Remission by Ed Chatterton

Author:Ed Chatterton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: crime fiction
Publisher: Caffeine Nights Publishing
Published: 2016-08-22T00:00:00+00:00

65

Liverpool, October 22nd

‘The body is definitely Frank,’ says Charlie Searle. ‘And that’s a direct quote from the Cheshire Coroner’s Office autopsy report. No doubts. The other two bodies remain officially unidentified although the woman is very likely to be the wife of a neighbour, Kath Palmer. The husband was called in Spain but with nothing to ID he’s not going to be much use but it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out it’s her. There’s nothing on the other man.’

Definitely Frank? Harris struggles to compute the information. It’s not possible.

‘They’re sure?’

‘No question. DNA match, everything. It’s done. Frank Keane tragically died at Helsby.’

Searle sounds like he’s preparing a press release. Maybe he is, thinks Harris.

She has more questions but as soon as she starts speaking Searle cuts her off. ‘I’m sending an email package across now with all the details,’ he says. ‘If you don’t mind, DCI Harris, I’d prefer it if you read that first before we talk further. I’m out most of the day but will be in reach later.’

Harris puts down the phone trying to organise her thoughts. Despite being half-expected, the confirmation that Frank is gone still comes as a shock.

And there’s something else.

Searle hadn’t said a word about the blood relationship between Frank Keane and Sarah Coughlan. The message is this: you handle it, and you take the responsibility. Harris gets the distinct impression that how she manages this aspect of the case will define her MIT career.

Searle’s call is twenty minutes before the morning briefing at MIT. Harris downloads the information and sits at her desk sifting through it and pondering the best way to give the team the news. She tries not to think about Frank the man. That will come later in the privacy of her own home. In here, she has a job to do.

Coming into the main office she sees Ronnie Rimmer first. ‘Is everyone here?’ she asks. Rimmer nods.

‘I think so, ma’am. Only DS Cooper missing from those rostered on.’

Harris nods and takes her seat at the head of the central table as the last few people filter into the room. Most of the choice seats are taken by the DS’s with the DC’s crowded wherever they can find a space. Harris waits a few beats for what conversation there is to fade and then leaves them waiting a little longer as she gets her thoughts together. After what Searle has told her she knows this is a pivotal moment for MIT.

‘Before we get to the general business there’s some information I have been given a few minutes ago that you need to hear.’ Harris looks slowly around the packed office. ‘Superintendent Searle called me to tell me that one of the bodies in the fire at Helsby has been identified as being that of Detective Chief Inspector Frank Keane.’

Harris waits for any comments but there are none. A few of the team exchange glances or look down at their hands. There isn’t a sound in the room.

‘As one or two of you may already know, DCI Keane was on indefinite medical leave.

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