Slow Slicing by Tony J Forder

Author:Tony J Forder [Forder, Tony J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Spare Nib Books
Published: 2020-08-09T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

Bliss related the salient portions of the conversation ten minutes later, his team alert to the potential impact of their superintendent’s ambitions. He settled them down, insisting – as Fletcher had – that no immediate changes were planned. ‘The Super is no different to me or any of you,’ he said. ‘We all reach a point where we consider the path ahead, and how we feel about taking it.’

‘Last thing we need if you ask me,’ Bishop said, setting his mouth into a tight slit.

‘I agree, as it happens. But don’t for one moment think that DSI Fletcher hasn’t taken the impact on this unit into consideration. Team harmony will matter to her, of course, but this is the rest of her future we’re talking about. I know you’ve wrestled with the same questions, Bish, just like I know you haven’t yet reached a decision. Well, neither has she. So we go on. Speaking of which, somebody bring me up to speed.’

It was left to Chandler to provide an update. Bliss listened intently as his DS rattled off the situation as it stood. They now had a positive DNA report on Ben Carlisle; the sample taken from the portion of flesh found in the Knights’ Chamber had been matched against items removed from the Carlisle property, and subsequently confirmed as his. Of the man himself there was still no sight or word – and the same went for Tommy Harrison and Earl Dobson. Dobson’s records had arrived, and Chandler had been working her way through them when Bliss entered the Major Crimes area.

Talking about Carlisle reminded Bliss of Feeley’s apparent fixation on how he had linked the man to the find. He began to second-guess himself. Would mentioning Bannister’s role necessarily have been a negative thing? In this instance the information had gone only one way. However, questions might have been asked as to why a reporter would so willingly give up her story to Bliss. It was a tough call, but having had time to think about it in greater detail, he was content with the answers he had provided.

‘Anything to give us a new direction or something positive to go on?’ he asked.

Chandler linked her hands behind her head, supporting it in place. ‘Nothing. Dobson’s long-term partner reported him missing when he failed to come home on Wednesday last week. They live together in Devizes with their twenty-three-year-old daughter. Wiltshire police have the report logged. Other than that, we can confirm his association with Swift and Carlisle, but no obvious connection to any other persons of interest.’

Bliss winced. ‘Which means very little. Could just be that he moved within their circles less than anyone else we’re looking at. Did you follow up on the book?’

‘Yes, boss. As you suspected, Phil Walker was the one who took the book out on loan. Ordered by him at North Weald library – which you noticed was printed on the barcode tag. I’ve tried calling him again, but no joy. We can either take another crack at him or ask the locals to pick him up.

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