Stalked By Shadows by Chris Collett

Author:Chris Collett
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: UK
Publisher: Liitle, Brown Book Group (Digital)
Published: 2009-05-31T14:00:00+00:00

Nina Silvero had been cremated that morning in a small family service that even Mariner felt unjustified to intrude upon for the purposes of the investigation. But the memorial celebration that followed was at the Oratory, also known as ‘Little Rome’, the huge Baroque-style edifice on the Hagley Road, built as a memorial to Cardinal Newman, and was altogether a different affair.

‘Wow, what a place,’ murmured Knox, gaping up at the ornate high ceiling, as he and Mariner accepted hymn books from an usher and took a couple of seats towards the back, the better to observe the mourners.

By the time the proceedings began, the transept of the church was full, and not just with ordinary folk. Among the various low-level dignitaries, Mariner watched a couple of high-ranking police officers make their way down the aisle towards the middle of the church. Family and close friends occupied the first couple of rows, including Rachel and Adam Hordern, and Mariner pointed out Estelle Waters, elegantly dressed in a grey wool suit. In addition, there were a number of couples, some accompanied by teen and pre-teen daughters, who Mariner deduced to be from the ballet school, past and present. A number of mature women, grouped together, Mariner surmised could also be ballet-school officials. Rachel Hordern was the epitome of the grieving daughter and spoke movingly about her stepmother.

‘If she did have anything to do with it she’s putting on one hell of an act,’ Knox whispered to Mariner.

As he spoke they became aware, as did those around them, of a commotion on the opposite side of the church as a woman, apparently in some distress, jumped up and began forcing her way from her seat in the middle, to the end of the row; no mean feat as she was a large woman, wearing a bulky duffle coat and carrying a capacious handbag. People turned to stare as, in her haste, she practically fell into the side aisle before recovering and hurrying out of the church. Mariner, placed on the end of the row, quietly got up and followed her out, catching the closing door before it slammed shut. But, when he emerged into a squally shower, the woman had vanished.

The service ended with a rousing hymn, after which Rachel and her entourage proceeded out of the church. Mariner turned to watch them go, and as he did so locked eyes with another familiar, albeit older figure at the very back of the church on the opposite side. Nodding an acknowledgement, he turned to tell Knox. ‘See who’s over there?’ But when he turned back again, Jack Coleman, his old DCI, had gone. On their way out of the church there was the familiar meet and greet line. Mariner scanned the crowd ahead for Coleman, but he’d disappeared, leaving Mariner wondering if he’d been mistaken.

‘Thanks for coming, Inspector,’ said Rachel, as they approached. ‘I hope you and your sergeant will be able to join us at the reception.’

‘Thank you, we’d be pleased to.

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