Blood Runs Cold by P.F. Hughes

Author:P.F. Hughes [Hughes, P.F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-22T16:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

Logan and McCulloch found the Land Rover parked in the undercroft, in an annexed section directly beneath the boardroom they'd left over an hour ago. After signing the relevant paperwork for the vehicle, which included instructions to return it to the same parking bay every day after use, Logan took the driver's side while McCulloch loaded the back seats up with heavy winter coats and boots, and carefully placed two hot takeaway coffees in the holders on the dashboard.

'Lucky to get this, eh?'

'It's the least they can do,' Logan said. 'If Murray wants us to go traipsing through those fields up there, then we need decent gear, and that includes the vehicle.'

'But it's bloody brand new, Rob. I'm not sure I trust your driving in this thing.'

'Bollocks. This is no problem. Always wanted one of these, to be honest.'

'Aye, well don't go screwing it around town like a boy racer, eh?'

He glared at her. 'I spent nearly two years on the traffic unit. I think I know what I'm doing. Right, how do you start this bloody thing?'

He found a START button beside the handbrake. These brand new 4x4s were as modern as they come, which was a good thing. But he'd never liked automatics. It was infinitely better than his own VW, though, and more suited to the terrain and weather.

The afternoon had become darker than they would've liked, the town overcast with a massive black cloud and an ethereal whiteish glow from the fallen snow, which had now reached at least two feet deep and was still falling. If they were in a country that had these conditions regularly, it wouldn't be a problem. But the British infrastructure couldn't cope. Countless roads hadn't been gritted, trains and trams had come to a halt, water pipes had frozen and gritting lorries were out all day and night.

'It's beautiful, eh?’ McCulloch said. ‘Just not so pleasant when you have to travel around in it.'

Logan had taken them out of HQ and up towards Ainsworth. He knew where St Michael's was, and half expected to see its illuminated crucifix atop the spire even at this time. It was pushing towards two o'clock and the local schools would be kicking out soon if they hadn't already. The weather had caused a lot of early closures this side of the city for one reason or another. The side streets and local fields would be filled soon enough with kids playing in the snow.

'So, what did you make of all that?' McCulloch said. 'DCI Clayton's a bit of an arse, eh?'

Logan shook his head. 'I know. I don't know what he was trying to achieve in there.'

'Mustn't like being challenged by an underling.'

'They never do.'

'You were right, though. You'd think it would be a priority to check CCTV. Makes me think Warburton and Sanderson haven't a clue. So, are you going to attend this briefing tomorrow?'

He nodded. 'Yeah. And you can come with me. I'll probably need the moral support.'

'Will be interesting to see what they have to say.

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