A chance?
Gene desperately wanted a cigarette or a whiskey. His nerves on edge as he and Ray walked towards the rear of the building.
"Locked." Ray stated as he tried a door. "Thats where the ole in the wall used to be. Reinforced steel. No one is getting in or out that way."
Gene grunted. "As to be another way."
Ray nodded. He thought of Maya at home with their son. He had no idea what Gene was going through and didn't ever want to come close to finding out.
"Me an Bolls got locked in a vault once. Weren't even seeing each other back then. Mad as a box of frogs." Gene stepped towards an old fire escape. "Thought I was destined to be saddled with bonkers fruitcakes for DI's."
"I know Guv. I remember." Ray smiled at the memory of them both arguing in the office. Alex had been one of the few people to see the man behind the facade and Ray knew his old friend was already grieving. "Guv?"
"Raymondo."
"The fire escape? Look it's locked."
"It's an abandoned building. I doubt they that concerned about fire regulations." Gene barked. Ray nodded.
"But look. The lock is yale. Breakable. We can use the door knocker on that. It's going to be easy enough to smash in." He began to feel more optimistic than he had in a long time. "We have to get in there."
Gene nodded. He wasn't going to argue with Ray. "Call Chris, tell im to bring the door knocker. In the meantime me and Sammy are going to find another way in." Ray nodded as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He just prayed his hunch was right.
Xxxxx
"Annie?" Shaz pushed her foot to the accelerator as Annie sat in the passenger seat.
"Shaz."
"This is going to be tough. If it is Ma'am making those calls then why can't she say anything? Who has her? Are they connected to the girl we found dead? There's too many questions."
Annie nodded. "Well, it's time we had some answers. You know Alex. She's a good copper. There could be a million different reasons why she can't talk on the phone."
Chris ended his call as Annie's phone rang.
"God I ate mobiles." Shaz mumbled. Annie smiled at her as she took the call. A moment later she thanked the caller before ending the call.
"That's one question answered. The dead girl is 27 year old Tasha Lane. Her ex boyfriend just walked into the station and confessed to killing her. Nothing to do with Alex."
"Scumbag." Chris frowned. His long legs making him look like a giant squashed in a metal box rather than a tall man in a small car. "Ow anyone can raise a hand to a woman? Dunno."
"Because, Chris you are a nice bloke." Annie sighed as he went on to explain why Ray had called. She felt her stomach lurch, the thought of finding her friend injured or worse made her want to be physically sick. Silently she prayed they weren't too late.
Xxxxxx
Gene kicked at a door as Sam suggested they wait for back up. Gene didn't answer, just kicked it again with all his might. Sam shook his head hoping the cavalry were on their way - that Ray had asked for uniforms back up as well as the door knocker. He had a feeling he hadn't. Gene swore, taking out his gun he aimed at the lock, narrowing his eyes as the door splintered apart.
"It's ok Bolly. I'm coming." He whispered before kicking the door open and heading inside.
Xxxxx
A/N please review