Contents
58. Carter
Overview
Carter waits outside Spyglass, anxious that Bird is alone with Harrison. He receives a message from HQ revealing that Olivia Bird retired months ago and has no authority to suspend him. This shatters Carter’s assumptions and heightens the danger, leaving Bird potentially unsupported with a dangerous suspect.
Summary
Sgt Carter waits outside Spyglass, uneasy that DCI Bird has excluded him while she confronts Harrison. He surveys Hope Falls at night, noting the Day of the Dead bonfire, the unusual darkness at The Smuggler’s Inn, and failed attempts to reach his sister Maddy. He also misses a call from his wife, Jane.
Thinking about his family and the need to protect them, Carter checks his phone and opens a message from a contact at HQ. The message states that Olivia Bird took early retirement months ago, does not work for the police, and cannot suspend him. HQ is still trying to fill the local detective role; only Carter applied.
Confronted with this revelation, Carter realizes his assumptions about Bird’s authority were false. He looks back at Spyglass, understanding that Bird is effectively acting without official power while alone with Harrison, whom Carter now believes to be dangerous. The discovery leaves him alarmed and sensing immediate trouble.
Who Appears
- Sgt CarterNarrator; waits outside Spyglass, worries for Bird, and discovers Bird retired and lacks police authority.
- Olivia Bird (DCI Bird)Inside with Harrison; revealed by HQ message to be retired and without power to suspend Carter.
- HarrisonSuspect inside Spyglass; considered dangerous by Carter while alone with Bird.
- JaneCarter’s wife; leaves a missed call as he longs to return home.
- MaddyCarter’s sister; doesn’t respond, and The Smuggler’s Inn is oddly dark.
- HQ contactCarter’s old colleague who reveals Bird’s retirement and lack of authority.