Tiny little add-on to the last chapter because it got too long.
"Ha! I was right!" Ryan exclaimed triumphantly, back in the lab. "There is a connection between Thomas Wainwright, Sofia Constantine and George Reynolds QC. It's that case from earlier in the year – did you read about it? – massive murderous family feud, but the CPS really botched it up and prosecuted the wrong suspect? Of course, the victim's family didn't see it that way – said he'd just gotten off on a technicality. Wouldn't accept the verdict. They must be after revenge!"
"Well done." Congratulated Laura, impressed. "You should let Robbie know, if he hasn't worked that out already."
"Please! Last time I spoke to him, he said he was getting nowhere with the case."
"He always says that." Protested Laura, loyally, in spite of her earlier exchange with the man in question. "But he usually gets there in the end."
"Hmm." Mused Ryan, who was not really listening. "I remember the case so well now. I don't remember the two solicitors, but George was outstanding in cross-examination. Tore the duty pathologist's evidence to shreds. I can't believe he's now dead."
"So you gave evidence at the trial?" Laura was starting to feel uneasy.
"Yes. I gave evidence for the defence as an expert witness, to counter the duty pathologist. Honestly, Laura, the man was an imbecile!"
"And so you've got a connection to the Constantine victims… and this murdered QC?"
"I'm not a murderer, if that's what you're trying to say."
"No! Of course not." Laura scoffed - Ryan clearly had her down as some sort of idiot too - she attempted a light-hearted chuckle, but her throat had gone suddenly dry. "But, if the victim's family are out for revenge…and… you were attacked last night…"
Ryan's air of self-satisfaction dissipated, ever so slightly, as she considered what Laura was inferring. "Well, possibly, yes I might be on the list of the psychopath, but I'm fine – we're on to him now." She blustered.
"We need to call Robbie." Laura's blood was beginning to run cold. Something felt wrong. She reached for her phone in her jacket pocket.
Suddenly, the office door flew open.
"Put that phone down." Commanded a well-spoken male voice that neither woman recognized.