Page 120 of The Other Side

“I don’t know if Drum has that long.”

“I understand. We won’t wait but we’ll have to be careful. I’m going to make some calls… Keep quiet.”

“Okay.”

“Grant? I need help. Have the twins on standby. There’s a missing man… A human… Yes, but he is loved by a faery. He’s a friend. Mikkel likes him… Not yet… Pine Cottage. Hayden. But the police may still be around. I’ll contact you once I’ve looked at the scene. Be ready. We may not have much time.”

He ended the call and glanced at Drum. “Call Will and ask him to drop Kit off away from the cottage, then Will should drive there, see what’s happening and distract the police if possible so that Kit can take a look.”

Osian phoned him.

“We’re nearly there,” Will said. “I’m going as fast as I can.”

“Slight change of plan. Drop Kit off away from Pine Cottage, then you go there as if you’re looking for Drum. Say he was due at the stables for a ride and you’ve not been able to get hold of him and you’re worried. See what they say. Distract them if you can.”

“And don’t mention you?”

“No.”

Will ended the call.

Luke parked a couple of fields away from the cottage and they set off on foot.

“Do you need to be in your other form to track?” Osian asked.

“To track quickly, yes, but we have some ability in our human form. Blood will help. If the police have gone but left someone outside the cottage, I’ll need them looking the other way while we go through the rear.”

Luke slowed at the edge of the hedgerow and crouched, studying the lane below. Osian could see blue-and-white police tape fluttering across the front gate.

One marked car remained. As they watched, a uniformed officer came out of the front door, idly scrolling on his phone.

“No forensic van,” Luke murmured. “That’s good.”

“Finished or not started?”

“One or the other.”

Movement caught Osian’s eye. Will’s car was coming along the lane. He pulled up behind the police car.

“Go now,” Osian whispered. “He’ll take a while to get out of the car. Will has cerebral palsy.”

Will climbed out awkwardly, took his crutches and made his way slowly towards the policeman. By then, Luke had disappeared around the side of the cottage.

“Sorry to bother you, officer,” Will said. “I’m looking for Drum, the new PCSO. Has something happened?”

The officer’s posture shifted immediately. “How do you know him?”

“I’m from the riding stables.” Will pointed vaguely back down the lane with one crutch, then he wobbled and took a moment to get his balance. “Drum called pretty last minute about taking one of the horses out. He’s usually reliable but he didn't turn up, and his phone’s not connecting, so I thought I’d come and see if he was okay. The fact that you’re here tells me he’s not.”

“I’m afraid this is an active investigation.”

“Oh God. What does that mean? Is he hurt? Please tell me he’s all right.”

“I’ll need your name.”

“William Watson. Can’t you tell me what’s happened? Please?”

“I can’t tell you anything except we’re looking for him.”