Baker - at one remove!

Baker kept a low profile despite his wife's persistent urging that he should give a press conference. She wallowed in the attention she received from surrounding neighbours eager to find out what was going on at the police station.

However, Baker decided that, apart from Regional Headquarters, he would avoid the limelight. He had a shrewd suspicion that the shootings outside Temple's flat were not quite the simple docks-related issue that he had indicated. His anxieties were somewhat relieved by Temple's apparent acquiescence and the lack of badgering for additional resources.

So it was with an increase in his heart rate that he heard the voice of Councillor Bellamy on his phone. When a meeting at the Blandford was suggested, Baker paused. He knew he really should go but, at the same time, he did not want to hear anything that might compromise his position.

Bellamy was insistent, however. The meeting was arranged for late afternoon; there was no avoiding it for Baker.

The Blandford car park was empty when Baker arrived. As he was getting out of his car, Bellamy drove in and tooted the car horn indicating he should go over.

"Get in, I'll drive us to The Saddler's Arms. Too many eyes around here."

The journey was undertaken in almost complete silence. Bellamy did not speak until the small, squat inn was in sight: "Now, we're meeting Redbourne here. It was his idea. I think he's getting Dr McBride and WingCo to join us."

"What's it about?"

"Can't you hazard a guess?"

"I have no inclination to hazard anything, quite frankly."

"A bit late for that, I'd say! We're both in this right up to our necks. So, we'd better listen to our friend Redbourne."

Redbourne's car was already parked near the rear entrance to the inn. Going in the back door, Bellamy and Baker saw Redbourne, Mcbride and WingCo sitting in the small room reserved for private functions.

"Good to see you both!" Redbourne called out. His manner was jovial, no trace of tension. This was in stark contrast to the demeanour of the others sitting near him.

Baker swallowed hard, trying to appear as confident as possible. He knew that when he returned back through the door, he would know things that might well change his entire future. He wished like hell he could avoid hearing them.