Downshire Constabulary Detective Constable’s Simon Guiver and Nicola Ellenden worked for the Northchapel CID and had worked together on many occasions in the past and they got on well.
They were on the face of it chalk and cheese, he was from an upper middle class background, who was a fast tracked graduate copper, while she was a council estate comprehensive girl who started as a Community Support Officer before joining the constabulary and had worked her way up to Detective.
Despite their differences however they complimented each other, he with his classical education and analytical mind and her with her razor sharp instincts and hard graft.
The only bone of contention between them was the driving, they both hated to drive with a vengeance, this was a very unusual in their profession, as it was the norm for partners to fight over who gets the keys and not to fight to make sure the other one did.
They had tried a number of ways in the past to determine who got lumbered with the driving such as, Rock Paper Scissors, Arm wrestling or tossing a coin but none of the options really worked as they both had a propensity to cheat.
So they decided the fairest way was one of them should drive there and the other would drive on the return journey.
On the day the life changing day in question Simon Guiver was driving and there was only one thing he hated more than driving and that was driving in the rain.
And that morning in April and it was raining, but not April showers, no it was raining hard and had been for hours.
At least their destination, Pomery’s Perfume’s was in Northchapel only about three miles from the station.
Pomery’s, was an old family business established in 1879 by Jules Sebastian Pomery and was currently run by his Great-Great Grandson Claude.
They had moved to their present location in Northchapel in 1928.
The two DC’s presented their warrant cards to the Olympic security guard and were waved through the main gate and directed to the reception.
The broad white building was a prime example of the art deco style with its angles, curves and symmetry.
DC Guiver got out of the car and paused for a moment, despite the rain, in appreciation of the stylish building.
“What a fabulous building” Said Simon.
“Yes it’s very…. white.” Said DC Ellenden running towards the building.
“Is that all you can find to say about this magnificent structure?”
Said a stunned Simon
“This wonderful example of Art Deco architecture?”
She stopped running, then took a moment to study the façade then said.
“Yes, I stand by my original statement, it’s definitely white, oh and it’s got some green bits”
“You’re a philistine Nicki” Guiver said running after her.
He caught up with her by the entrance and they were laughing as they walked into reception together.
They were directed to the first floor by the reception and were greeted by a middle aged balding man in a smart suit.
“Good morning” He said offering his hand. “Paul Cork, assistant manager.”
“Good morning sir, I’m DC Guiver” Simon said shaking the offered hand.
“And this is DC Ellenden” He said gesturing toward Nicki.
“Sir.” She said also shaking hands.
“Would you like to see the scene of the crime now?” He said relishing the change of routine.
“Afterwards I will take you through to the conference room Mr. Brownlow would like to meet you before you leave”
After they had been shown the suspected point of entry and Mr. Cork had given them a tour of the offices, which were in good order save for the power leads and data cables trailing to and from non-existent PC’s, Printers, and Scanners etc, they were shown into the conference to meet the managing director.
Half an hour later they were shown out of the board room and stepped into the private lift.
“I suppose this is wasted on you” Simon said “you being a philistine”
“What do you mean, the original 1920’s Art Deco Otis Elevator, lovingly restored for posterity” she retorted as they rode it from the top floor to the lobby. “Not bad for a philistine hey”
“You fraud” he said and backed her into a corner “you like it”
“It’s functional” she said
“And you liked the “white” building” he suggested
“It just happens to be my favourite building in Downshire” she said cockily
“You are amazing” he said and then kissed her
Nicola and Simon didn’t say a word on the short walk back to the car.
But when she walked to the passenger side he broke the silence.
“Oy dolly daydream” He shouted. “You’re driving remember.”
Nicola jumped. “Sorry Simon I was miles away.”
“I know where you were and who you were with.”
He retorted and she flushed red.
“I was with you” she replied and smiled
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