Discarded M. Hunter (the snowy day read aloud TXT) 📖

smug look remains plastered over her face, and I wonder now whether she is revelling in the knowledge that she directly undermined my relationship with him. ‘Anyway, I was going to ask you what you’re doing here. Unless I’m very much mistaken, this is still an active investigation, and I certainly haven’t called upon the services of “Super” Emma Hunter.’

The air quotes feel like another personal attack.

‘Mr and Mrs Neville asked her to come in,’ the FLO chips in, and I’m grateful she’s picked my side over Cavendish’s in this embarrassing entanglement. Her interruption also serves as a valuable reminder that I shouldn’t be allowing personal feelings to intrude on the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in. Jo-Jo is still missing, and the two of us bickering like adolescents is not what she needs.

‘You know the Nevilles well, do you?’ Cavendish asks, each syllable painted with scorn and mocking doubt.

I take a moment to compose myself before snapping back an answer that will give her the upper hand. ‘As it happens, no, no, I don’t know the Nevilles. I’m at something of a loss to understand why they felt the need to request my help, when they have such an experienced detective at the reins.’

Okay, I know it’s a cheap shot and I should be taking the moral high ground, but it feels good to temporarily wipe the smugness from her face and drag her down a peg or two. Ultimately, we both know I can’t be anywhere near an active investigation without the express permission of the SIO, and even then there are Non-Disclosure Agreements and the Official Secrets Act to be signed. I don’t think either of us is naïve enough to think Cavendish will be reaching out for my help any time soon.

‘And you’re sure it was the Nevilles who asked for Emma here, and not the other way around?’ The question is directed at Robyn, even though Cavendish’s glower doesn’t leave me.

‘Yes, Ma’am,’ she replies without flicking an eye. ‘They’re in there now, and asking for an update on the case.’

Cavendish nods, and it’s the reminder she needs to get things back on track. Pushing between Robyn and myself, she thrusts the door open and enters the room, immediately dropping to her knees at the table’s edge, taking Tina’s hands in hers. ‘Mr and Mrs Neville, we’ve not been formally introduced yet. I’m Detective Inspector Zoe Cavendish, and I’m the Senior Investigating Officer.’

I’m sure the emphasis on the words detective and senior were for my benefit.

‘I am at your service,’ she continues, and for once I don’t think the dutiful tone is fake. It serves as a reminder that before my rude awakening with her last year, she was a highly respected officer and must be well regarded to have earned her promotion to Inspector.

‘Is DS Meyers taking good care of you? If there’s anything you need, then you just need to ask her. She’s one of our most experienced Family Liaison Officers and it’s her responsibility to keep you informed of any updates from my team, and progress on us bringing Joanna back.’

‘She prefers Jo-Jo,’ Tina clarifies, but looks grateful for Cavendish’s personal assurance.

‘Of course, my mistake. Bringing Jo-Jo back is my number one priority. Okay? I have officers being drafted in from all corners of Dorset, and am in constant contact with neighbouring forces in Devon, Hampshire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. We will close the net on whoever took your daughter, and do everything within our power to bring her back to you safe and sound.’

I lower my eyes, unable to shake the sensation that I wish we’d had someone as determined as Cavendish when Anna had gone missing. How can I despise and respect someone in such equal measure? Does that make me a hypocrite? I feel so confused right now.

The room feels stuffy with the five of us in here. Although there is a large window at one side, it faces out into the secure courtyard and there is no opening mechanism. There is an air-conditioning unit secured to the ceiling above the table; it’s not making any noise, suggesting it isn’t on, but it really should be. The blouse Maddie chose for me is now sticking to my lower back.

My eyes widen as I suddenly realise exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. Glancing at my watch, I know there’s no chance of me getting to the bookstore in the next five minutes, but it would be ill-mannered to whip out my phone and offer apologies to Maddie. I’ll have to message her as soon as I’m out. I’m sure when I explain what’s happened she’ll be understanding – at least, I hope she will.

‘That team of officers are securing surveillance camera footage from the properties and shops near your home,’ Cavendish continues, still crouched by their feet, ‘and that should help us understand exactly how Jo-Jo left the scene, and hopefully give us a valuable lead into where she went and if someone took her.’

The Nevilles tense at this last statement, but nod their understanding. I know better than most exactly what they’re going through, and it becomes clear to me that my being here will only serve as an unwelcome distraction to Cavendish and her team. As much as I want to help the Nevilles recover their daughter, I don’t want to be a hindrance.

‘I know you’ve expressed a desire to undertake a press conference today, and I have a public relations team sorting that as we speak,’ Cavendish continues, ‘but we have to tread carefully. Smothering the news and social media with Jo-Jo’s face is the best way to get the public looking for her too, but it could equally tip any abductor into acting rashly. We’ve already commenced the social media campaign so she’s in the public eye, but it would be my suggestion to wait a day or so before proceeding with the press conference—’

‘No, we want the press conference straightaway,’ Tina interrupts, searching