The Meating Room by T.F. Muir

Author:T.F. Muir [Muir, T.F.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery & Detective, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9781472115553
Google: WiFTBAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Published: 2014-09-03T12:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Back in the Office, by 10 a.m. Gilchrist could not shift the feeling that his investigation was almost stalling again. McVicar had been on the phone to Greaves, who in turn called Gilchrist for an update. But after bringing Greaves up to speed, he received only a snort of derision. He and Greaves had once enjoyed a strong professional relationship, but ever since Greaves missed out on promotion about a year ago, he seemed to take out his disappointment on Gilchrist at every opportunity. When Greaves ended the call with a curse, Gilchrist was hard pressed not to call him straight back and tell him where to shove it.

Then Stan phoned with the disappointing news that both Anne Mills and Vicky Kelvin had just confirmed they had never met. They could both be lying, of course, but why would they?

The prospect of a break came when Jessie’s mobile beeped receipt of an email.

‘It’s from Jackie,’ she said.

On account of her disability, Jackie was the only civilian researcher permitted to work mostly from home, as long as she put in a couple of appearances at the Office each week. And no one could ever accuse her of slacking, especially on a Sunday morning.

‘Anything?’ Gilchrist asked, accessing his own email account.

‘Give me a minute.’ Jessie scanned down the tiny screen as fast as she could, then said, ‘Listen to this. Purvis has form. In 1980, he was sentenced to twelve years after being found guilty of rape and attempted murder. Spent time in Peterhead, and was released after serving six years—’

‘So that would be 1986?’

‘Where’s a calculator when you need one?’

Gilchrist felt a thrill of excitement. Stratheden Enterprises was launched in 1986.

Jackie’s email opened up on his screen and he scrolled down the page. ‘After his release, Purvis moved to England. First to Newcastle for five years, then York for two, then London for four. In each of these cities he was questioned over the disappearance of three women – in 1990, ’92 and ’94. But he wasn’t charged for any of the incidents due to lack of evidence.’

‘He must have returned to Scotland at some point,’ Jessie said, ‘if he was involved in Nichola Kelly’s fatal accident.’ She read on. ‘Born in Aberdeen in 1954. Mother and father both unidentified. Raised in an orphanage. Seems not to have had a normal family life. Worked on the rigs from ’74 to ’79—’

Gilchrist shot a look at Jessie. ‘The same time period as Magner. Did they work for the same company?’

‘It doesn’t say. But I’ll get that checked out.’

‘Here’s the address,’ he said. ‘We’re in luck. Cauldwood Cottage, Ceres.’

‘Where’s that?’

‘A few miles outside Cupar,’ said Gilchrist, clicking the mouse. He was already halfway to the printer as it whirred into action. ‘Jackie’s provided a location map for the cottage,’ he said, grabbing the sheet and folding it in half.

‘She’s also provided a mobile phone number.’

‘Don’t call it,’ Gilchrist said. ‘Let’s pay Purvis a surprise visit.’

‘On what grounds?’

‘On the grounds that I’d like to talk to him.

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