The Coral Bride by Roxanne Bouchard

Author:Roxanne Bouchard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Orenda Books Ltd
Published: 2020-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

On his way into the police station, Moralès was surprised to see the prison guard of a receptionist get up from her desk.

‘Ah, good morning, Detective Moral-less. I have a message for you. Ms Sabrina Percy came by asking for you. She’s a serious woman. You never know, you might be glad of her help. The night Angel Roberts went missing, Ms Percy says she witnessed an important event. She’d like to meet with you because no one here takes her seriously. Here, I’ve written her number down in case you’ve lost it.’

‘We’ll pay her a visit this afternoon. Thank you, Ms Roch.’

Moralès took the note, somewhat troubled that the receptionist had given him the time of day, although it had hardly been the kind of civil conversation he was hoping for. She buzzed him in without him having to ask.

Moralès walked down the corridor to Lefebvre’s office, where the second surprise of the day awaited him. Lefebvre handed him a copy of the case file, photos, coast-guard report and all, without having to resort to an archaeological dig. In return, Moralès passed him the note he had been given by the keeper of the reception desk. ‘Sabrina Percy called this morning, it seems.’

‘I know, I’ve just got off the phone with her. She really would rather you went to see her. I think she’d be disappointed not to speak to the detective in charge.’

‘That’s not possible. I’m busy. Nice try, Lefebvre, but you’re my best field officer.’

Lefebvre chose to ignore the comment. ‘I stopped by the clinic earlier this morning. I spoke with Angel Roberts’ doctor. She was in good health. No known history of depression or therapy, no hidden cancer that might have caused a premature death. No known legal or illegal drug use, either. She wasn’t depressive, just overwhelmed by the world. Like you and me.’

‘Is that what her doctor said?’

‘I read between the lines.’

‘Is that all?’

‘She had trouble sleeping.’

‘Have you had a chance to look into her husband’s finances?’

Lefebvre nodded. ‘They’re pretty healthy. He paid off his shrimp boat with his share of the inheritance from his dad. He wants to buy a factory boat now so he can freeze his shrimp catch on board. Simone says it costs a packet though, and there’s not much local expertise with that kind of boat. It’s a risky move, but he’s got the money.’

‘Where is Officer Lord now?’

‘At the Fisheries and Oceans office. Are you missing her already?’

Lefebvre’s mobile vibrated. He took it out and read the text message. ‘The medical examiner expects to have a preliminary autopsy report ready for us by tomorrow morning, about eleven. Meet me here and we’ll call together?’

‘I’ll be here.’

Lefebvre replied to the text and pocketed his phone. He grabbed his jacket and walked with Moralès to the reception area.

‘Come and see me at the auberge on your way back to keep me posted, will you?’ the detective asked.

‘OK.’

They were nearly at reception.

‘Do you have a family doctor?’ Lefebvre asked.

‘No, I don’t,’ Moralès replied.

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