CHASING SHADOWS: A fast-paced murder mystery full of suspense and twists (A DCI Reece Thriller Book 4) by Liam Hanson

Author:Liam Hanson [Hanson, Liam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crime Prints
Published: 2022-07-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

Archie had long since given up banging on Coombsie’s front door. Squinting through the letterbox, he called his friend’s name repeatedly, but to no avail. He put his head against the front downstairs window, looking for any movement inside. He checked the bedroom windows. Front and back. Nothing.

Coombsie was either doing an impressive job of hiding from him, or was simply not at home.

Archie came away. His movements had started drawing the attention of neighbours. Some peered through gaps in their curtains. Others opted for standing on doorsteps, blatantly watching him. Only one of them approached Archie directly.

He couldn’t blame them. He was beginning to look like he lived on the streets. Actually, he was living on the streets. They must have thought he was gearing up to break in and squat. ‘I’m worried about Daniel,’ he said, backing away. ‘Have you seen anything of him these past few days? Do you know if he’s okay?’

‘Clear off or I’ll call the police,’ was the only response he got.

Archie wondered if Coombsie had fallen foul of the same people he had? Coombsie knew things about Billy Creed. More than mere rumours, as it turned out. He had insider knowledge that might very well have got him killed.

Archie wished he could turn back time. If his journalistic career was destined for nothing more interesting than teeny-bopper beauty pageants and thefts from village allotments, then so be it. What he was currently mixed up in was some serious shit. He had no way of knowing what was going on. Or who was involved.

If he was to track down the perpetrators and save himself from certain death, he’d need a new phone to make calls when he needed to. But not one registered to him.

He counted the money in his trouser pocket. Luckily, that hadn’t gone AWOL, along with his passport. He’d get two phones. Something throwaway cheap.

Archie found a small independent store not too far from where he was. They were likely to ask fewer questions and would be grateful for the passing trade. The door opened with an electronic buzz to alert the owner. He went in and couldn’t help but look over his shoulder as it closed behind him. He needed to relax. He’d already caught the attention of the Indian couple standing behind the serving counter. ‘Morning,’ he said, initiating a response in kind from both of them. ‘I’m after a phone.’ It wasn’t a daft statement. There were rows of cases and other bits and pieces on offer.

‘What did you have in mind?’ the man asked. ‘We have the latest iPhone—’

‘The cheapest you've got,’ Archie interrupted. The owner looked disappointed. ‘Two of them,’ Archie said with a forced smile. If the couple thought they were having a bad day, then they should step into his shoes for a few hours. ‘With ten pounds of credit on each.’

The handsets looked like toys. ‘Do they come with a charger?’ he asked. The shop owner rifled through one of the boxes and confirmed they did.

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