THE DCI JACK HARRIS MURDER MYSTERIES Books 4-6: by John Dean

Author:John Dean [Dean, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: THE BOOK FOLKS bestselling crime fiction publishers
Published: 2020-04-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter eleven

‘Are you sure that this is all really necessary?’ said Henry Grace as he held his front door open to allow James Larch and two uniformed officers to enter the narrow hallway of his house. ‘I told you last night that it was only a few words with the man.’

‘I am afraid that Dennis McGuffin has been murdered,’ said Larch. ‘His body was found this morning, and we need you to come down to the station to answer a few questions.’

‘Dear God,’ said Grace. He leaned weakly against the wall and looked at the detective constable in horror. ‘Hang on; surely you do not think that I could possibly be the one who…?’

‘You might need a solicitor,’ said Larch.

‘This is ridiculous!’ protested Grace. ‘I am a respectable man, and there is no way that I could ever do something like that! Why on earth would you think any different?’

‘We need to talk to anyone who might have wished Mr McGuffin harm.’

‘Harm!’ exclaimed Grace. He started to struggle as he was led down the hall by one of the uniformed officers. ‘For God’s sake man, Dennis may have been irritating, but there’s no way I would ever wish him harm. It was only an argument about a letter. I shall be making an official complaint to your superior officer.’

‘I am sure that DCI Harris will be happy to consider it,’ said Larch, ignoring the protestations. ‘Are you going to come with us peaceably?’

‘No, I am not!’ Grace continued to struggle. ‘In fact, as far as I am concerned, this is a flagrant infringement of–’

‘You have a choice, Mr Grace,’ said the other uniformed officer. ‘You can come with us voluntarily, or DC Larch here can arrest you, and we’ll march you out to our car in handcuffs.’

‘And what would people think if they saw that happen?’ asked Larch. ‘Not sure it would do much for your reputation within the community, would it now? Your choice, Mr Grace.’

Henry Grace sighed.

‘Just let me get my coat,’ he said. ‘But you’re making a terrible mistake.’

As Henry Grace was led into the street a few moments later, Edie Prentice turned the corner and saw him being helped into the back seat of the police vehicle. She gave a cry and hurried up to the officers.

‘Let him go!’ she exclaimed, grabbing one of the uniformed officer’s arms as he tried to close the door.

‘What do you think you are doing?’ said the officer, shrugging her off.

‘Henry has done nothing wrong!’ Edie glared at James Larch. ‘I shall be making a formal complaint, of that you can be sure!’

‘Might I suggest,’ said Larch as he swung himself into the front passenger street, ‘that you get in the queue.’

* * *

Jack Harris stood at the top of the police station steps and surveyed the massed ranks of journalists staring expectantly up at him. A battery of television cameras was trained on the inspector, and several reporters held out tape recorders; he could hear the whirring of the devices.

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