Ch 52
Hardy, now stitched and bandaged up and feeling peeved about having to be checked over by yet another doctor, was sitting at his desk when someone from the labs breezed into his office.
"Here's the DNA results you asked for," the tech said, passing the folder across the desk to him.
"I asked for them?" Hardy frowned.
"Yeah, says here," the man opened the folder and read the requisition sheet, "that DI Carlisle put in rush order for the analysis on your behalf."
Hardy took the folder from him abruptly, snatching it from his finger and opened it. Then as if remembering his manners he mumbled a quick, "thanks," and dismissed the man.
As he left Hardy's office the tech shook his head. He had heard that the big boss wasn't exactly a warm fuzzy sort, but hadn't seen it up close and personal before. He thanked whatever deity that was listening that he didn't have to deal with him on a regular basis before heading back down to the labs.
Hardy waited until the tech was out of sight, rose from his desk and shut the office door. He circled the desk as if expecting the folder to leap up at him and attack.
Finally with a resigned sigh he retook his seat, settled his glasses on his nose and opened the folder. Reading the information he slammed the folder shut and shoved it away from himself with great force.
He had expected Carlisle to pull something like this eventually, just not this soon. He searched his memories for how he had managed to get a hold of something of his to get a test run. Then he remembered the seemingly innocuous, almost friendly gesture after the siege when Carlisle had offered his handkerchief to stem the bleeding.
He sat back, and smiled ruefully. Carlisle was no dummy, in fact he was far too clever for his own good. He had to admire the ingenuity behind this, even in a time of great stress the man's mind was sharp.
It was too bad, he mused, that Carlisle didn't put as much energy into his real police work.
Hardy reached into his desk and pulled out another folder, and selected a sheet of pink paper from it. Reading the information over again he took one last glance at it before substituting it for the one that the lab tech had given him.
Chuckling to himself he closed both folders, taking care to place the one the lab tech had given him on the desk in a very obvious spot and returning the other to his desk. Then he locked his desk and made a show of leaving his office, an empty mug in one hand.
Hardy knew the minute he was out of sight Carlisle would come up with some excuse to go into his office and glance at the folder's contents. He wouldn't be stupid enough to just take it and not return it, but there was a copier nearby. He wondered how Carlisle would cover his tracks, and most of all, what he would do when he discovered the information he had planted.
He pretended not to notice Carlisle's eyes following him. The man had a mobile pressed to his ear, giving the appearance of being engrossed in conversation but Hardy could tell he was being watched as he left the squad room.
Peter called Natalie as soon as he could. He had heard that the whole mess had been broadcast on the local news and knew she would be worried.
"No, I'm fine," he repeated for what seemed like the millionth time. It wasn't that he didn't care that she was worried, he was just a bit distracted.
He had seen the lab tech deliver the folder, and had winced as he realised that the tech was taking it right to Hardy. He couldn't see what Hardy did with it, as the tech blocked his view. But when he wasn't immediately called into the boss' office and chewed out for his insubordination or some such, he figured Hardy hadn't read it yet.
He watched as Hardy emerged from his lair and thought at first that he was going to get told off right then and there. But instead Hardy seemed in search of a cup of tea, and appeared to be heading down to the cafeteria.
Natalie was still talking in his ear, he had tuned her out after a while due to focusing on the folder that he had almost forgotten she was there, "I need to go," he cut her off, "we'll talk when I get home!"
Then he disconnected the call and stood up, eyeing Hardy's office like a lion focusing on his prey.
