The Ten Commandments Read Online Free Page B

Beechcroft Mansions at the same time as Webb, and waited while he garaged his car.
    'You're working late,' she greeted him. 'Is this the case you were called to last night?'
    'Yes; it's been the hell of a day, I can tell you – the PM, interviewing the widow, then over to Ashmartin. I was there till after seven, since when I've been in the Incident Room.'
    'Why Ashmartin, for heaven's sake?'
    'Because that's where the victim came from. He was a social worker, and on the face of it, it looks as though one of his clients turned nasty.'
    'On the face of it?'
    'Well, it's more complicated than that. In fact, it's very similar to a case we had some years ago, which is still on file.'
    The church clock was chiming ten as they went into the building. I hope you've eaten?' Hannah said.
    He nodded. 'One of the lads brought in pizzas. And you. I take it, have been to Gwen's?'
    'Yes; she was pretty tired, so I left soon after we'd eaten.'
    'And you survived the grilling on your stewardship?'
    'Just about. Of course, she knew the worst of it already; John and I had both sent her full reports, so it was just a rehash.'
    'Well, you must admit you had an eventful year.'
    The lift stopped at Hannah's floor. 'Like to come in for a nightcap?'
    'Love to,' he said with alacrity.
    Hannah's flat always seemed a haven after a difficult day, its soothing pastels and relaxing atmosphere a balm to the soul. Tonight, despite the still-oppressive heat outdoors, it felt pleasantly cool. He sidestepped the marmalade cat which came to greet them, winding itself round Hannah's legs with a mew half-welcome, half-complaint.
    'I know, I know,' she told it, 'you're starving, as usual. Come along, then, and I'll give you some biscuits.'
    Webb leaned against the kitchen door, watching her. Has Canada changed Gwen at all, or is she as scatty as ever?'
    Hannah paused, the packet of cat food in her hand. 'I'm not sure. She's not quite the same, but it's nothing I can put my finger on. Perhaps we've just forgotten some of each other's foibles.'
    She shook the packet into the cat's bowl. 'What does worry me is that she's bent on introducing some Canadian methods to Ashbourne, and I'm not sure I like the sound of that.'
    'It's just the first flush of enthusiasm,' Webb said comfortably. 'Once she settles back into the old routine, she'll probably opt for laissez faire.'
    Hannah took the ice-tray from the fridge and moved past him to the sitting-room. 'Actually,' she admitted, taking two glasses out of the cabinet, 'I've introduced a few changes myself while she's been away. Nothing drastic, but they've made things run more smoothly.'
    Webb laughed. 'By the sound of it, you'll have to do some bargaining. "You can do that, if I can keep this."'
    'Except that she's the boss again now.' She carried the drinks to the coffee table and they sat down in the deep, comfortable chairs.
    'Anyway, enough of that; we must wait and see.' She sipped her drink and leant back, resting her head against the cushions. 'I love summer evenings,' she said, 'when the heat of the day is over and you can relax and draw breath, and everything's so peaceful.'
    'Amen to that.' He raised his glass. To peace and tranquillity!'
    Hannah laughed. 'Put like that, it sounds rather dull.' She watched him for a moment. 'You're still thinking about the case, aren't you?'
    'Sorry.'
    'Want to talk it over?'
    He sighed. 'No, love, never mind. I'll keep it to myself for the moment. Perhaps when I've slept on it, some chink of light might appear.'
    It wasn't until the next morning that Frederick Mace read about the murder, and, with a mounting sense of excitement, realized its personal significance.
    'Good God!' he exclaimed at the breakfast table.
    His wife moved the marmalade out of range of his paper. 'What is it, dear?'
    'This murder that Gillian mentioned: it sounds like a replica of one I selected for my book.'
    'It shouldn't take long to clear up, then,' Edwina commented.
    'Unfortunately that doesn't