Chosen Read Online Free Page B

plea went
straight to her listeners’ hearts. ‘Just please, find Sarah safe and well, that’s all I ask.’
    Nash glanced across at Clara, but she was already on her feet, waiting to escort Joan from the building. He was still staring at the door, reflecting on what he’d been told, when Pearce re-entered the room.
    â€˜I’ve got all the info,’ Pearce laid a sheaf of papers on Nash’s desk.
    â€˜I take it you drew a blank with the ambulance service?’
    â€˜No female casualties, apart from a fifty-year-old woman who got glassed in a cat fight at The Cock and Bottle last night. Nothing unusual for that place.’
    â€˜Right, I want you to follow Clara out to Mrs Kelly’s house. I want you to have a good look round, use your eyes and ears. Ask Mrs Kelly if you can take a peep into Sarah’s room. Check the garage and any outbuildings, all the usual. I want you to get a feel of the atmosphere. According to Mrs Kelly, the home life was close to idyllic. I want to know that she was telling the truth. Ask Clara to get Mrs Kelly to let her check Sarah’s computer. She’ll know what to look for. As soon as you’re finished, I want you straight back. In the meantime, I’m going to rustle up a uniform to replace Clara. You can both be of more use here.’
    â€˜What’s your own feeling, Mike?’
    â€˜I’m not sure, Viv. I’m going to alert Tom before I make a start on these,’ Nash indicated the paperwork Pearce had brought him. ‘I know it’s early days, but, if something has happened, the next twenty-four hours could be critical. One more thing, Viv, while you’re at the house, find out the name of the family doctor. Daughters don’t always tell their mother the truth, particularly about certain health matters.’
    Â 
    â€˜Tom? Mike Nash here. Sorry to disturb you on a Sunday.’
    â€˜It’s okay. What’s the problem?’
    â€˜We’ve a potential missing person. Nineteen-year-old girl went clubbing on Friday night, failed to return home and hasn’t been seen since. Mother’s frantic. I’ve been through all the usual, family fall out, girl getting laid or getting pissed. According to the mother none of them fits.’

    â€˜You reckon there’s cause for concern?’
    â€˜There seems to be no reason for the girl to stay away of her own free will.’
    â€˜Let me know if you need me to come through. Anything you need in the meantime?’
    â€˜A sensible, kindly WPC to nursemaid the mother, if it can be arranged. Clara’s with her at the moment, but I need her here.’
    â€˜I’ll sort that. There’s a WPC at Bishopton would fit the bill perfectly, anything else?’
    â€˜No, that’s fine.’
    Â 
    It proved to be one of those frustratingly fruitless days in an enquiry when little is achieved, and any information gathered is of a negative value. The small team of CID officers established that everything Joan Kelly had told them appeared to be true.
    Sarah’s friend, Mandy, added little to their stock of knowledge. She explained that she’d felt unwell early in the evening and had gone home, leaving Sarah alone at The Red Dragon. Sarah had been undecided about whether or not to continue on to Club Wolfgang. She definitely hadn’t planned to go to Netherdale or Bishopton. She appeared to be her normal, bright and cheerful self. Certainly hadn’t mentioned any worries or problems. Nobody had tried to chat up either girl at the pub or even engage them in conversation. As far as Mandy remembered, the clients were mostly regulars, people the girls knew.
    The landlord of The Red Dragon told much the same tale, adding only that as far as he was aware, Sarah had left around 10.30 p.m., alone as he remembered. He too was unable to recall Sarah in company with anyone but Mandy.
    All of which was frustratingly inconclusive. The question of