A Cast of Falcons Read Online Free Page A

head,” said Shepherd, “in his older brother’s absence. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Prince Ibrahim is the real power behind the Old Dairy project. He’s coming over, by the way.”
    â€œThe Crown Prince? Now there’s a coincidence.”
    Shepherd eyed Maik warily. “Not at all. From what I understand, Prince Ibrahim is about due for his biannual visit anyway, though no doubt he’ll want to assess what impact this murder investigation is going to have on the project. I’ve already told his representatives I don’t see any reason it should interfere with their day-to-day operations.”
    Her stare seemed to be challenging Maik to disagree, but he just gave a noncommittal tilt of his head. Shepherd waited, but when it became clear the sergeant wasn’t going to offer anything, she pressed.
    â€œAgreed?”
    â€œThe investigative team are aware that neither the prince nor any other member of the Old Dairy Holdings board of directors are the focus of our inquiries at this time,” said Maik, reverting to the formal language that was his safety net when he was in danger of losing patience with his superiors.
    â€œSo we’re still looking at the protesters, then. Somebody who didn’t like what Philip Wayland’s research was going to mean for the north Norfolk coastline.”
    He saw the uncertainty in her face. Was it a strong enough motive, she was asking, to kill someone, especially in such a disturbing, violent way? Neither missed the irony; had it been Domenic Jejeune positing such a theory, they would have had no qualms about pointing out how flimsy it was.
    â€œWe didn’t find anything the first time we looked,” said Maik, trying hard to keep the note of exasperation from his voice. Shepherd’s interest in keeping the investigation away from a research facility in which an Emirati royal family held a controlling interest was understandable, but throwing up improbable leads in its place wasn’t making the sergeant’s temporary leadership role any easier.
    â€œNevertheless, it’s our best avenue of approach at the moment. Plenty of angry people, feelings running high. Get in amongst them, Sergeant, shake them up. If you still can’t find anything, I might, just might be willing to consider the DCI’s request. But not until we have fully explored every other possible line of inquiry. Fully explored , Sergeant. Do I make myself clear?”
    Maik nodded, but it wasn’t the phrase she had emphasized that had caught his ear. It was another one. At the moment ,thought Maik. Meaning until DCI Domenic Jejeune returned to take up the reins of the investigation. Before his absence, Maik had not really realized just what a sense of reassurance Jejeune brought to proceedings. Yes, he would likely haul them off in all kinds of improbable directions. Yes, there would be frustration and impatience at his unconventional, protocol-defying approach. But, beneath it all, there would be the same, single underlying refrain as always. I’ll get you there. Follow me, keep your faith, and I’ll deliver your killer. I will do it in my usual disinterested way. And it won’t mean a thing to me when I have. But I will do it .
    â€œWell, best be getting on with things,” said Maik brightly. It seemed unlikely now that Shepherd was going to insist he accompany her on her power-walk around Saltmarsh. He was fairly sure she had covered all her agenda items. All the same, it was better not to leave things to chance. “Full in-tray, as usual,” he added.
    She regarded him dubiously. “If you’re speaking to DCI Jejeune, you might want to mention to him that any royal interview wouldn’t be a package deal. Prince Ibrahim, when he arrives, couldn’t be more firmly off-limits if he was on the moon.”
    Maik nodded. But as he watched the retreating form of the slimmed-down Colleen Shepherd