The Cedar Face: DI Jewell book 3 (DI Elizabeth Jewell) by Carole Pitt

Montero' s office.
    Francisca Montero stood up as she entered the room. 'I see you managed to get a parking place,' she laughed, pointing out of her window. Judge Hollins is a terrible driver. I've only been here a few months and already I've heard him bump into other vehicles. One of these days I'm going to have to report him to the police.'
    'Only if he kills someone,' Elizabeth replied. 'I'm sorry I'm late.'
    'And I'm sorry I can't offer you coffee. My machine gave up yesterday'.
    Elizabeth remembered another coffee machine, but put it out of her head. 'I'll get one on the way out.'
    ‘I've heard about you Inspector Jewell.'
    'Nothing bad I hope.'
    Francisca Montero focused her beautiful brown eyes on Elizabeth. 'Quite the contrary, you're a Cheltenham legend. Now, I don't want to rush you but I do have another appointment, so can we get on.'
    Elizabeth handed over the file. She went through the procedure in her head hoping not to have missed any crucial points. Before determining a case should go to court the CPS ask the police to consider the evidential stage and the public interest stage. Both must pass a specific code first, otherwise the prosecutor will not submit the case to court. The vital test was not to waste taxpayers' money.
    Elizabeth felt sure she'd prepared the report carefully. The Faraday brothers both had previous convictions none of which would be admissible in any future trial. To save the prosecutor's time the first page of her report outlined a précis of the case for an initial opinion. As Ms Montero turned the page Elizabeth noticed a square cut diamond on her engagement finger. Probably just as well, she thought. Men outnumbered women in this branch of the CPS and the elegant Ms Montero wouldn't go unnoticed. Elizabeth guessed they were about the same age, although the woman in front of her was far better groomed. She wore a simple grey nineteen forties style suit and her glossy black hair hung straight to her shoulders.
    While Montero concentrated it gave Elizabeth time to rehearse what she wanted to say. Having a woman prosecutor might sway the decision. Much of BDSM philosophy focused on female domination and although this particular case didn't involve women, it still highlighted those practices dangerous to the female anatomy.
    Francisca Montero stopped reading. ' You have a very good case Inspector. However, whether we can bring a charge of manslaughter is debatable. I see you mentioned defrauding the Inland Revenue. I advise you to concentrate on this side of the Faraday's business. As soon as you have conclusive proof, bring it to me. We can't always prevent unscrupulous dealers distributing dangerous products but we can prosecute them for tax evasion.'
    Elizabeth had prepared herself for disappointment so was heartened by Montero's objective viewpoint. Now she could focus on putting the Faraday brothers away, rather than obsess about Yeats and the Wilson murder investigation. She liked the Spanish woman's positive attitude and hoped they'd continue to get along.
    'I'll do that, and thank you. We see the worst side of human nature in our jobs.'
    'We also see justice served, which is why I do this one,' the prosecutor replied and slipped the file into a briefcase.
    Back in reception, Elizabeth searched for the vending machine. Why keep moving them, she thought, I'm desperate for a cup of coffee. Eventually she spotted it tucked away in an alcove. She had just enough change to buy a chocolate bar as well. Although the reception area was less busy she only spotted one vacant seat right at the back of the room. Fortunately it was at the end of the row. She placed her cup of coffee on the floor and took out her mobile to check for any messages. A sense of relief came over her, and she decided to stay there for a while and watch the world go by. Courts were fascinating places. The legal system affected everyone one way or another during their lifetime and often people felt nervous on their first