Still Waters Run by Mark West

Author:Mark West [West, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Charlie slid the photograph out of the envelope. It was about the size of a sheet of paper and she’d composed it so the brickwork of the arch formed a frame around the central image. The focus and detail were remarkably sharp.

“This is the last picture I ever took of her,” she said quietly.

Dan wondered if this was the shock WPC Townsend had warned them about. “Are you okay?”

“Who knows?”

He didn’t know how to respond to that so he looked at the picture. Mia looked worried and the person’s bangle must have been metal because there was a small flare where light had caught it.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“She doesn’t look scared.”

“You’re right.”

“I wonder if the person’s grabbing her or trying to stop her lashing out.”

“I wish I’d caught more of the other person.”

“You did a good job, Makepeace,” he said and thought back to the mysteries he’d read. What would be their next move? “Is it a man’s arm or a woman’s?”

“Judging by the bracelet or bangle or whatever it is, I’d say it was a woman.”

He leaned in closer. “That makes sense but I think it might be a man. Look at the shade on the upper side of the arm. It looks like hair.”

“Women have hair on their arms.”

“I know but not usually that much.”

“If a man wore a bangle like that,” she said, “he’d certainly stand out.”

His mum came into the caravan and said hello then came up to the table. She touched the back of Dan’s head then sat next to Charlie. “How’re you doing, love?”

Charlie smiled at her. “I’m okay, Jude.”

“Dan told me what happened and it must have been awful. I know you don’t really know me from Adam, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

Charlie looked like she might start crying.

“And a top tip. Try and avoid the local paper.”

“We’ve seen it,” said Dan. “Some bloke at the chemist’s got all leery and showed us.”

“Oh that’s disgusting.”

“I know the photographer too,” Charlie complained. “I thought we were friends. We talked to him on the beach.”

“It’s out of order,” his mum said. “I’d be happy to complain to the paper on your behalf. And on mine too. It’s demeaning.”

“Thank you.” Charlie tapped the photograph. Actually would you mind looking at something for us, Jude? You might be able to help.” She moved the picture so his mum could see it better. “I took this on Monday morning when I was getting some random views of the lido. I didn’t realise Mia was there.”

“Who’s grabbing her?”

“We don’t know,” said Dan. “Do you think it looks like a male or female arm?”

His mum pushed her bottom lip over her top one as she peered intently at the photograph. “A man,” she said. “Don’t you think that looks like a watch strap?”

“I think it looks more like one of those big bracelets you used to wear years ago, Mum.”

“I hardly wore anything that big.”

“I think it looks like a bangle,” Charlie said. “Whoever it is, it doesn’t look like they’re getting on too well with Mia, does it?”

“No.

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