Chris Simms - Savage Moon

Jon's eyes lit up at the comment. Cheadle Ironsides were always on the lookout for new players, and this guy looked like he could be really useful. 'I see you more as a Jason Robinson type. Plays for Sale Sharks?'

'Yeah, I know. Billy Whizz they call him.'

Jon nodded. It occurred to him that the first team captain, Ian Reynolds, ran a big garage in Stockport. He was always moaning about how hard it was to find reliable mechanics. 'Why don't you give it a go? I play for a club near here. Cheadle Ironsides. Training is Tuesday and Thursday nights at seven o'clock.'

Field looked unconvinced. 'How'd I get there?'

'Someone'll give you a lift. The lads live all around this area.' He took out one of his cards. 'Give me a ring. About Danny Gordon if you hear anything, or about the rugby.'

Reluctantly, Field took the card. As they walked away Jon looked over his shoulder. 'You've heard of Reynolds' Garage in Stockport? The guy who owns it plays for the club. He needs decent mechanics too. I'll introduce you to him, I bet he pays better than this place.'

An uncertain smile was now on Field's lips. He looked at Jon's card properly this time. 'Cheers.'

They'd taken a few more steps before Rick said, 'I can't believe you're using a murder investigation to recruit players for your rugby club.'

Jon shrugged. 'That's how it works, mate.' He fell silent, thinking about how the course of his younger brother's life might have been different if he'd only got into sport and off the streets.

As they got to the car Jon glanced at his watch. Eleven-thirty. No one from the Outside Enquiry Team would be reporting back until after lunch. 'Fancy dropping by ours then?'

Rick looked across the roof of the car at him. 'I don't want it to look like we're checking up on her.'

'It won't. I'll say we were just passing by. She'll be fine.' After reversing out of the narrow street Jon drove back to the roundabout. As they went past the turn-off for the A57, Jon saw Rick gazing up the road towards Belle Vue, The Butcher's dumping ground earlier that year. 'Good to be working with you again.'

'Say again?' said Rick, turning his head, a haunted look on his face.

'It's good to be working with you again,' Jon repeated. Rick smiled. 'Cheers. Never a dull moment with your cases.

Even if I end up needing sleeping pills.'

'Only way for it to be,' Jon answered, now heading down the A6. They continued past Longsight police station, leaving the main road a few minutes later and cutting across a couple of residential streets before pulling up outside Jon's house. He looked at the front door, wondering what sort of a greeting awaited them. God, I hope she's all right.

His key turned in the lock and the door opened to the sound of Holly crying. 'It's me, babe, Rick's here. We're just popping in to see the baby.'

Behind him Rick gave a tentative call. 'Hi Alice.'

Jon could hear her getting up in the front room. He stepped through the door. Damp baby clothes were draped in a line along the radiator; Holly was lying in a vest on the change mat in the centre of the room. By her side was an open nappy sack with a dirty nappy in, a pack of wipes next to it. Alice had just got off the sofa and was running her fingers through her hair. She was still in her dressing gown and alarm showed in her eyes. 'Rick,' she called back. 'I'm not even dressed yet, look at me.'

Rick appeared in the doorway. 'Hey Alice, do I care? It's great to see you.'

Alice managed a smile but she was obviously flustered.

'Would you like a coffee?'

'I'll make them,' Rick offered.

'Nonsense, you sit down.'

Alice stepped towards the door and Jon could see she was going to take Holly with her.

'Well, at least let me have a cuddle.' Rick's arms were outstretched.

'Oh, you really want a crying baby?' Rick grinned. 'Doesn't bother me.'

Alice delayed for an instant before holding Holly out. Totally relaxed, Rick took her and began a gentle rocking. Holly's sobs died away.

'A natural,' Alice said, crouching down to grab the nappy sack. 'Right, drinks.' She left the room and Jon raised his eyebrows and looked at Rick. His partner nodded towards the kitchen.

Jon walked down the short corridor. Alice was filling the kettle. 'Sorry I missed you this morning, Ali. It was better to sneak out and leave you a note.'

'You could have called to say you were bringing Rick round. You never drop by during the day. The house is a total mess.' Jon opened his palms. 'Ali, we've got a young baby. The house is meant to look like a bomb's hit it.' She fired him an irritated glance. 'Not that it does. There's just a bit of healthy untidiness. Besides, Rick doesn't mind.'

'I saw a report on the news. They've caught that animal?'

'Yeah, this guy from South Africa shot a panther.' He didn't want to get into the details of the case. 'Have you got much planned today?'

Alice was peering into a cupboard. 'We've got no coffee. Ask

Rick if he wants tea.'

Jon bent his head back and called down the corridor. 'Rick. Do you fancy tea, mate?'

'Whatever's easiest.'

Alice made three cups then plucked a hair band off the windowsill and began to tie her hair back. Jon watched sunlight catching in the blonde strands. There was something sensual about the sight and he was reminded of lazy Sunday mornings — waking to find daylight peeping round the curtains, slowly making love then falling back asleep. Jesus, that now seemed part of another life entirely.

In the front room Rick had sat down on the sofa. Holly was cradled in the crook of his elbow, eyes shut and one arm hanging limply down. Alice set his mug on the table, then took a seat herself, drawing her long legs up under her.

'So,' Rick said. 'You've got yourself one beautiful baby.' Alice's lips relaxed enough to allow a brief smile. 'Thanks.'

'How's she sleeping at nights?'

Alice kept her eyes resolutely on Holly. 'OK. She's awake every three hours I suppose.'

Rick gave a low whistle. 'I can't imagine it. I know my sister found it tough.'

He paused to allow her a response. Alice completely missed the cue, Jon noted, not even asking what the baby's name was or how it was doing now. Instead she crossed her arms and drew in a breath. 'You just have to get on with it, don't you?'

Jon was watching Rick. Go on, he thought. Mention your sister going to see the doctor. Rick caught his eye and opened his mouth.

Alice spoke first. 'It's good news about that panther isn't it?' Jon sensed the diversion on his wife's part. She'd never normally mention his work inside their home.

'A lot of people must be very relieved,' she continued.

'People were starting to keep their kids in once it got dark.' Her eyes moved back to Holly.

Rick nodded. 'Does the health visitor always manage to turn up at an awkward moment? My sister thought her one had some sensor that told when anyone was about to bath their baby.'

Alice shook her head. 'She doesn't visit any more. I said there was no need. I can take her to the local clinic when she's due to be weighed.'

'What's it like there?'

'I don't know, I haven't been yet.'

Rick looked surprised. 'You should pop in. My sister found it a great way of meeting other mums. There's information about all sorts of groups and meetings too.'

The silence was broken by Jon's phone beeping. Alice and Rick turned to him as he checked the screen. A text message from Nikki Kingston. He slid the phone back into his pocket.

'Work?' Alice asked. He nodded.

She turned to Rick. 'Well, I don't want you getting in trouble by being here.'

Jon saw Rick's face redden at the politely phrased dismissal. He tried to reach for his drink.

'Here,' Alice took Holly back and started straightening her vest.