Murder On The Marshes by Clare Chase

Author:Clare Chase [Chase, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786814302
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2018-07-31T22:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-ONE

Tara was watching DI Blake through the sitting room window as he made his way from Riverside towards her cottage. He’d texted to warn her he’d call in. She already knew it had been Jim Cooper outside the previous night – the detective constable who’d come to her from the station had told her that. Perhaps DI Blake had an update; he looked as though he might have been working all night. She had to admit, he wore the rough look well. She went to open up.

‘DI Blake.’

‘Just call me Blake. Everyone does.’ The detective’s eyes met hers and she tried to read his expression. He was probably marvelling at how awful she looked.

‘I can imagine what you’re thinking,’ she said, standing back to let him in.

‘On this occasion, I bet you can’t.’ There was a faint smile behind his eyes. ‘I’m sorry if I look… informal,’ he went on. ‘I’ve avoided mirrors this morning.’

‘Me too, but I’m going to have to sidle up to one soon. I’m due out in the sticks later – to interview Sir Brian. I’m assuming you’d like coffee?’

‘Thanks.’

They walked through to the kitchen.

‘So, have you spoken to Jim Cooper?’ She turned to make the drinks.

‘I have.’

And…? He paused long enough for her to glance back at him over her shoulder. Surely he can give me more detail, under the circumstances?

Perhaps he’d read her look. As she turned back towards the kettle, he sighed as though making up his mind and then spoke again.

‘His explanation fits with what we know about him – and he was quick to come up with it, despite seeming quite drunk.’

He explained what the man had said about knowing where she lived, and having been shown her photo.

‘I’ll get Mary Mayhew to confirm his story, of course,’ Blake added, ‘but even if he’s telling the truth, it doesn’t mean he can be trusted. Maybe he’s a good actor who can think on his feet. It was certainly an odd time to drop by for a chat.’

Tara nodded and put a mug of black coffee down in front of Blake. ‘Well, if he claims he’s got so much to tell me I’m definitely going to arrange to talk to him.’ She read his look. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll make it somewhere public. Besides, I’ll have my knife.’

He opened his mouth.

‘Kidding.’ She didn’t want him arresting her. But in truth she wasn’t sure whether or not she was joking. She’d meant to leave the knife at home when she’d gone to meet Chiara Laurito, but at the last minute her nerve had failed her. Now she’d got the spray dye Kemp had recommended too, but when push came to shove, what if it wasn’t enough?

‘Tara, what are you going to do?’

She raised an eyebrow.

‘To cope. I’m guessing we’re both running on empty. I will eventually get some sleep, but what about you? What if tonight’s like last night? And then the next night is too?’

He must be wondering what kind of a freak she was, to have no one she could stay with.

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