Guilt (DI Nicki Hardcastle Series Book 1) by Michelle Kidd

Author:Michelle Kidd [Kidd, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Question Mark Press
Published: 2021-08-09T16:00:00+00:00

Once again, DS Graham Fox found himself in the kitchen of a property, trying to reassure the homeowners that the person who’d broken into their house overnight was unlikely to return. For the most part, that was true. But the look on both Mr and Mrs Kennedy’s faces spoke volumes.

They didn’t believe him.

“And you’re sure the door was locked?” DS Fox nodded towards the back door.

Neil Kennedy nodded. “I’m sure of it. I’m quite fastidious with security. I always check all doors and windows before we go to bed. I can’t think that I wouldn’t have done it last night.” Confusion mixed with shock haunted his features.

“But you can’t be a hundred percent sure?” DS Fox’s pen hovered over a blank page of his notebook, noting the two empty bottles of red wine on the draining board by the sink.

“Well, I…I guess not, no.” Mr Kennedy hung his head and rubbed a hand over his early-morning stubble. “But I’m so sure I locked it.”

“And nobody heard anything?” DS Fox knew the answer before the question had even left his lips. He’d already skimmed through the initial statements both Mr and Mrs Kennedy had given to the attending officers earlier that morning.

Both Neil and Hazel Kennedy shook their heads as DS Fox snapped his notebook shut and glanced once more around the compact kitchen. It was a standard layout – sink underneath the window that looked out onto the back garden; cupboards on three walls above an expensive-looking granite worktop. A built-in oven and induction hob graced one wall, with a tall freestanding fridge-freezer opposite.

DS Fox stepped across to the fridge-freezer, noting the usual photographs and hastily written messages pinned to the front. A shopping list had been scrawled onto a ragged piece of paper, urging the next person to visit the shops to remember toilet rolls and potatoes. A calendar was pinned to the middle, set to yesterday’s date, surrounded by pictures of smiling children.

“You have just the two children?” It was a statement rather than a question.

“Yes. Noah and Isaac,” replied Mrs Kennedy.

“And you believe the intruder accessed your youngest son’s bedroom?”

Mrs Kennedy nodded, her lips starting to quiver. “Isaac’s room.” Tears began to spring up in the corners of her already red-rimmed eyes. “I keep imagining what could have happened.” She brought a hand up to her mouth to stifle a choked sob.

DS Fox tried his best at a reassuring smile. “From what we know about this particular intruder, he doesn’t appear to intend anyone any harm.”

“So what’s he doing? He doesn’t take anything of value.” Mr Kennedy had an edge of irritation to his tone. “Why break in and not steal anything except a few quid from Hazel’s purse?”

DS Fox could do nothing but shrug. “At this stage, we don’t really know. But please be assured, he’s most unlikely to return and we don’t consider his motives are to harm.” He knew his reassurances sounded hollow, but it was the best he could do. It was true

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