The Unquiet Grave by Steven Dunne Page B

the Stapletons’ shoes if I’m right?’
    After a brief hesitation, Noble took out his mobile, marching out of the office as he spoke. ‘Rob, get the Stapletons’ car round to the dock and get them off home, stat. Don’t ask questions, just do it.’

Eight
    Brook sat at Noble’s desk and fired up his laptop, nearly choking when he saw the number of unopened internal emails in his Inbox. ‘Five hundred and thirty-seven!’ As he had no pending court cases, he deleted them all, trying to suppress the absurd sense of satisfaction it gave him.
    Noble re-entered the office. ‘What’s so funny?’
    Still smiling, Brook answered, ‘Nothing’s funny. Success?’
    Noble nodded sombrely at Brook. ‘They’re on their way home.’
    ‘Any sign of Burton?’
    ‘None,’ said Noble emphatically. ‘Why do I let you talk me into these things?’
    ‘Because you’ve got good instincts, John.’ Brook logged off and closed his laptop. ‘Sorry, I’m keeping you from your desk.’
    Noble looked uncomfortable suddenly, glancing towards Brook’s adjoining office. The desk was stacked high with files and papers, with used plastic cups and mugs dotting what little surface area was left. ‘I’m sorry about your office. It became a bit of a dumping ground. I was going to tidy up but you know how it is.’
    ‘Hardly your fault, John. I wasn’t here to keep it clear.’
    ‘I can—’
    ‘Forget it,’ said Brook. ‘It’s not as though I’m going to need it where I’m going.’
    ‘No,’ conceded Noble. There was a sudden awkwardness as Brook’s colleague cast around for more to say. ‘I’m sure that’s just temporary – until Charlton gets his payback. You’ll soon be back in the saddle. We’re stretched pretty thin.’
    Brook could tell he wasn’t convinced. ‘We’ll see.’
    Again Noble had to be first to find a new topic of conversation. He’d forgotten Brook’s aversion to small talk. ‘How’s your lovely daughter?’
    ‘Terri’s fine,’ said Brook. ‘I think.’
    ‘You’ve not seen her?’
    ‘Not since my suspension, no. After I was discharged from hospital, she went to Greece for the rest of the summer and now she’s back at university.’
    ‘Think she’s avoiding you?’
    ‘I don’t know,’ replied Brook honestly. ‘But she still thinks it was her fault I got suspended.’
    ‘You put her straight, I hope?’ replied Noble.
    ‘Several times,’ said Brook.
    ‘It might have been her idea but you should have known better,’ continued Noble, suddenly stern.
    Brook smiled feebly. ‘Believe me, I know.’
    ‘OK then,’ said Noble, a little sheepish after admonishing a DI. ‘Maybe you’ll see her at Christmas.’
    ‘You never know,’ said Brook softly. ‘Any news about your promotion?’
    Noble was surprised and impressed. ‘You remembered?’
    ‘Counting off the days,’ teased Brook.
    Noble emitted a short laugh. ‘It’s between me and Jane Gadd as you said. Though we don’t find out until tomorrow.’
    ‘You should both have made DI after Greatorix retired,’ said Brook. ‘It should never have come to this.’ Noble’s expression wasn’t one of optimism and Brook looked away, fiddling with his coat, trying to ignore the elephant in the room.
    Of course, if I’d done the decent thing and resigned five months ago, it wouldn’t have . For something to do, Brook stepped into his office to clear the debris and unlock the drawers.
    Noble followed him in. ‘I can always apply for promotion elsewhere if Jane gets the nod,’ he said. ‘Though I’d rather not leave Derby.’
    ‘Any division would be lucky to have you,’ said Brook, making an effort to be upbeat.
    ‘Thanks,’ mumbled Noble.
    Brook decided against a further rallying call. Both men knew that positive discrimination, and his loyalty to Brook, might cost Noble a deserved promotion. ‘So, DCI Copeland. What can you tell me about him?’
    ‘I hardly knew him,’ said Noble. ‘I was just a lowly DC when he