Charlie sat back down as Helen nominated two other members of the team. Then Helen pulled her aside.
‘I want you to do something else for me and I want you do it as quietly and carefully as possible. Understood?’
Charlie nodded.
‘Louise Tanner was working with me the day we pulled Amy and the other kids from the wrecked bus.’
Helen hesitated briefly – was this the right move? – then carried on.
‘She didn’t… she didn’t cope too well in the aftermath. Never went back on full duty again and dropped off the radar completely a little while later. I want you to find out everything you can about where she’s been and what’s she been doing and you tell me and me alone, ok?’
‘Of course, boss. I’m already on to it.’
‘But before you go, I need to have a chat with you about something else. There’s going to be the mother of all situations here soon and I need you to help me manage it.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Mark is innocent. He didn’t sell us out.’
Charlie looked at her, eyes wide. She had destroyed his life and was wrong?
‘I know who did sell us out. And it’s going to tear this place apart. I’m going to need you by my side to keep everyone calm and focused. Corruption is one thing, but we’ve got a killer to catch. Whatever happens here, I want us to keep driving forward until the job is done. Can I rely on you?’
‘Hundred per cent.’
And Helen knew that she could. This investigation had been a nightmare and the worst was yet to come. But Charlie had proved herself during the course of their hunt and Helen was glad she would be there or thereabouts at the conclusion.
Which is why she felt so bad about deliberately misleading her now.
The crop sped through the air, biting into the firm female flesh as it found its target. She bucked, arching her body as she took in the pain, letting it flow through her. The inevitable sharp sting followed, then her body began to relax. She was fifteen strokes to the good already and she was beginning to tire, but still she said:
‘Again.’
Jake obliged, but knew that he should call time on their session now. It had been an enjoyable encounter – almost like old times – and if they were smart they would quit while they were ahead.
‘One more.’
Jake raised the crop with relief, bringing it home with a little more speed and strength than usual. She groaned – a satiated, happy groan. Jake found himself wondering if a change was taking place. Was she beginning to take sexual pleasure from her punishment? Many of the women he beat finished themselves off in front of him without embarrassment, brought almost to the point of orgasm by the cruel but delicious blows he administered. Would she allow herself to go there? Could he take her there?