Call & Response Read Free Page B

that. We can all look after ourselves, when we have to, like.’
    ‘I see. But back to the matter in hand. I’m a little concerned about the utilisation level in your team at present.’
    ‘Come again?’
    ‘I’m worried about how hard you’re working, Pepper.’
    ‘I do my bit, ma’am. That’s all.’
    ‘You do a good deal more than that, Pepper. Do you know how many hours per week you’ve worked, on average, over the last few months?’
    ‘A few more than I should, I’ll grant you. Forty-five I’d say, about that.’
    ‘You’re miles out, I’m afraid. You and a DI called Jane Francis, down in Kendal, are in joint first place, or should that be last place? You’re working far too many hours. And that tells me something, Pepper.’
    ‘I can’t work any faster, ma’am. You can put one of those time and motion people on me, if you like.’
    ‘Operational research? Christ, do we have those parasites too? No, I don’t think so. That’s the last bloody thing you need. In fact, I think I have a solution.’
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘Yes. You’re getting a new DC on your team. And he’s got a bit of experience, too. Take a bit of the weight off, if you follow me.’
     
    ‘Oh, really?’ Jane smiled, but didn’t get her hopes up. But then she knew most of the DCs on the Constabulary’s total strength, and she’d take a keen youngster like Henry Armstrong over any of the old-timers.
    ‘Don’t worry, he’s not from Cumbria. He’s from London, actually. We’re lucky to get him, by the looks. I’ll send you the file, and you can see what you make of him.’
    ‘Great’ said Pepper, and this time she almost meant it. ‘When does he start?’
    ‘Tomorrow. I know, it’s short notice, but it’s not down to me. A personnel cock-up, I’m afraid. They thought he was going to South Division, for some reason.’
    ‘Say no more, ma’am.’
    ‘It’s not just me, then? That’s a relief. I thought that they were just being obstructive because I’ve come from outside the force.’
    ‘It won’t be anything personal with personnel, ma’am. They’re like that with everyone.’
    ‘That’s a relief.’ Mary Clark smiled. ‘Not that I really give a shit what they think, to tell the truth.’
     
    Pepper smiled back. Mary Clark was a year or two younger than her, if the rumours were to be believed, but she wouldn’t hold that against her.
    ‘Well, I mustn’t keep you, Pepper. But I will make a point of coming out with you on a job sometime soon.’
    ‘Of course, ma’am. But it won’t be very exciting, I can almost guarantee it.’
    ‘Don’t worry about that. And I won’t be a liability if things get physical.’
    ‘No, of course not.’
    ‘I mean it. My arse may have been polishing a chair for my whole career but I’m pretty good at judo. Been doing it since I was a girl.’
    ‘I’m sure it’ll come in handy, ma’am.’
    ‘By which you mean it won’t.’
    Pepper smiled again. ‘Honestly? Most of our techniques are a bit more basic. There’s an old PC out west who has never even got his stick out, not in thirty years. All he does is wrestle the con to the ground, and then he just sits on them ’til help arrives. He swears by it. I think if we started doing judo throws and that it might just encourage some of the shit-heads, to tell the truth. Botchergate on a Saturday night isn’t always a pretty sight, but the punters are usually so pissed that you only really need to know a bit of origami to nick most of them.’
     
    Mary Clark laughed and stood up. Pepper did the same.
    ‘Remember what I said about the complaints though, Pepper. And if DI Murray isn’t well enough to come back soon, then there’ll be a vacancy here. I’m sure of it. It would be a shame if you weren’t in a position to apply.’
    ‘Thanks, ma’am. I’ll certainly do my best.’
    ‘Good. And let’s go out for drink sometime soon, if you can spare the time. Other than my little house in Stanwix, the gym, the