The Body in the River Read Online Free

popular with the women on the team. More to the point, as far as Brookes was concerned, he was a first class detective and well worth his place on the team.
    Joan Wilson was an attractive brunette in her mid-twenties. She wore a fashionable version of a donkey jacket, blue in colour, with a bright yellow T shirt, blue jeans, and a jumper. The bottoms of the jeans were tucked into black leather boots. The effect was one of casual elegance; despite her obvious distress she was an attractive young woman.
    Brookes opened the door and walked into the room. Like most detectives, he had many faces. The one he chose to wear at this moment was of the concerned, sympathetic policeman who had a sad duty to perform. He pulled out a chair and sat down opposite the woman. When he spoke, his tone matched the expression on his face.
    ‘ Good morning, Miss Wilson. My name is John Brookes. It is my duty to investigate the unfortunate death of your friend. I am very sorry for your loss and that you have been put through this experience. ’ He paused for a moment, then added, ‘ I ’ m sure you appreciate it is important for us to find whoever did this to Alison. ’ He paused again, this time waiting for a reaction.
    She nodded and mumbled, ‘ Yes, that ’ s OK. ’
    ‘ I ’ ll be as brief as I can; I know you have already spoken to my officers. But I do need to go over things with you again. Is that alright? ’
    She nodded again.
    ‘ I understand you have known Alison for some time? ’
    ‘ Yes, we were at Manchester University together. We ’ ve been friends ever since. ’
    ‘ Really, Manchester? ’ Brookes asked. ‘ I have a son who is about to go there. Is it a good university? ’
    A nod; ‘ Yes, very good. ’
    ‘ What did you study? ’
    ‘ Fine art. Alison studied computer science and business administration. ’
    ‘ Were you in the same year? ’
    ‘ Yes, we came down together three years ago. ’
    ‘ And what do you do for a living, do you paint? ’
    ‘ I do but I can ’ t earn a living from it yet. I design greetings cards; that pays the rent. ’
    ‘ And Alison? ’
    ‘ She works for a holiday company. I mean worked, of course. ’
    ‘ Who did she work for, is it a well-known company? ’
    ‘ No, it ’ s a small company that specialises in holidays for the very rich. It ’ s called Luxury Homes Abroad; I ’ ve already told your detectives this. ’
    ‘ Yes I know you have, Miss Wilson, please bear with me. I just need to make sure that we have everything. She must have been doing very well; those Thames-side flats are expensive. ’
    ‘ She was; she had just been given a raise. But she had a small inheritance that paid the deposit on the place. ’
    ‘ Where do you live; nearby? ’
    ‘ Not far away, I have a studio flat in Bow. ’
    ‘ When did you last speak to her? ’
    ‘ Lunchtime Saturday, about two pm. She had to go back to work, they were very busy. ’
    ‘ I see. How did she seem, was there anything on her mind? ’
    She shook her head. ‘ No, she seemed fine. ’
    ‘ Can you remember what she was wearing that day? ’
    She frowned for a moment, then said, ‘ Oh yes, she was wearing her navy suit and a white blouse, she looked lovely. ’
    ‘ When you say a suit, can you be more specific? ’
    ‘ A jacket and skirt. ’
    ‘ It may seem a strange question, but I must ask: what about on her legs and feet? ’
    ‘ She always wore pantyhose and black high heels to work. ’
    ‘ Do you remember if she was wearing them on Saturday? ’
    ‘ No, why do you ask? Is it important? ’
    ‘ I ’ m afraid I can ’ t tell you that at the moment, Miss Wilson, but it might prove to be. Please try to remember if you can. ’
    ‘ I remember she had high heels on. But I didn ’ t exactly examine her from head to foot. ’
    ‘ Of course not. If she had been wearing tights, what would she normally do with them when she got home? Would she keep them on in the house until she went to bed?