Wrong Place: A gripping serial killer crime thriller. Read Online Free

sure, and I’ll ring you later on this afternoon if you give me your mobile number.”
    Jack jotted down the phone number when Darla shared it, then the detectives left the flat.
    “That was tough,” Jack said when they set off in the car.
    “They’re all tough, Jack. Our job is definitely not getting any easier. That’s for sure. Right, let’s get to the pub and see what we can glean from the manager.”

CHAPTER TWO
    By the time Sally and Jack pulled into the Old Fox’s car park, the customers were already starting to enter the front door. “Let’s hope the manager has staff arranged to cover the bar early doors. Otherwise, I sense we could be in for a long wait,” Sally grumbled, switched off the engine, and climbed out of the car.
    Jack licked his lips. “A long pint would go down a treat right about now.”
    “When wouldn’t it with you? You know what’s always amazed me?”
    Jack frowned and shook his head. “No, what?”
    “How the devil you manage to stay so slim, considering the amount of booze you throw down your neck.”
    “Christ, hark at you. From what I can remember, you’re not averse to the odd tipple yourself.”
    “Hmm… that was before. Let’s not go down that route. Are you ready?” Sally pushed open the door to the lounge bar of the Old Fox.
    “I’m right behind you,” Jack said.
    Sally dipped her hand into her jacket pocket and produced her warrant card. When she approached the bar, the rotund barman smiled and walked their way.
    “What can I get you nice folks?”
    Sally held up her ID. “DI Sally Parker and my partner, DS Jack Blackman. Are you the manager?”
    He peered at her identification then leaned against the shelf behind him and crossed his arms. “I am. Greg Jones. What’s this about?”
    “We’d rather have a word in private, if it’s all the same to you. Can you call on a member of staff to relieve you for ten minutes or so?”
    “Nope. The first bar staff member is due to start her shift in thirty minutes. Can you hang on until then?”
    “We’re going to have to. You better give us two orange juices while we wait.”
    He popped the tops off two small bottles and placed them on the counter, along with two glasses. “Wait over there, and I’ll join you when I can.” He pointed at a small table in the corner near the window overlooking the children’s play area at the back of the pub.
    Sally and Jack picked up their drinks and left the bar. “That’s funny,” Sally said.
    “What is?” Jack took his seat, eyeing the manager behind the bar.
    “The fact that he didn’t press us on why we’re here. Wouldn’t you if you were in his shoes?”
    “I suppose so.” Jack continued watching the man.
    The manager went back to his regular customers and carried on laughing with them as if Sally and Jack weren’t there. The more Sally observed his demeanour, the more her suspicions grew.
    Finally, an older lady in the process of removing her jacket entered the bar. “Sorry I’m late, boss. The traffic was bad.”
    “I’m used to it. You lot seem to treat this place as a joke when it suits you. What with that Brenda dipping out of her shift early last night! You lot should start showing me more respect and begin valuing your jobs, or I’ll sack the bloody lot of you.”
    “Brenda was ill. There was no harm done. I covered for her—without pay, I hasten to add. Have you heard from her this morning?”
    “Why should I? Hurry up and stop nattering. I’ve got a couple of folks waiting to see me over there.” Greg nodded in Sally and Jack’s direction.
    “Oops, you’ve got it. I’ll be two ticks.”
    Once the woman had returned and installed herself behind the bar, the manager poured himself half a pint of beer and joined them at the table. “Right, what’s this all about?”
    Sally smiled tightly at the man. “Brenda Fisher. I heard you mention her name just a moment ago.”
    “That’s right. She ducked out of her shift early last night;