blonde? A wig?"
"Maybe." Angie nodded. "My question is, how did she get in? Security in that place is tight. Somehow she has got past that." Angie picked up her mobile phone as she spoke. Sam frowned, fast forwarding the footage until they saw the blonde woman calmly leave the office.
"Ten minutes." Sam glared. "The attack took ten minutes in total. But no one heard a thing? I saw the state of that office. Tell Joe I'm on my way." He grabbed his jacket and car keys before leaving. Angie nodded as she watched him go.
Xxxxxxxx
Natalie spoke quietly to one of the forensic officers, keeping an eye on James and Joe as she did so. She knew Alesha was like a little sister to James; one of the few women he couldn't count among his 'conquests'. She knew that was what made the partnership work so well. And the reason his partner hated Alesha. To her the solicitor was a threat. The dislike was mutual; but for different reasons.
"Guv." She looked up as Joe approached her.
"What you got?"
"Sam is on the way. Wants the footage from main entrance sent to Angie. That woman got into the building somehow. There has to be evidence."
"Ok, arrange that." Natalie paused. "Diane? She turned back to the forensic officer. You said there was a blonde hair? Found in James' office?"
"Yeah. Possibly dyed. Too fair to belong to Alesha and far too long to belong to James Steel. I've bagged it for analysis." Diane stated. "Also does Alesha wear false nails?"
"No. No I don't think so." Joe paused. Natalie shrugged.
"I'll have that analysed too. Could be something or nothing." The middle aged woman walked away leaving Natalie and Joe alone.
"This was planned." Joe stated firmly. "I know James thinks he's the target but it wasn't him. Someone knew she was on her own today. That the court didn't have anything on for them." He rocked back on his trainers.
"If James is the target then it's not his death they want to cause. No, Joe yours right. Talk to James. Get uniform to keep an eye on Andy and Bea. I'll go to the hospital. Keep me informed. Yeah?"
"Yeah." Joe nodded as his boss walked away.
Xxxxxxx
"Kate?" Jake handed her a plastic cup of coffee as she emerged from the ladies' toilets looking less bloodstained but clearly just as upset.
"Thanks." She took the hot drink as he balanced three more in the cardboard tray. "Any news?"
"No. Ronnie is with Matt. I've been waiting for you. I called Sarah, Charlotte is fine."
"Good." Kate sipped her drink. "Jake, it looked like a horror film. I."
"I know. I was there."
"I thought she was dead. I." Tears sprung to her eyes. Jake took the cup from her before hugging her tightly, kissing her hair as tears sprang to his own eyes.
"I know. So did I." He closed his eyes as he held Kate; knowing whatever they were feeling it was ten times worse for Matt.
Xxxxxx
