Chapter 49
DoctorMukherjee arranged for Henning Stahl to go to an addiction centre outside London. Mathers had a police convoy transport him there. He went willingly. Poe thought Stahl had recognised that, for whatever reason, the Botanist had thrown him a lifeline.
‘What now?’ Mathers asked. ‘Karen Royal-Cross is under twenty-four-hour observation and Stahl’s about to have the worst forty-eight hours of his life. We have ten days to plan for an operation that could take place anywhere in the country. Have I missed anything?’
Poe didn’t think she had. Bradshaw shook her head.
‘Your team will keep working the evidence?’ Flynn said.
‘What there is, yes.’
‘Can I stand my lot down for a couple of days? We’ve been at this non-stop and I wouldn’t mind seeing my son.’
‘Take longer, if you need. I have your mobile numbers and I’ll copy you in on anything relevant.’
‘That OK with you, Poe?’
‘It is, boss. I’ll head up north.’
‘Are you planning on seeing Estelle?’ Flynn said.
‘I am.’
‘And the crime scene?’
‘Northumbria haven’t released it yet.’
‘Tell her I’m thinking of her.’
‘I will.’
‘Tilly, what will you do?’
‘I’m going with Poe. He wants me to review the evidence against Estelle Doyle, DI Flynn. He says I might have “science answers”, whatever that means.’
‘It means he’s stuck, Tilly.’
Poe nodded. ‘I hate locked room mysteries,’ he said.