Shelf Life by Douglas Clark

Author:Douglas Clark [Clark, Douglas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Media
Published: 2019-03-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Masters and Reed decided to walk to Watson’s house, leaving the car free for Green and Berger who would have the less precise job of tracking down Lawson and Mobb.

Before he set out, Masters phoned his wife. Masters had great regard for Wanda’s commonsense and wisdom over matters such as the one he was about to take in hand.

After she had been given a brief outline of the problem, Wanda said: “It will all depend on the girlie’s state of mind, George. Nobody should try to force her to come to any particular decision. If she’s sensible, she’ll work it out for herself. Only if she asks for help should it be given, but make sure she realises that the help is there should she feel the need to ask for it.”

“She’s only seventeen, poppet.”

“I know it sounds pathetic, George, but even at that age she will have at least the beginnings of the feelings of a mature woman. Her mind may still be immature. You can guide the latter if needs be. On no account must you try to tamper with the former.”

“Understood.”

“I’m sure you’ll deal with it very successfully, but I can’t quite see why you should concern yourself. You’re there to investigate a murder, not to do social work.”

“The need may not arise for me to do anything. But Tom Watson is a decent chap and just the sort of paternal sergeant the force needs and the public needs. I’d like to help him if I can.”

“He isn’t the first decent man whose teenage daughter has gone off the rails. We women do it quite a lot. Remember, I’m not entirely without experience myself.”

“So I’m to steer clear?”

“I didn’t say that. But please use a great deal of caution otherwise you could do more harm than good.”

“I’ll tread warily.”

“And, George . . .”

“Yes, poppet?”

“If there’s anything I can do . . .”

“Practically, you mean?”

“That, of course. But I also meant . . . well, I know one or two people in the adoption world.”

“Thank you. We’ll see how it goes.”

*

“How are we going to find Lawson and Mobb?” demanded Berger as he and Green left the dinner table. “They could be anywhere.”

“Use your loaf, lad,” grunted Green. “Young Sutcliffe has been keeping an eye on them these last few weeks. Get on to the blower. Ask the nick for his home number and ask him for likely places and how to get to them. If he offers to guide us, accept, but don’t put the idea into his head—much. Do that while I go get myself some more fags and be down at the car with the answers in ten minutes’ time.”

The outcome of Berger’s conversations was that within twenty minutes they were waiting outside the police station for Constable Sutcliffe. He joined them there, dressed in slacks and a modern shirt which had no collar and reminded Green of the workmen of his day who wore just such items, but usually with a front collar stud to fasten the gaping neck.

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