AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘No.’
‘We don’t actively investigate missing person cases,’ says Natalie. ‘We wait for the survivors to find us and then try to pick up the pieces.’
‘Where might they have been taken?’ I ask.
‘That depends on what the gangs are looking for. Forced labour, domestic servitude, marriage, prostitution, petty crime. Every time you get your car washed for a fiver, or a pedicure for a tenner, you should be asking, why is it so cheap? And why is it cash only? And why do none of the workers seem to speak English? It’s not rocket science. People must realise that these migrants are being exploited, but they don’t complain because it’s cheap and convenient and easier to look the other way.’
The frustration breaks in her voice.
‘You mentioned gangs,’ I say.
‘Geographically, they have areas. Turf wars break out occasionally, but most of them cooperate, swapping intelligence, keeping the police at bay.’
‘Are they being prosecuted?’ asks Florence.
‘Not often enough. The Home Office has a habit of sending the victims home before the police can get enough evidence to charge anyone.’
‘Deliberately?’ I ask.
A pained smile. ‘I like to give them the benefit of the doubt.’
‘How do we find these women?’ asks Florence.
‘Do you have names?’
‘Yes.’
‘You said they were picked up by a trawler.’
‘Two men have been arrested.’
‘I know it’s an age-old piece of advice, but I would be following the money. The National Crime Agency has just set up a new task force to tackle grooming gangs, particularly in the north of England. You could try to find out if your suspects are linked to any of them.’
She calls up a website on her computer.
‘Another option is the online bulletin boards and chat forums where survivors swap details, warning each other about particular workplaces and bosses.’
‘Have you ever heard anyone mention someone called the Ferryman?’ I ask.
‘All the time,’ says Natalie. ‘He frightens people more than Border Force or the police or the Home Office.’
‘You think he’s real?’
‘I don’t think that matters.’
‘Would any of your clients talk to us?’
‘I can ask around, but like I said, they’re frightened.’
28
Evie
Annie has two of her grandchildren at the shelter today, who are chasing the puppies around the garden. Although deep in paperwork, Annie is keeping watch from her office. She’s one of those no-nonsense, jolly women, with a booming voice and huge, pillow-like breasts that smother people when she hugs them. If one of her grandchildren ever goes missing, I know where I’d look first.
‘Your phone is ringing,’ she calls. I retrieve the handset from my jacket. I don’t recognise the number. It could be Dr Bennett.
‘Hello?’
