The Body in the Snow by Nick Louth

Author:Nick Louth [Louth, Nick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural, Suspense
ISBN: 9781788636971
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2020-01-29T13:00:00+00:00

* * *

It was a two-hour errand, but definitely worthwhile. Iris McQueen lived in a Victorian terraced house in Staines, just a few streets away from DI Mulholland’s house. Before making the trip he’d read the brief and the sloppily-written crime report which said two young white males had shouted racial abuse at her while she was waiting to catch the bus, then approached, snatched her handbag and pushed her over. The attack was five days ago but no e-fit pictures had yet been issued, nor any follow-up action recorded.

Gillard rang the doorbell, and a tall West Indian youth opened it and eyed Gillard nervously. ‘You must be Josh,’ Gillard said, introducing himself. ‘How is your mum?’

‘I’m fine,’ said a loud and familiar voice from inside. ‘Is that my favourite detective?’

‘She’s okay,’ Josh said with a smile, beckoning the detective inside. ‘Do you want a cup of tea?’

Gillard accepted, and walked into the neat but rather over-furnished lounge. There were lots of photographs of smiling youngsters on the wall and on every surface. A Jamaican heritage was proudly proclaimed.

Iris was sitting on the settee wearing a housecoat with a bandaged leg extended onto a foot stool. ‘They told me I have got to keep my weight off it. But, boy, it is so sore.’

Establishing that there had been no further contact from the police, Gillard said: ‘This really isn’t good enough. I’ll contact PC Bennett and see what they can do. The report said you lost your house keys. Was the address with them?’

‘I don’t think so,’ Iris said.

‘You need to be sure, because you might need to change the locks.’

‘That’s expensive,’ Josh said.

‘Yes, but it’s a worthwhile precaution. In many muggings the purse and any distinguishing objects get tossed into a garden somewhere. I’m going to ask the local PCSOs to knock on the doors of the street down which they ran away to see if anything has been handed in.’

‘Thank you so much,’ Iris said.

‘Were you given a leaflet about criminal injuries compensation?’

She shook her head. ‘The young policeman who came to see me was in a hurry. He didn’t even finish his biscuit, and I’ve never seen him in the canteen.’

‘Right,’ said Gillard. ‘Josh can look it up online for you, it would certainly be enough money to pay for new locks and compensate you for any loss of earnings. Here is my mobile number. Just let me know how it’s going. Really hope to see you back at work and in fine fettle in the next few days.’

‘Oh darling, you are so kind,’ Iris said. ‘Come on, give me a kiss. I can’t stand to say goodbye.’

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