[DI Geraldine Steel 20] Without Trace by Leigh Russell

Author:Leigh Russell [Leigh Russell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Crime, Mystery & Detective, Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9780857304766
Google: pGyZEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Oldcastle Books
Published: 2023-08-02T23:00:00+00:00

37

For the second time in less than two weeks, Geraldine set out for the offices where Lucy had worked. This time she was going to bring Andrew to the police station for questioning. As she had anticipated, Sam Curren was really pleased when she asked him to accompany her.

‘So, we’re off hunting down a wife beater who might turn out to be a killer,’ he exclaimed as they left the police station compound. ‘This is more like it!’

Geraldine chuckled, recalling her own excitement when she had first been going out to question suspects in a murder investigation.

‘No matter how many hours I spend questioning potential witnesses who turn out to have nothing at all useful to tell us, the thrill never fades,’ she told him. ‘There’s always a chance the next person we speak to will crack the case. You never know, someone who seems completely harmless could turn out to be a vicious killer.’

‘But Andrew Whittington’s far from harmless. His own wife came forward to accuse him of violence. Now we need him to confess to the attack on Lucy.’

Geraldine nodded. ‘Yes, together with some conclusive DNA evidence, a confession would do very nicely.’ She smiled. ‘Confessions aren’t always reliable, but there’s no arguing with evidence.’

‘Do you never trust what people say?’

Geraldine sighed. ‘It can be tricky. Dealing with people is tricky. The most amoral felons can come across as very credible. The point is, you never know who you’re dealing with. If you want my advice, take no one at face value, and suspect everyone.’

‘So, can I believe what you just said?’ Sam laughed.

They both fell silent as they drew up outside Andrew’s building. The secretary at the law firm’s offices buzzed them in and looked distinctly irritated to see them.

‘How can I help you?’ she asked, tapping the fingers of one perfectly manicured hand on a folder she was holding, as though she was itching to begin typing.

After putting the question, she pressed her lips together in blatant disapproval.

Geraldine saw no point in hiding the reason for their visit, and asked to speak to Andrew.

‘I’ll check when he’s free,’ the secretary replied. She sounded composed, but Geraldine noticed her hand was trembling as she reached for her phone. ‘There’s a detective inspector here to see you,’ she said, staring blankly over Geraldine’s shoulder. ‘I don’t know,’ she replied after listening for a few seconds. She listened again before her eyes flicked to Geraldine. ‘Mr Whittington is very busy. He suggests you make an appointment. I have his diary –’

‘Good, so he’s here,’ Geraldine interrupted her. ‘Which is his office?’

As the secretary hesitated, Sam turned and walked off along the corridor leading to the solicitors’ rooms. He returned a moment later and nodded. Without another word, Geraldine followed him to an office with Andrew’s name on the door.

‘Wait,’ the secretary called out behind them, sounding alarmed. ‘You can’t just walk in –’

Sam rapped sharply on the door before pushing it open. They entered the office, and the door closed behind them, shutting out the secretary’s shrill protest.

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