Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah Page A

for years. For the parents of these two girls, the waiting was nearly over. Closure was on its way.
    Kate gazed at the ceiling, her thoughts in turmoil.
    The delivery of a death message was a task that came with every new incident. She wondered how long it took for hope to die. Howlong before parents came to accept the fact that they would never see their offspring alive again? In her mind’s eye, she saw her hand poised in mid-air and felt a stranger’s pain in that split second before she knocked at the door and gave news too awful and depressing to contemplate.
    It never got any easier.
    She doubted it ever would.

23
    I N THE EN suite washroom attached to her office, Emily turned on the cold tap, cupped water in her hands and washed her face. She was calm now and beginning to realize that her reaction to Fearon’s unscheduled visit had been over the top. She’d worked in a prison long enough to have taken it in her stride, not made such a drama out of it. It was a situation she’d rather not repeat, that much was true, but she was angry with herself. Thanks to Stamp, she’d immediately jumped to the conclusion that she was in danger. Consequently, that was the only thing on her mind the whole time the inmate was standing near her.
    It was bloody ridiculous.
    Emily was still looking in the mirror as the sound of running footsteps echoed in the corridor outside.
    Stamp appeared in the doorway, sheet-white and out of breath.
    ‘He didn’t touch you?’
    Emily dried her face on a towel.
    ‘Did he?’
    ‘No, he didn’t.’
    ‘Come here.’ Stamp opened his arms for a hug.
    Emily’s feet remained rooted to the spot. ‘Don’t fuss, it was just one of those things.’
    ‘It was a fuck-up that could have cost you d—’
    ‘Drop it, Martin!’ She was angry now. ‘It was no one’s fault. Ash is doing his best with limited staff today. A fight distracted them. Fearon was only missing for a few minutes. It was no big deal.’
    ‘What the f—’
    ‘Keep your voice down!’
    Stamp moved towards her but Emily stepped away.
    She wanted him to go and told him so. ‘I’ve got a lot to do and so I imagine have you.’
    He didn’t move. ‘I’m just looking out for you, Em.’
    ‘I know that.’ She let out a big sigh. ‘I’m not trying to push you away but I’d appreciate some space. Just back off a bit, give me time to settle in. Can you do that for me?’
    ‘If that’s what you want,’ Stamp said caustically, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
    Emily softened. He was like a big kid sometimes, wanting to play the knight on the white horse, stamping his feet because she wouldn’t let him. She pulled a funny face, frowning like a clown, making light of the situation, trying to get him onside. It had always worked when she was married. Robert could never stay cross with her for long. He would burst out laughing and within minutes they would be friends again, unable to recall what had made them angry in the first place.
    Stamp was having none of it.
    Sitting down, he glared at her like a spoilt child. They were now engaged in a game of blink first.
    She threw him a crumb. ‘Will you go if I promise to holler when I need you?’
    He said nothing but the ice began to melt.
    ‘Hey, don’t let’s fight. Finding my way again was always going to take time, Martin. We both knew that. It’s been a tough couple of days. To be honest with you, I’m struggling to remember who the hell I am right now. Please tell me you understand. If you don’t, I’ll be cross for the rest of the day, tomorrow and possibly even the day after.’ She managed a grin. ‘Rachel’s not the only one in my family who knows how to sulk.’
    He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
    Emily smiled warmly. ‘There is one thing you could do for me . . .’
    ‘Name it.’
    ‘I’m concerned about Rachel. She’s still not coping and I’m too close to be objective. I know she’s difficult and, let’s face it, not your