THE EMPTY SAFE MYSTERY: Detective Inspector Vikki Kirkby returns (The Wexford Homicides Book 2) by David Pearson

Author:David Pearson [Pearson, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: THE BOOK FOLKS bestselling mystery and detective fiction
Published: 2023-11-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

The weather in the area of Campile, County Wexford was very mixed when Inspector Barry Fanning arrived, along with two cars full of uniformed Gardaí and a jeep from the Armed Support Unit. It was one of those days when you could get all four seasons in the same sixteen-hour period, and for now, at least, it was quite autumnal. A cool, brisk breeze blew across the landscape, making Fanning glad that he was wearing an anti-stab vest over his suit, even though it was not exactly sartorially elegant.

The area where they had tracked Lynham’s phone was close to Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens, on the side of the estate leading down to the river Barrow, which defines the border between counties Wexford and Kilkenny.

The land in the region is basically flat, set to grass pasture for cattle, for the most part. There were no convenient hillocks where an observation could be mounted, and the hedgerows dividing the various holdings were, in places, thin, offering little camouflage.

Fanning arranged for the little convoy to pull into a narrow lane, which afforded a degree of cover from the main road to prepare the group for what was to come. He got out and summoned his colleagues into a huddle at the side of the track.

“Right, we’re about a kilometre from where we believe the kidnapper is in hiding.”

He took out an Ordnance Survey map that he had brought with him, unfolded it, and spread it out on the bonnet of his car.

“Here, hold down the corners of this thing for me, will you?” he said to two of the uniformed officers as the large paper sheet tried to take off in the stiff breeze. Fanning pointed to an area where there was a red circle on the map.

“This is the old cottage. We should be able to get the vehicles reasonably close, but after that it’s on foot. And we’ll have to be quick. I want you in pairs, each pair to include one ASU officer. We’ll try and cover all corners of the house, and be ready for yer man to make a run for it. I’ll act as control on the radio, and the rest of you maintain radio silence unless you need to report something. And remember, folks, there may be an injured or captive woman in there too, so go easy. Any questions?”

One of the younger uniformed officers raised his hand rather tentatively.

“Excuse me, sir. Do you think this fella is armed? Has he got a gun?”

“We don’t know that, Guard. We have no evidence that he is using firearms, but you just never know in these situations, so be prepared for anything. Anyone else?” Fanning said.

The rest of the little group just looked from one to the other but said nothing.

“Right. I’ll go ahead as far as I think it’s safe, and when I pull up, try and get your vehicles under some sort of cover. Then we’ll move in as I described earlier. Let’s go!”

Fanning

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