Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

the time Matt had called the team together, Sam had a picture of Jonathan James in place, together with a host of other details. Matt guessed Sam had been busy doing this basic work while he was out. Moving to stand in front of the board, Matt gave him a nod of approval.
    Most of the team had gathered around Jane’s desk, wolfing down the chocolates, so there was no need for Matt to raise his voice. Only Grant remained oblivious and was intent on his computer screen. Matt decided to ignore him.
    ‘Jonathan James was found in an alley between Pierce and Monument Street at one twenty-five this morning by a club doorman. He called ambulance and uniform, but Jonathan was dead on arrival at Warwick Hospital. Slim is doing the post mortem tomorrow. He estimates the time of death between eleven-thirty last night and one this morning. From his initial findings, he thinks it is likely Jonathan died of a huge drug overdose, most likely morphine-based. However, he found no evidence of routine drug use. Jonathan’s mother, Mary James, is adamant her son was not a user. I know, I know, that’s what they all say.’ Matt held up his hands at the general moan of disbelief, before continuing. ‘However, we both believe her. Slim is fast-tracking the toxicology report.’
    ‘Could he have been branching out, trying something new?’ Grant drawled, finally raising his head.
    ‘There is always that chance, but it’s unlikely he would choose to start with this drug, or that he’d be able to get his hands on such a large quantity. We need to check what’s on the street right now. Grant, could you have a word with the drug team?’
    ‘If that’s what you think is best, sir?’
    Somehow, Grant always seemed to imply Matt’s decisions might not be right, but Matt was used to the man now and didn’t rise to the bait. ‘Thank you. We should also check for break-ins at doctor’s surgeries, pharmacies, etc., for any report that involves morphine or its derivative.’
    Grant nodded and Matt moved on.
    ‘For those of you who weren’t here, or have a bad memory, two years ago, Jonathan James was one of five youths convicted of the manslaughter of Jack Wylde. He was undoubtedly the ringleader and served the longest sentence, although reduced because of his age. We need to trace his co-defendants, just in case one of them has developed a grudge, life ruined and all that.’
    ‘I’ve traced one of the four, guv.’
    Matt stepped back and gave the floor to Sam.
    ‘Harry Winters, aged sixteen when the offence was committed, was sentenced to six months at a young offenders’ unit. He was a model prisoner and since being released managed to get a part-time job at the Chalice…’ Sam paused to review his notes. ‘The Stratford Chalice Hotel in the porters’ department. Not only that, but he’s doing drama at Stratford College.’
    As Sam turned to write Harry’s name on the board, Matt stepped in. ‘Thanks, Sam. Harry seems an unlikely candidate for Jonathan’s death, but we’ll need to see him and chase up the others, to see if they have any idea who may have killed him and to rule them out.’
    ‘What about Jack Wylde’s family?’ Jane asked.
    ‘There was only his wife and three young children. She was present at the time and was traumatized, as you can imagine. Certainly worth checking out. Think you should be the one to do that, Jane.’
    ‘Thanks a lot,’ she said, pulling a face and ignoring the titters from the others.
    She appeared tired and Matt wasn’t surprised when she shoved the chocolate-guzzlers aside and sat down. He’d have to make sure she didn’t take too much on, at least for a while.
    ‘What about Jack’s mother?’ Grant called out.
    Matt wondered why it sounded like an accusation, but he replied calmly. ‘True, good call, Grant. We’ll add her to the list. Also, we need to trace who was with Jonathan last night. We do have a name, well, a partial, from his mother, of a Nod or Noddy. Uniform may have