I was still curious, though concerning the hints about ‘Even more forn parts’, until Bevan called into our team office, which was, to say the least, unusual. He had a stranger in tow, who didn’t smell like plod, so we gathered round, drinks in hand along with a few sandwiches, and awaited introductions and, we were guessing, a briefing. Bevan waited till we were all settled, and smiled around the room.

The place wasn’t familiar, of course; the stench of Charlie Cooper was still hanging over every part of the City, but we were out at Winsford, not that far from Neil’s address. Mr Sedgewick had been cheeky, asking specifically if I could possibly visit Gemma’s before the trip, so both Candice and I were carrying several cardboard boxes of pastries in readiness. She had found a pub that did rooms in a place called Little Budworth, as there was sod-all in Winsford, and neither of us fancied a Purple Palace again. She was driving, a works car, because the public transport was also non-existent. At least the HQ had a decent amount of parking. We waited at the desk like good little girls until a civilian came to collect us, and off we went to Mr Sedgewick’s office, towing the consolidated evidence bundle in a non-small pull-along suitcase.

“Ah. Do tell”

“Prospective Deform councillor?”

“That’s him”

“Well, I traced his Bookface and Twix accounts, and then I redacted the identifying stuff, and took the results to our local experts for assessment. Um, Debbie and Marlene”

“What did they say?”

He didn’t actually turn pale, but his face clearly wanted to.

Chapter 29: The Bond

David provided Thomas with their address, a simple string of numbers that would lead them to his home. Nestled in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood, the house exuded a charm that mirrored the Allen family's own. It was a humble abode, its façade warm and inviting, with light streaming through the windows and a well-tended garden framing the door. But for Yuqi, the exterior was merely a blur—her focus was elsewhere.

Ending of Book 2

Abbie spoke first.
“I’m happy with that if I can sit beside her. She has acted more like a leader in the orchestra than anyone else I’ve seen.”
Moyra just said that she agreed. The Head smiled.
“I will announce her as leader for the project. It will be hard work to get it right and the three of you will have to work together. Now, let’s get to the theatre and start the last term.”

Chapter 1