ALL THAT REMAINS (A DCI Reece Thriller Book 6) by Liam Hanson

Author:Liam Hanson [Hanson, Liam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CRIME PRINTS
Published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 43

‘Hannah used those exact words?’ Reece wanted to be sure he’d heard correctly. ‘ Dead and buried.’

Collier had gone back to standing in front of the fire. ‘That’s what she said.’

‘What did you and Janet think she meant by it?’

‘Not a lot at the time,’ Collier answered. ‘It was something said in the heat of the moment. Or so I thought.’

‘You’re not so sure now?’

‘I don’t know what to think, Chief Inspector. My head’s been all over the place since I saw last night’s news.’

‘Tell me more about the argument that started between Janet and Hannah’s husband, Mark.’

Collier went back to his seat, cradling his head in his hands. ‘Where do I begin?’

‘Tell it like it happened.’

He dropped his hands into his lap and raised his head. ‘Hannah had a brief history of alcohol abuse way back. I think she’d also dabbled in drugs at some point. I’m not a hundred percent on that. It wasn’t something Janet readily spoke about.’ Collier rolled his eyes. ‘Yet more secrets. There’s a theme emerging here.’ He took a breath. ‘And Mark can be selfish. Likes to play golf and go to the gym with friends. His friends. When Hannah’s father died, she took it really badly and went off the rails. Binge drinking. Making a fool of herself in the street. Mark was of no use to her, and used it as an excuse to spend even more time on his own. Janet had no option but to bring Hannah home for a couple of weeks, to sort herself out. As soon as Nathan heard she was back in Cardiff, he was over here like a shot.’

‘There was previous between them?’ Reece asked, making sure he was following the right cues.

Collier nodded. ‘Happened before my time here. It was the reason Janet took him on when he lost his job at the slaughterhouse. No one else would touch him.’

‘I’m familiar with his record,’ Reece said.

‘I guess Nathan gave Hannah the support and attention she wasn’t getting from Mark and . . . they had a one-night stand.’

‘And Mark found out?’

‘Hence the argument at the barbeque,’ Collier said. ‘He blamed Janet for what happened more than he did Hannah. That’s why I find it so hard to believe he’d offer an olive branch.’

‘But Janet claimed he had?’

‘She was adamant.’

Reece pushed a finger under the collar of his shirt. It was hellishly warm in the room. He couldn’t remember Hannah Oakley saying that she and Mark had split up. ‘They’re still husband and wife?’

‘Mostly for their daughter’s sake. Lucy’s doing GCSEs next year.’ Collier pulled a face. ‘The trials and tribulations of families, eh, Chief Inspector?’

Reece nodded slowly and stuck another finger under his collar. He didn’t feel at all well.

‘Do you have children?’ Collier asked.

Reece’s line of sight was drawn to the window and the street beyond. He was on fire and struggling to breathe. He had to escape the heat and get outside. When he stood, he felt faint, his legs struggling to support his bodyweight.

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