A Dark Shadow Falls Read Online Free

target. His anger may have been focussed purely on Peggy. Perhaps the boy tried to defend his mother and that’s what riled Fisher up.’
                  ‘How much do you know about domestic homicides, Ma’am?’ Andy looked at his boss carefully.
                  ‘Only what I’ve read in the training packs. I’ve never actually worked one. How about you?’
                  ‘When I started out in the western division, we were called out to the aftermath of a fire at a council flat in Greenock. The mother and three kids had died of smoke inhalation. The father claimed he was kipping on a mate’s sofa and fast asleep when it happened. His wife had kicked him out the week before. It didn’t take us long to realise he’d set fire to the place – murdering his own wife and children. The guy’s still banged up in Barlinnie.’
                  ‘That is the typical pattern though, isn’t it? The husband has become estranged from his family and fears losing contact with the kids. All of his anger and frustration become channelled on his ex-partner. The children are simply innocent pawns in the conflict between their mum and dad.’
                  ‘Were Fisher and his wife having problems?’
                  ‘According to Sally Irving-Bryant, Eric Fisher claims they had the perfect marriage.’ Dani raised her eyebrows and took a sip of coffee.
                  ‘What did the family and friends have to say on the matter? Did eastern have any record of domestic violence at the address?’
                  ‘The police didn’t find any evidence of Fisher being violent towards his family, but a couple of Peggy’s friends said that Eric could be very possessive. The woman always had to run it by her husband before she made plans. If they did go out for drinks in Edinburgh, Peggy would be nervous all night – always checking her phone.’
                  ‘But she had the wee girls. Folk might say the same about Carol. She doesn’t actually like going out in the evening any more, she’s forever calling to make sure Amy’s okay. I’d take offence if I didn’t know it was natural.’
                  ‘Fair point.’ Dani sat back in her seat. ‘Eric Fisher was definitely living at home with his family at the time he killed them. It’s unusual in a case of domestic homicide.’
                  ‘But the murders took place on a Sunday, which is typical in family annihilation,’ Andy added. ‘It’s the time when the father has greatest access to the children. If he’s under pressure at work, the weekend coming to a close could trigger his desire to end the cycle.’
                  ‘I want to look more closely at Fisher’s finances. There are some details here in these files, but not enough to provide me with the full picture. I think our next move should be to speak with Phil’s contact on the original investigating team.’
                  Andy drained his cup. ‘Aye, Ma’am. That’s a good idea.’
     
     

Chapter 4
     
     
    D ani Bevan stood on the pavement with DI Mike Tait and gazed across the quiet road at the Fishers’ property.
                  ‘It’s empty, so we can go inside.’ Mike led the way to the front door. It was a typical, pebble-dashed council property with relatively newly fitted double–glazing at the windows.
                  Most of the flooring in the hallway had been ripped up. The place was stone cold. ‘Why have the local authority not redecorated?’ Dani stepped carefully through the passageway, heading towards the kitchen.
                  ‘Fisher’s lawyers insisted it remain a crime scene until they completed their investigations,’ Mike explained. ‘Mind you, I can’t see anyone wanting to live here now.’ He ran a hand through his untidy grey