Chapter 36
Lizzie turned, waved and smiled. The doors to the canteen closed softly behind her.
He took out his mobile and checked the text again. It was from Chalkie. “See you in canteen shortly.” That was fifteen minutes ago.
He bought himself a small sparkling mineral water and was heading back to his seat when a slap on the back surprised him.
“Bloody hell, Chalkie! I nearly had a heart attack! What are you so happy about?”
“Our Southport rapist. Charged, in custody, appears Monday. Coughed the lot.” He was grinning from ear to ear.
“Congratulations, bloody job well done. Let me get you a drink. Latte?”
Chalkie nodded. “I’ll be over there.”
After the explanations, Chalkie grinned. “I believe you met the new Chief Super.”
Thurstan grimaced: “Don’t remind me. I made some assumptions and overstepped the mark then had to go cap in hand for overtime. I must admit he took it well though. Didn’t make me squirm. Well, not a lot.”
Chalkie laughed. “I hear he’s ok. Transferred from Sussex as a Chief Inspector, did a couple of engagement projects then got posted to Community Relations.”
Thurstan took a mouthful of water. “He told me that was for personal reasons but didn’t elaborate.”
Chalkie lowered his voice. “He got some sort of cancer so they posted him there whilst he was having treatment. He’s had the all clear now, so they gave him MIT in the annual musical chairs. People speak quite highly of him.”
“Well, you’ve just made me feel worse than I did already.”
He grinned. “Thanks, the wife taught me all I know.”