Lessons Learnt (3/6) By Nick Quantrill

(1/6), (2/6), (3/6), (4/6), (5/6), (6/6).

Coleman drove back to the station, barely passing another vehicle on the almost deserted A63. He wished he had his newly purchased mp3 player with him, though he hadn't found the time to load much music on to it. The Major Incident Room was quiet, little to be done until the following morning's briefing, the mechanical noise of the fax machines and computers conspicuous by their absence. DC Kelly Hargreaves was the only officer in the room. 'Nobody else in?' he asked her. She shook her head. 'Not at the minute.' 'Looking forward to going home?' 'Too right.'

He made them both a cup of coffee before logging on to his computer. The whiteboard in front of him chronicled the investigation, though it contained little tangible information. So far, they had no serious suspects and few leads. Suspicion was it was an out of town gang, but little had come of inquiries made to neighbouring forces.

The map pinned to the wall highlighted where the previous attacks had taken place. The A63 had seen three attacks, which wasn't surprising with it being the major route in and out of the city, but there had also been attacks on the A1079 York to Hull road, intercepting the lorries as they made their way towards the motorway to Hull. The attacks had occurred at different times, only the method staying the same. It was proving to be deeply frustrating for the team. Checking his watch, he still had time before he needed to be at the hospital. Dawson had promised to ring his mobile to let him know they'd arrive.

'Any luck?' she said, turning towards Coleman, sipping the hot drink. It took a moment for the question to register - the lorry jacking. He shook his head. 'The driver's taken quite a beating.' 'How bad?' 'Unconscious.' 'Ouch.' 'Quite.' Coleman continued quietly working on the computer, searching for the information he needed.

PC Dawson guided Donna Mitchell into a private waiting room. He quickly, and as subtly as he could manage, covered the bereavement leaflets over with a magazine. 'Can I see him?' she asked, still visibly upset. 'It's in hand, Mrs Mitchell.' He glanced at Jim Wilson, owner of the haulage company. 'Thanks for coming over so quickly.' Wilson nodded. 'It's such a terrible shock. I can't believe it's happened.' He lent forward. 'It's like bandit country in these parts at the moment, isn't it?' 'I think this is the fifth attack we've had.'

'Unbelievable.' 'We're doing everything we can.' 'I'm sure you are' he apologised. 'I didn't mean to insinuate you weren't taken it seriously. It's just upsetting. Gary's a valuable employee, as well as a good friend.' Mrs Mitchell blew her nose and smiled at Wilson, appreciating the support.

Continued... Next Page (4/6)

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