Her Buried Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Thriller (Opal Fields Book 1) by Fiona Tarr

Author:Fiona Tarr [Tarr, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: female detective, female police officer, Police Procedural, Australian outback cop, Mystery Suspense, Australian mystery series
Publisher: Fiona Tarr
Published: 2023-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

‘You heard the boss. Case closed.’ O’Connell addressed the two officers in front of him.

‘Just like that?’ Jenny shook her head. ‘Can’t I at least question Cheryl again and see if she saw anyone with Tiffany during the Festival?’

‘Philips. Head out to Mark, confirm when he last saw Tiffany. Did he see her at the Festival? Once we check that off, we’ll close the file until the forensic team come up with something more conclusive.’

Philips left. Jenny’s mouth opened and shut twice before she could speak. ‘What the hell just happened?’

‘The Boss isn’t convinced. This is a small-town Williams. I understand his reservations. If we go around accusing the locals of murder, it will stir up a hornet’s nest.’

‘Sir. If this gets swept under the rug and later something pops up that confirms this is a homicide, then an investigation into misconduct will turn over every stone in this place until they find someone to blame. Surely that will rock the community more than a legitimate murder investigation?’

Jenny couldn’t help but wonder if this was what had happened during her aunt and cousin’s investigation.

‘I hear you, but Sarge has made the call.’ O’Connell returned his attention to his keyboard, signalling the end of the conversation.

Maybe now wasn’t the time, but Jenny’s head was spinning. ‘I have an old cold case I’d like your opinion on. If you have a moment.’

‘A local one?’

‘Sort of.’

‘You’re being cryptic Williams. Which case?’

‘A missing person—actually, two missing people. The report was filed on the South Coast of Adelaide, tracking the subjects to Coober Pedy, but nothing came of it.’

‘Why are you chasing this one down?’ O’Connell had resumed his earlier position in his chair—leant back, fingers interlaced, hands behind his head.

‘It’s just that the investigating officer was Senior Constable Len Holmes and Sarge didn’t sign off on the report.’

‘Tread wisely Williams.’ O’Connell’s tone spoke volumes.

Jenny pursed her lips, considering her next words carefully. ‘The case was nine years ago Sir. A mother and daughter. They sent word—a postcard from Coober Pedy. They had to be here Sir.’

‘Nine years ago.’ O’Connell checked over his shoulder at the Sergeant’s closed door. ‘The Boss wasn’t doing so well back then. Len was acting station chief at the time.’

‘You weren’t here?’

‘I was. Just not Acting Senior.’

‘Is there any chance Len missed something?’

‘Why this case Williams?’

It was time to come clean, but could she trust O’Connell? More importantly, would he be pissed off with her and send her home?

‘Can we keep this between you and me Sir?’

‘For now.’ O’Connell leant forward and Jenny stepped closer to his desk.

‘The two missing women were my cousin Melanie and my auntie Carolyn Williams.’

‘Geez Williams. That’s why you took this placement?’

‘Yes Sir. But don’t get me wrong. Working each case that crosses my desk is my priority.’

‘I can see that by the way you pushed Sergeant Mackenzie in Tiffany’s case, but you need to tread lightly girl.’

‘Why?’

‘Sarge was still grieving nine years ago. Let’s say a lot went right by him back then. We covered for him as best we could.

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