Minds That Hate Read Online Free PDF Page A

arm and a leg. Who’s going to shell out?’
    ‘Some geezer wants the Juniors to do some stuff. Quite heavy stuff too.’
    ‘Must be real heavy if he’s stumping up that sort of cash.’
    ‘You’re better off not knowing. Believe me. Make sure you’ve plenty of gear when it’s needed. I don’t mean next week promises. I mean there and then. The Juniors won’t be happy if they’re kept waiting. Not when they’ve been promised. And you know what they’re capable of.’
    ‘Will it be cash up front? That’s a heavy layout.’
    ‘It’ll be cash on delivery. Just you see you’ve plenty of stock.’
    ‘That won’t be a problem.’
     
    ‘I’ve a meeting this afternoon,’ Nash told Clara.
    ‘What is it this time?’
    ‘The new deputy chief constable’s discussing staffing levels.’
    ‘Sounds like fun.’
    ‘You’ve a weird notion of enjoyment.’
    ‘What’s he like? Being from the lower ranks, I haven’t met him.’
    ‘You’ve not missed much. DCC King is a career policeman. He won’t have noticed the likes of you. His eyes are fixed on higher things. I’m sure he regards this posting as a backward step.’
    ‘Sounds a real berk. Mind you, he should get on with Creepy.’
    ‘DS Mironova, you shouldn’t speak of your superiors in that way. Inspector Crawley is one of our most respected and able officers – in his opinion, at least.’
    ‘That’s the only opinion Creepy values.’
    Nash sighed. ‘Whatever happened to good old-fashioned values, like catching criminals and protecting the public?’
    ‘They got buried under red tape.’
    ‘The job’s turning you into a cynic.’
    Clara grinned. ‘Talking of old-fashioned values, have you remembered your girlfriend’s name yet?’
    Nash winced. ‘What made you bring that up? Was there a specific reason or was it sadism pure and simple?’
    ‘Being from the lower ranks, I have to get my pleasure where I can.’
    ‘For your cheek you can make the coffee. And bring some salt and vinegar.’
    ‘What for?’
    ‘The chip on your shoulder.’
    ‘I’ll be glad when Viv’s back off leave.’
    ‘So will I. Not only does Pearce make better coffee, he’s far more respectful.’
     
    Tom Pratt managed a word with Nash before the meeting. ‘Try not to antagonize King. We know it’ll be bad news.’
    ‘I’ll let Creepy do the talking.’
    Pratt laughed. ‘Much good that’ll do.’
    Nash remained calm whilst the DCC outlined his plans. It was an effort.
    ‘I intend to initiate a review that will point the way to the most effective and cost-efficient service.’ King looked hard at Nash. ‘I shall be paying close attention to the smaller units and asking some pertinent questions regarding their viability.’
    ‘I’d have thought recent events might have shown that Helmsdale can’t be policed effectively from Netherdale,’ Nash objected mildly.
    ‘I shall approach this review with an open mind,’ King told him sharply. ‘However, I remain to be convinced that the community wouldn’t be better served by concentrating our resources where we can make an effective difference, rather than squandering them on small units covering areas with low levels of unsolved crime. I see a strong case for centring operations at Netherdale. That can be achieved either with the existing personnel,’ King’s stare grew colder, ‘or by replacing officers who don’t fit in with the new order.’
    Nash ignored the implicit threat. ‘Could the low level of unsolved crime be because of an effective presence?’ he suggested.
    King shook his head. ‘I’ll examine the logistics of ensuring an equally effective service from Netherdale. Given the will, and the right officers, it can be done. Nothing will be decided until I’ve completed my review.’
    ‘And that will be conducted with a completely open mind?’ Nash suggested, putting a little stress on the word ‘open’.
    As they were leaving, King detained Crawley. ‘I’d like a word.’
    ‘What do