The Friend by Charlie Gallagher

Author:Charlie Gallagher [Gallagher, Charlie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2021-02-15T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

Joel had reviewed the CAD to see what was known about Sharon Evans. The FCR had included details of the home address and brief information of two children, both shown as residing there. Part of his visit would be to get more details. It could be an essential part of his investigation, but before clarifying the setup at that family home he was going to have to destroy it.

The house sat back from the road at the end of a long drive. Joel had a sinking feeling as he noted the windows and porch were still in darkness, despite the gathering gloom, and the drive was empty of cars. He still swore when there was no response to his knock.

‘She’ll be out. Help you?’

Joel turned to a man just visible between two tall bushes on a neighbouring path.

‘I was hoping to speak to Sharon Evans. Does she live here?’

‘Who’s asking?’

Joel didn’t like flashing his warrant card at random neighbours, it could only fuel gossip, but the man’s tone carried a warning that he wouldn’t be giving out any information cheaply. ‘I’m a police officer. She might be able to help me with my enquiries is all.’

‘Police? I thought you lot had given up. If she’s not in she’ll be at the hospital.’

‘Hospital?’

‘With her daughter. Still in intensive care. She usually goes later on a Sunday after the boy plays football. You find him yet?’

‘Find him?’

‘The bastard that put her there. I wouldn’t bother speaking to the family if you don’t have good news, I think they’re a bit upset with you lot.’

‘I’ll bear that in mind. Do you happen to have an up-to-date phone number for her? The number I have doesn’t seem to connect.’

‘I did say intensive care, didn’t I?’ The tone was laden with sarcasm now. ‘She’ll have it switched off, genius.’

‘Thanks for your help.’

‘I look forward to being able to say the same to you, officer. The whole community needs justice for those girls.’

‘Noted.’ Joel was moving away now, since continuing the conversation was only going to make it clear that he had no idea what this man was talking about. He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, providing the ideal excuse to ignore the neighbour, who was calling something after him. His display showed DS ROSE. Joel had left a message on her phone with the briefest of updates. He had finished by telling her not to worry about coming in, that he could update her tomorrow.

‘Hey.’

‘Why didn’t you call?’ DS Rose was instantly on the offensive.

‘I did. I assume this is a response to that.’

‘Before. Before you went out to a murder scene. Why didn’t you call?’

‘I didn’t know it was a murder scene. It still might not be. I didn’t know what I had and I didn’t see the point of ruining your Sunday as well as mine.’

‘You should have called.’

Joel took a moment to make sure his response wasn’t a barked reminder of the rank structure. He didn’t let anyone talk to him the way she was.

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