Carter and Sue had both been, given extended leave after the ‘Rule of Four’ incident, which led to the arrest and prosecution of four of the most senior police officers in The Merseyside Constabulary, and each of their four sons.

The eight prisoners all pleaded guilty on their appearance at the Crown court. ACC Fred Jones, Deputy ACC Smith, ACC Jenkins, and Deputy ACC Evans. All received 20 years in prison - their four sons to be - Detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

While on leave, Carter, and Sue, married, all team members and relatives were invited. After a brief honeymoon and R&R in the Caribbean, they both returned to work. Matters were idyllic; Carter and Sue found that they could mix business with pleasure, that colleagues had now taken them as a couple. The MCU team carried on in their own professional way.

It was whilst spending time at the farm that Carter was disturbed by a sudden cough. He turned to find, Charlie, his ex-APO (Armed protection officer) stood laughing at his ex-boss, he commented that he’d love a picture, for he’d been involved by assisting with the birth of a calf.

Carter looked at his protection officer suggesting why he was there, his colleague was unable to say, and not to kill the messenger. My orders are to collect you and deliver you to Liverpool police HQ.

On his arrival at HQ, he was told to report to the Chief Constables office, on arrival he was

shown through to his bosses office, by his secretary. It was there that he got the shock of his life, it was explained to him, due to the criminal activities of the most Senior of officers of the force, that vacancies had arisen.

His boss, Tony Frost, had been promoted to ACC Crime. This left a vacancy for Commander CID. The Chief Constable explained that due to recommendations, from his boss, and other very senior top floor colleagues, that he was the right man for the job. Meaning that Carter was to be promoted to, the position of Commander CID.