A Room Full of Killers by Michael Wood (spanish books to read .TXT) 📕

the way, Julia Palmer’s ex, Brian, has an alibi for Monday night. He’s currently in Malta with his new wife.’

‘I’m beginning to wish I was in Malta,’ Matilda said. ‘Scott, Faith, thank you for your efforts in Norwich, and I’m sorry they didn’t amount to much. You never know though, Ryan’s parents may call in. Faith, take over from Rory and keep looking into the family’s past. I still think there is something lurking in there that’s led to him being killed. Maybe check in with his schoolteachers. I doubt we can afford to send you back to Norwich but give them a call and send a local uniform round if you need to.’

‘OK.’

‘Sian, how did you get on talking to the other staff at Starling House this afternoon?’

‘They are a real mixed bunch. None of them seem to get on with each other. The atmosphere in the staffroom was practically arctic. They don’t mingle; they don’t chat; they don’t joke. It’s a very dark place to work.’

‘In what way “dark”?’

‘There’s no interaction. The officers just work there. They do their shifts, take their breaks, eat their lunch, then go to their rooms. Everything is so structured and orderly. They’re a group of people thrown together and they’ve no idea how to get on with each other. It’s like Big Brother but without the laughs. Not that I watch it,’ she quickly added.

‘Did any of them say anything about another member of staff to give you cause for concern?’

‘Not really. There are a couple who think capital punishment should be brought back for the serious criminals but nothing militant about them.’

‘No racism or bullying among the staff?’

‘No. Nothing. All very dull and boring, I’m afraid. I’ve got the sneaky feeling I’ve missed something though and it’s annoying me. It could be the atmosphere or me reading too much into it but I get the impression someone is hiding something they don’t want getting out.’

‘They could all be worried about the Elly Caine story.’

‘It’s possible, I suppose. Maybe it’s just Rory’s deep thinking that’s rubbing off on me,’ Sian said, which raised a laugh from around the room. ‘Let me have a think tonight and I’ll get back to you in the morning.’

Matilda’s phone burst into life with the sound of a breaking news alert. She fished it out of her pocket and looked at the lit-up screen. ‘Fuck!’

The entire room stopped. The look of horror on her face told them everything they needed to know.

BBC BREAKING NEWS

Ryan Asher, 15-year-old killer, has been murdered at Starling House, the maximum security youth prison in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. More to follow.

THIRTY-NINE

The breaking news had sent Matilda charging up to the ACC’s office to tell Valerie of the leak before she found out from another source. However, as soon as Matilda saw the pale look on her boss’s face, she knew she had been beaten.

‘I’ve already heard,’ Valerie raised a hand to stop Matilda in her tracks. ‘I just want to know how it was leaked and who leaked it?’

‘I’ve no idea,’ Matilda replied, breathless. She thought her daily jogs on the treadmill were benefiting her legs but taking the stairs two at a time wasn’t the same thing. Her thighs ached. ‘I can say, hand on heart, that it was not one of my team.’

Valerie nodded. ‘I believe you. It must have been someone from Starling House.’

‘The longer we spend there the weirder the place becomes. I had a very succinct chat with Kate Moloney today. I’m surprised she hasn’t had a stroke with the amount of pressure she puts herself under.’

‘You don’t think she’s fit to run the place?’ Valerie asked, eyebrows raised.

‘I’m not saying that.’ Yes I am. ‘I’m just surprised that it’s not inspected regularly. I know people don’t want Starling House on their doorstep but do Sheffield City Council actually monitor the place? Does anyone?’

‘It’s a private company who runs it.’

‘But it’s housing convicted killers. Surely the Home Office should have some involvement.’

‘I’m sure it does. However, the day-to-day running of the place is down to Kate Moloney.’

‘So who monitors her?’

The question went unanswered. As Matilda drove slowly through the congested streets of Sheffield, she went over the same question again and again.

Starling House was owned by a private security company based in Northern Ireland. They were, in effect, Kate’s bosses. How much of an input did they have in what went on behind those thick walls? Did they just hand over a budget every month and allow Kate to do with it whatever she liked? If so, should one person really have that much power and influence over convicted killers? It was a scary thought. Something else to check out tomorrow.

Matilda had hoped to get home before her guests arrived so she could have a quick shower and change her clothes. The two cars in her driveway told a different story. She unlocked the front door, and the sound of laughter coming from the living room was evidence she was late to her own party.

‘We let ourselves in. I hope you don’t mind?’ Adele said.

‘No, not at all. That’s what your key’s for.’

Adele Kean and Pat Campbell were sitting on the sofa with a glass of wine each. The log fire had been lit and there was a cosy feeling about the place. Matilda couldn’t remember the last time she had lit the fire. There didn’t seem much point in lighting a fire just for one. Whenever she was cold she either put on one of James’s big sweaters or went to bed early.

‘Adele gave me the guided tour. It’s a gorgeous house, Matilda,’ Pat said, looking around the living room.

‘Thanks. I like it,’ she said, her smile wistful as she thought of the man who had built it.

‘Great library too.’

‘You want it?’

‘Anton would kill me. Thanks for the offer though.’

‘So, Mat, are you cooking up something wonderful or are we having a takeaway?’ Adele asked.

‘After the day I’ve had I’m thinking of pizzas all round and