‘Viyan will be able to tell you more when I bring her in later.I’ve asked Harika Guli from the Kurdish Centre to join us, as Viyan’s English is pretty basic.’
‘But according to Viyan, he’s still in the country?’Charlie asked urgently.
‘I can’t say for certain, but he was still on site when Viyan left for the hospital last night, the container still being filled, so it’s a fair bet he’s here.’
‘We can check last night’s records for Southampton, well, for all the major ports …’ Charlie responded, her mind whirring.‘And it’s definitely medical waste he’s transporting?’
Helen nodded.
‘That’s the way this thing works.He brings illegals in, takes hazardous waste out.I’m guessing whoever’s behind all this charges a healthy fee for disposing of the medical waste, given its dangerous nature …’
‘And then he probably dumps it as fast as he can when he gets back to Holland.’
Helen raised an eyebrow in weary agreement.
‘Odds on they’re paying their workers a pittance too, so they must be making thousands,’ Charlie added, her mood dark.
‘It’s the backbone of the local economy,’ Helen replied.‘They do all the jobs that no one else wants to do, and the gangs get fat off the profits.’
‘Well, hopefully we can take one of them down today.Did Viyan have any idea where she was being held?’
Helen shook her head.
‘Somewhere east of the city.A remote site deep in the countryside with significant waste disposal capacity.I’d set half the team to run the rule over rural properties in that area, and the other half to finding this guy.’
Helen stabbed the picture of the Dutch trafficker.
‘You’re looking for a Scania truck, registration plate R 945 DX.My guess is he might try to leave today, given Viyan’s escape last night.If you’re quick, if you get Border Force on side, then I think you’ve got a chance of bringing him in today.’
Charlie couldn’t help but smile.It was a throwback to times past, Helen running with a case once more, exhilarated, hot on the scent.
‘Can’t stop yourself, can you?’
‘Sorry?’Helen replied, momentarily confused.
‘I mean, look at you.You’re supposed to be an ordinary civilian, doing ordinary civilian things.Instead, you’re stalking the bad guys, gathering evidence, pulling off daring rescues, constantly putting yourself on the line, despite my explicit advice to take it easy …’
Helen waved this notion away, clearly not wanting to go there, but Charlie wasn’t prepared to let it go.
‘Why don’t you just admit it, Helen?You miss this place, you miss the thrill of the hunt.’
‘I miss you,’ Helen agreed.‘The rest I can take or leave.’
‘Rubbish, it’s in your blood, always will be.’
Now Helen seemed to falter, as if uncertain how to respond, so Charlie pressed home her advantage.
‘Why don’t you come back?’
‘Charlie, please …’
‘I mean it, Helen.I’m trying here, God knows I’m trying.But I’m not a natural leader, I can’t fill your shoes.Honestly, I’m not sure anyonecould.’
‘That’s nonsense.Don’t let Holmes grind you down,’ Helen interrupted sternly.‘You’re ten times the police officer, ten times the leader she’ll ever be.Your instincts are good, you’ve experience and you care, Charlie, you really care.That will always be your greatest asset.’
‘Maybe,’ Charlie replied dolefully.‘I’m just not sure I’ll ever be what they want me to be, what theyneed.Whereas you … you’re a natural, this is what you were born to be.’
‘No.’
