There was a booming knock at the door and a loud shout. " Open up! " From inside came the rattle of a lock, and then the door opened barely half an inch. A woman, dishevelled and clearly shaken, peered through hesitantly. " Can I help you? " Detective Stirland loomed large before her. He flipped his ID badge. " Where's Joe, Mandy? " " What's this about? " she stammered. Stirland applied his weight to the door and the woman stepped backwards as it swung open. " I'll ask the questions. We know he's here. " Her eyes flitted from his face to the lounge door and back. " Joe! " She folded her arms defiantly, reluctantly. " Joe, you'd better come out. The police are here. "
