The Vikström Papers: Shadow Tide by Douglas Lindsay

Author:Douglas Lindsay [Lindsay, Douglas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Long Midnight Publishing
Published: 2024-09-12T00:00:00+00:00

28

Heading in to the city, got the bit between my teeth.

I’ve hit that moment. When one of these cases start, you’re always scrabbling around. Who’s the catalyst? What exactly is it that’s at the root of the issue? And sometimes, of course, what even is the issue?

You’re running around, throwing the net wide, not entirely sure what it is you’re trying to catch. And then out of nowhere, suddenly it just feels right, and you know you’re heading in the right direction.

That’s where I am now. I got the tingle of expectation when Sarah Hollister said there was a woman off that boat she couldn’t find. Sure, it could’ve meant nothing, but speaking to Sol Eugenides has really crystalised it. Brigham Foster brings dark and sinister to the table, which is the kind of thing you’re looking for when there’s been a murder, and she brings sex to the table, and sex was already at the table.

Yes, I know. Sex is invariably at the table, sitting alongside its partner in crime, money. But this hadn’t been about that until Dana Carpenter brought it up, and now we have another character in the drama bringing the same energy.

The phone rings as I’m getting close to town. Heading towards the Massachusetts Oceanographic Institute, just south of the city. Haven’t called ahead, no idea how this is going to go.

‘Vikström,’ I say, phone on speaker.

‘Loreen Washington. I’m home. Wondering if you have anything for me.’

‘I have questions.’

Can’t help smiling to myself as I say it.

‘Well, ain’t that terrific. Have you made any progress on the matter for which you’re being well renumerated? My finances are not a bottomless pit.’

‘I’ve made some, but I can’t say yet if it’s in the right direction. Have you heard about Aiden Connell?’

‘Who’s that?’

‘The boatbuilder.’

‘The boatbuilder? Like there’s only one.’

‘He built the Mary Celeste.’

‘I have not heard about Aiden Connell, Mr Vikström, and you are trying my patience. Do you have anything concrete for me or not?’

‘He was murdered on Friday night. I’d spoken to him that day. He’s got the boat, he’s mad at your husband about how it all played out, then someone slits his throat.’

‘Really? How terribly old fashioned. The killer must’ve been the only person in the country who couldn’t get hold of a gun.’

She’s all compassion, I’ll give her that.

‘Mark hasn’t told you about that?’

‘No, he has not. But then, I haven’t actually spoken to him since I went away. According to the calendar we’re due to eat together this evening, so perhaps we’ll talk then.’

Hell of a marriage.

What would I know? Maybe they’re all like that.

‘I’m in the city,’ I say. ‘I can be out by the pond by two this afternoon. Shall I come by?’

‘Oh, that would be delightful,’ she says, caustically. ‘I’ll see you then.’

The phone clicks off.

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