The Murder Wall Read Online Free

and untidy, with peeling paint, tatty office furniture and little room to swing a cat. Not only was it too small, but it was located in a part of
City Central police station already earmarked for renovation. Officers from the Murder Investigation Team (MIT) were hooking computer screens together with miles of wires, enough to send the Health
and Safety manager into a rage. Screens came to life with the force logo as staff arrived in dribs and drabs. Gormley was writing the name ALAN STEPHENS on the dry white marker board, an ancient
piece of kit not remotely like the electronic murder wall in the Major Incident Suite situated on the floor above. He looked old standing next to fresh-faced DC Lisa Carmichael who was new to MIT
and eager to make a good impression.
    ‘You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited for this, Sarge . . .’ Carmichael said. ‘I’m so excited.’
    Gormley bristled. ‘Murder victims are people, Lisa. Flesh and blood, like you and me. It’s not a game. See how you feel after your first post-mortem. I could arrange one today, if
you like? The Super has an interesting case on. Would that be exciting enough for you?’
    Shamefaced, Carmichael clammed up and wandered aimlessly away. The DCI patted her on the arm as she walked by. It wasn’t like Gormley to be so grouchy.
    ‘That was a bit harsh, wasn’t it?’ Daniels said. ‘What the hell is eating you?’
    Gormley just looked at her like butter wouldn’t melt.
    ‘You know perfectly well what I’m talking about, Hank. Lisa’s young and keen. She could go all the way. I asked you to take on her supervision because you’re the best and
you know how to have fun at the same time. At least, you used to. She doesn’t deserve to have her enthusiasm dampened just because you have marital problems, so don’t take the piss. You
owe her an apology.’
    Gormley stopped pretending. ‘I know, I’ll sort it.’
    ‘See you do.’
    Daniels pulled a packet of Benson & Hedges from his top pocket without asking. Under a NO SMOKING sign, she lit up. Another thing for Health and Safety to complain about! She
hadn’t tasted nicotine for months and felt instantly dizzy. She coughed, bent down and immediately stubbed the cigarette out on the side of a bin. As she handed the packet back, DS Paul
Robson’s frustration caught her attention. He tapped his watch and rolled his eyes as DC Neil Maxwell wandered in off sick leave: large as life and late, as usual. For the third time in as
many weeks, his malingering had left MIT short. He was the weak link in the chain and it was no secret that she wanted him out.
    Maxwell plonked his lazy arse down at an empty desk just as Detective Superintendent Phillip Bright appeared in the doorway looking every bit the impressive officer he was. His clothes were
immaculate as always: a crisp dark grey suit, white shirt and silver tie matching a spotted handkerchief in his breast pocket. A hint of aftershave reminded Daniels of one her father used to
wear.
    Bright’s appointment as head of MIT eight years before had come as no surprise. He was highly respected throughout the force and had a proven track record in murder detection. He’d
also been instrumental in guiding Daniels to make the right career choices. Her path mirrored his own; so much so that she almost felt like his shadow. Wherever he had gone, she had gone too. One
day he would become force Crime Manager, which effectively meant he would take charge of the CID. When he did, she was hoping to step into his formidable shoes.
    ‘Morning, sir. Can I help?’ Maxwell was back on his feet, sucking up as usual.
    Aware of the problems his sickness had created for a squad already understaffed and under pressure, Bright wafted him away as if he were an irritating fly, concentrating instead on Daniels.
    ‘Got a minute, Kate?’ He pointed at the bundle of crime-scene photographs in her hand. ‘You may as well bring those with you.’
    Gormley raised a quizzical