‘I didn’t get him. I was in control when it happened,’ said Peterson. ‘Armed police swooped on the lock-up in Beckton. They arrested Wilmslow and six associates about to move the hard drives containing images and videos of level-four child pornography, and twelve thousand DVDs containing level-four child porn ready for distribution in Europe.’
‘You think they can nail the bastards and make it stick?’ asked Moss.
‘I hope so,’ said Peterson.
‘How do you think Penny Munro is doing?’ asked Erika.
‘It can’t be easy. First her husband and all this, and then her brother,’ said Peterson.
‘And what about little Peter? How could this screw him up for the future?’ said Erika. They looked back at the photos of the young and old Simone.
Moss looked at her watch. ‘Come on, we should get going. We don’t want to be late for this briefing at the nick,’ grinned Moss.
‘Did Marsh give you any idea why we’ve all be called in?’
‘No, I think it’s going to be a final briefing on the results of the Simone Matthews case,’ said Erika.
‘I have a feeling it’s going to be a bit more than that, boss,’ said Peterson. ‘I think you’re about to get an almighty pat on the back!’
When they arrived at Lewisham Row station, they were told to go down to the incident room. It was crowded, and Erika, Moss and Peterson only managed to say a quick hello to some of the team and find a space at the back before Sparks and Marsh appeared at the front. Finally, Assistant Commissioner Oakley entered, with three officers carrying bottles of soft drinks and plastic cups.
‘Can I have your attention, PLEASE!’ shouted Oakley. He stood at the front, immaculate in his uniform, with his hair neat and his braided cap held against his chest. The vast row of whiteboards behind him was empty. The room fell silent. ‘This has been quite a week for the Metropolitan Police. I’d like to thank you all for achieving the impossible. Yesterday morning, officers working on Operation Hemslow broke one of the UK’s biggest underground paedophile networks. Over sixty-seven thousand images of abused children and twelve thousand DVDs have been seized, along with Gary Wilmslow and six associates who the Met have had under surveillance for over a year.’
There were whoops and clapping from the officers. Moss grinned and slapped Peterson on the back.
‘And I haven’t finished!’ said Oakley. ‘Thanks to the hard work from DCI Sparks’ team in association with Detective Chief Superintendent Marsh’s division, we have caught the Night Stalker! Simone Matthews has been arrested for the murders of Gregory Munro, Jack Hart, Stephen Linley and Keith Hardy.’
There was another round of applause from the officers in the incident room. Erika caught Marsh’s eye. He leant over and said something to Oakley, who added, ‘And of course we are very grateful to DCI Erika Foster, who was in the right place at the right time, or should that be the wrong place! We hope you continue to make a full recovery.’ He looked vaguely in her direction. The officers in the incident room began to turn to Erika, but Oakley went on.
‘And finally, I have the pleasure to announce that in the light of these admirable results there will be several promotions. Firstly, I would like to introduce you to our new commander, Commander Paul Marsh!’
Everyone applauded as Marsh made a show of being sheepish and muttered his thanks.
Then Oakley stepped forward again. ‘I would also like to announce a further promotion. In light of his many achievements, both on this case and others, DCI Sparks will be promoted, and from now on known as Superintendent Sparks.’
Oakley led the applause and Sparks beamed and stepped forward, giving a grand, over-ironic bow. A plastic cup was shoved into Erika’s hand. She looked around the room at Moss and Peterson, who looked dismayed.
‘I propose a toast. To results,’ said Oakley.
‘To results,’ repeated everyone in the room, raising their plastic cups.
‘Now I encourage you all to eat, drink and be merry!’ cried Oakley.
There were whistles and a round of applause, but Erika didn’t join in. She was furious. She pushed her way through the crowds of officers to where Marsh stood at the front.
‘Sir, a word please,’ she snapped.
‘Erika, can it wait?’ asked Marsh.
‘No, it can’t,’ she said loudly. Oakley and Sparks looked over from where they were talking. Sparks gave her a nasty smirk and raised his cup to her.
Marsh followed Erika outside the incident room and into one of the adjacent empty offices.