Taken on the Peaks: A twisting British murder mystery (DI Jessica Ryan Crime Thriller Book 2) (1-3) by J.F. Burgess

Author:J.F. Burgess [Burgess, J.F.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2023-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 30

The living room bathed in a warm, cosy glow as Jess sat on the leather three-seater sofa, her fingers wrapped around a glass of Pinot Grigio wine. Outside, the winter evening cast an icy stillness over the moors, the quietude broken only by the crackling logs in the log burner.

Mick, her father and retired marine commando, settled into the chair across from her, his rugged face etched with concern. His vivid blue eyes mirrored the flickering flames as he voiced his worries.

‘You know, Jess, there's something deeply sinister about this case,’ he said, his voice low and filled with a father's protective instinct. ‘Especially that Garrick bloke. The way he preyed on those vulnerable women... It's sickening.’

Jess nodded. ‘I couldn't agree more, Dad. The depravity we've witnessed is vile. But now Garrick and his cronies have been exposed, they’ll be brought to justice.’

Mick sighed, his weathered hands gripping his glass of whiskey. ‘I know you're strong, Jess, and I'm proud of the work you do. But I can't help worrying about Madeleine. She's been through so much already.’

Jess's gaze softened, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's concerns. ‘Dad, Maddi’s safety is always my top priority. We've taken precautions, increased security measures.’

Mick's eyes met Jess's, a mixture of love and apprehension reflecting in his gaze. ‘I trust you. But promise me you'll be vigilant love; naturally I’ll be keeping a close eye on Maddi. These deviants have a way of finding vulnerabilities and exploiting them. Have you made any progress at all?’

A flicker of pain passed across Jess's face as she gripped her father's hand, ‘Dad, you know Madeleine and Benjie are my world, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep them both safe. But yeah, we’re getting their slowly, but it’s frustrating. We just don’t have the forensics to connect Garrick or the others directly to Tilley McCleave’s disappearance.’

‘What have you got?’

‘Abuse videos and the unauthorised administration and distribution of the controlled drug Flunitrazepam used to disorientate and even render victims unconscious. Rohypnol is exploited by rapists. If we don’t get something connected to Tilley, soon, Garrick and the others will be charged with sexual offences related to that.’

Silence settled between them, the crackling of the fire providing a comforting backdrop. In that quiet moment, they drew strength from each other, an unspoken bond of love and resilience.

After half an hour, Mick rose from his chair. ‘I'll check on Madeleine before I head back to the cottage; just to ease my mind.’

Jess nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. ‘Thanks, Dad.’

Returning from Maddi’s bedroom, Mick made his way to the front door, slipping on his jacket to brace against the winter's chill. Before stepping out into the night, he turned back to his daughter,’ Remember, I'm just a stone's throw away, love.’

‘I know, Dad,’ Jess replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ‘We'll be fine.’

Mick stepped into the darkness, his footsteps fading away as he made his way to the adjacent cottage. Jess watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

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