Next Of Kin (Unnatural Selection #3) by Somerville Ann

Author:Somerville, Ann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, amateur detective, science fiction, mm, unnatural selection

Chapter 6

My first four days back in London could only be described as ‘bloody’. Calls to Nick’s family, calls to my family, calls to his snotty boss, and back and forths with the police and the Foreign office, providing information, paperwork, and trying to get answers, the tiniest hint that Nick’s whereabouts were known one way or another.

But once the shock, the phone calls, and the raw worry had subsided a little, I was left twiddling my thumbs. George Adeyemi said their investigation would have to be suspended given the involvement of the police, and that considering they hadn’t found Nick, there would be no charge for the search. I felt a little guilty about that, but the Brazil expedition hadn’t been cheap. I’d have been happy to pay George’s bill, but was glad not to have to.

I could have cancelled my leave, but I didn’t feel I could give work the attention it deserved. Prof Carter had suggested I take more than three weeks if I needed it. I’d be out of my mind with boredom and anxiety if I didn’t return to some semblance of a normal existence in three weeks’ time.

Andy did give me one piece of interesting information though it wasn’t much help. ‘Gregorio Goncalves’ was a fake identity, which supported my theory that Nick’s disappearance was more than it seemed, and the police’s conjecture that he was behind the suspected attack on Nick—or whoever it was—in Bélo Horizonte. But ‘Gregorio’s’ identity and location were as yet unknown, though Interpol were helping trace his photo. Andy said the British police were looking at the ‘missing person’ aspect since they couldn’t interfere with the Brazilian investigation. I didn’t care how they fudged it, so long as they chased whatever leads they had.

A week after I flew back from Rio, the other boot dropped. Paul Reynolds called direct from Brazil, rather than allowing the local liaison to handle it.

“It’s Nick’s blood, Anton. No doubt about it.”

I clutched the phone hard. “But no body.”

“No body. Nothing else has changed. He could still be alive.”

“Only he’s missing a litre of blood.”

“It doesn’t look good. You know that. But nothing else has changed. So...you need to be prepared for bad news, but there’s nothing to say he’s not alive somewhere.”

“I understand.”

“I’m sorry, Anton.”

“No...no, it’s good news. I mean, that we know.”

“Yes. Do you have support?”

“I’m fine. I appreciate you calling.”

“It’s the least I can do. I’ll let you know if there are any developments, the second I hear.”

“Thank you.”

I bit my lip after Paul hung up, and made a decision. I was damn tired of being led around by the nose. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to make me think my husband was gone.

Well, bugger that. I hadn’t lost him to a serial killer or a murderous stalker. I wasn’t going to lose him to some stupid head game.

Time for a council of war.

~~~~~

The council members agreed without hesitation to a meeting, though it was probably more to humour their missing friend’s possibly crazed spouse than anything else.

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