The Body in the River Read Online Free Page B

that? ’
    ‘ No, she wasn ’ t rich. The only thing of any value she had was her laptop; that was an expensive one. Oh, and a digital camera. ’
    ‘ What about TV or music player? ’
    ‘ Yes, she had those, but not expensive ones. ’
    ‘ So it ’ s unlikely that theft was the motive? ’
    ‘ Yes, most unlikely. ’
    Brookes sighed. ‘ Is there anything at all you can think of that might help us with our enquiries, anything out of the ordinary that happened recently, anything discordant? ’
    ‘ No, nothing. We were good friends, I would have known. She was having a busy time at work but she was enjoying that. She seemed happy. ’
    ‘ Thank you, Miss Wilson, you ’ ve been very helpful. If anything does come to mind, please contact us. DC Gerrard here will see that you get home safely. ’
    Leaving the room, Brookes slowly climbed the stairs up to the room set aside for the investigation of major incidents, known by the station staff as ‘ the murder room ’ , deep in thought. There was every indication that this case would not be easy to solve.
    *

Chapter 5 – The Crime Scene
     
    ‘ The mirror reflects all objects without being sullied. ’
    Confucius
     
    Back in the murder room, a young woman stood patiently, waiting to be introduced to her new boss. Just promoted Detective Sergeant Jacqueline Rose, graduate from Oxford University in European Languages, had joined the job three years ago, having been accepted into the force on the graduate entry scheme; a scheme that guaranteed her fast promotion through the lower ranks. She was the flier Short had mentioned earlier.
    As Brookes walked in, she was deep in conversation with DI Short and he had time to take a good look at her. She was tall for a woman; five seven or eight and with a good figure. In her mid-twenties, he reckoned. Her hair was cut in an attractive page-boy style with a curl on each cheek. She was dressed in a smart navy blue trouser suit and white blouse. The overall impression was of an intelligent, attractive young woman.
    Short introduced them and they shook hands; her grip was firm but not assertive. For the first time he noticed her eyes. They were a deep shade of grey, bright and enquiring. He ’ d barely had time to glance at her file before interviewing Joan Wilson but knew she was a graduate entrant destined for the top. Like most career police officers, Brookes was sceptical about the accelerated promotion scheme, especially when he was given one of the fliers to groom; they were no sooner with you than they were moved on. But he didn ’ t let these thoughts show as he faced her.
    He said, ‘ Sorry I wasn ’ t here to meet you, Sergeant, I ’ m sure DI Short has told you what ’ s happening. ’
    ‘ Yes, sir, he briefed me. ’ She spoke with no discernible accent, and Brookes inwardly sighed with relief. Those few words were proof of a good education untainted by the affected speech of those who tried to impress others with their so-called breeding. Busy police officers had no time for such affectations. Brookes took an immediate liking to her despite his scepticism.
    ‘ Good, ’ he said. Then, turning to DI Short, he asked, ‘ Have we got a pool car available, Derek? ’
    ‘ Yes, boss. ’ He handed him a key.
    Turning to Rose, Brookes said, ‘ I hope you can drive? ’
    She nodded. ‘ Yes, sir, I ’ ve had the conversion course. ’
    ‘ Good, we can talk as we drive. Let ’ s go and see how DS Middlemiss is getting on at the victim ’ s flat. ’ Then, as an afterthought, ‘ Grab two of those evidence suits, we ’ ll need them. ’
    They found the car in the station yard.
    Brookes asked, ‘ Do you know the area, Sergeant? ’
    ‘ No, sir, this is my first posting to the East End. ’
    ‘ Right, you drive and I ’ ll navigate. Now, I can ’ t keep calling you, Sergeant; is it Jacqueline or Jacqui? ’
    ‘ Most people call me Jacqui but I don ’ t mind either, sir. ’
    ‘ OK, young Jacqui, turn left