Abacus

woman.
    “Boss, firstly I really appreciate what you have done to get me in the office . I appreciate what you have taught me and how well you have treated me.”
    “Yes, I am glad you are happy,” he said suspiciously. He knew there was a surprise coming.
    “Having said that, Keith and I are looking at starting a family.”
    “That’s great news, I’m happy for you both.”
    “The downside is we thought a country posting would be the best environment in which to bring kids up. So I just wanted to let you know I was putting in for a transfer out into a country area.”
    Randall was surprised; he had not expected this at all. He’d always thought that she was happy in the office. He had hoped she would be with him a few years longer. “Well, we’ll all be sad to see you go,” he said sincerely. “But I always say your happiness at home should come first, and if it means a happier life for you and Keith, I support you fully.” He replayed in his mind what he had just said. He was a hypocrite, with no right giving such advice. His own commitment to work had ruled his life and had effectively ended his marriage.
    “Thank s, boss, it’s hard to say goodbye to everyone here. I’ve really enjoyed the experience,” Leanne said, getting to her feet. Randall also felt compelled to stand. “Your support with this means a lot to me. I will let you know when I decide on a posting that looks suitable, which will give you time to find a replacement.”
    “How will I be abl e to get someone to replace you?” he said, causing her to blush.
    “I’ll miss our laug hs, that’s for sure.” Without warning, she came around the desk and gave him a hug.
    He wasn’t sure of what to do, until he finally reciprocated with a lame hug. Walking her to the door, he gently patted her on the shoulder. “You’ll be missed, that’s for sure.” He watched her walk out his office.
    He knew she would be a huge loss to his roster. He felt a tinge of sadness. He knew that when the time came to go, they would both promise to keep in contact. He had seen it happen before. They would initially keep in contact, then slowly the length of time between contacts would become greater and greater, until they stopped. Even though he had worked with many detectives in the past, he didn’t generally keep in contact with them, but they would always share a special bond. As time went on, he remembered his old partners by the experiences they had on jobs, rather than the friendships themselves. The job created these distant relationships that were still strong enough to last a lifetime.
    S itting back at his desk, Randall heard the beep of his black phone. Looking at the screen, he read a text, it was from Helen. Bob I am very sorry about what happened. I heard about Kaz. Please believe me I had no idea about Karen’s part in the murder. I hope you can forgive me. I have decided on a change of scenery is best for us both. You’ll always be in my thoughts Helen XXX.
    Randall looked at the phone num ber and saw it was from an international destination. He thought about the content of the message. He hoped that this was the truth and it was all a terrible mistake. He wanted an opportunity to speak with her personally, to clear the air.
    Pressing the redial button, he tried to call, however, was diverted to voice mail. “Helen, pick up,” he urged as he dialled a second time, with exactly the same outcome.
    He left the Fishbowl, walked over to Hobbs and held the phone up to show him the content. “Well, it would appear she is still alive. I tried to call her back and it went to her voice mail, just the same as the other times I have tried to call. She is obviously avoiding any contact.”
    Hobbs studied the message and looked u p at Randall. “Well, boss, I’m sure Interpol will help eventually.”
    “Don’t bother , mate.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Jesse spoke with Hoskings, we don’t think she is involved. Could you just put a passport alert on her and we will scoop her up when she returns. It is no longer a priority for us.”
    “Okay, will do. I take it you want the Interpol inquiry cancelled?”
    “Please , mate, thanks.”
    Randall walked over to the task force room and saw that Je sse was cleaning up. He pushed a large box on the floor to the side with his foot as he entered the room. The box was full of charts and folders, which had been pulled off the walls in readiness for the next task force investigation. “Well,