Missing: Presumed Dead Read Online Free Page B

butting in again, but the vicar, having got an ear, was unwilling to relent.
    â€œAll recently departed are supposed to go to the town cemetery,” he continued. Then added, “Or the crematorium,” with a little shudder and a face that said he felt that if God approved of cremation he would have equipped humans with an ignition cord.
    â€œSir,” Bliss tried again, more forcefully. “Please tell me exactly what has happened.”
    â€œLike I said, Constable, someone’s driven over the grass and ...”
    â€œNo. What did you say about a grave?”
    â€œFilled it in – that’s what I said. During the night. What I want to know is what you intend doing about it. The funeral starts at eleven.”
    â€œI’ll send a team of men to dig it right away, Sir.”
    â€œPlease be serious, Constable ...”
    â€œActually, Sir, I’m an Inspector and I am quite serious. If you’d care to return to the churchyard we’ll be along in a few minutes. You can show the men where to dig; we’ll have it out for you in no time.”
    â€œWell, I never,” said the vicar, shuffling toward the door, his faith restored, muttering his intention of writing to both the Chief Constable and The Times.
    Sergeant Patterson pulled Bliss to one side as soon as the old man was out of earshot. “Guv, we can’t let that funeral go ahead. It’s a crime scene – Forensics will be there for hours scavenging for clues.”
    â€œI know that – but I’m not going to get into an argument with the local bishop yet. As soon as we find the body we’ll look as surprised as anything and we’ll have no choice but to postpone the funeral and cordon off the entire area. He’ll be more than happy to co-operate, but if we suggest it now he’ll start bloody moaning.”
    â€œGood thinking, Guv ... And didn’t I tell you he wouldn’t have taken the body far?”
    â€œGet the car warmed up; I want a quick word with our man,” said Bliss, angling himself back toward the cells, refusing to offer hasty praise.
    â€œWe’ve found your father’s body,” he said, poking his head round Dauntsey’s cell door, not bothering to enter fully.
    â€œI somehow doubt that, Inspector,” replied Dauntsey with a polite cockiness that immediately annoyed Bliss.
    â€œAre you going to tell me where it is then?”
    â€œInspector! If you think I’d fall for a silly trick ... I don’t play those sort of games.”
    â€œSuit yourself. I’m off to church.”
    Dauntsey’s face remained impassive. “Say one for me.”
    â€œI have a feeling you’re going to need it,” he retorted.
    No sooner had they got into the car than the question which had hovered on Patterson’s lips for the past hour sprang out. “So what brings you to the sticks, Guv?”
    â€œIt’s no big deal,” he replied with a dismissive shrug, knowing that he was lying, knowing that it was a big deal – a very big deal – and he quickly changed the subject with a note of triumph. “I told you Dauntsey was cunning, Pat. I saw it in his eyes the moment I met him.”
    â€œNot cunning enough for you though, Guv.”
    Bliss picked up the sarcastic vibe and brushed it aside. “Nothing to do with me, Serg – it’s just Lady Luck.”
    â€œI guess he wasn’t supposed to get away with it.”
    â€œCunning though – what a place to hide a body. Who would ever think of looking in a grave, especially when there’s another occupant?”
    â€œD’ye realise we would never have found it, even with an infra-red from a helicopter. The detector would have picked out a new grave alright – even the body ...”
    Bliss nodded. “And the Vicar would have said, ‘That’s old Mr. So and So. We buried him this morning.’”
    â€œTalk about a close call,