Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again Book 2) by M Comley (best books under 200 pages txt) 📕

enquiries—all we can hope is that a neighbour saw something. Nadia came home around ten-twenty, I believe, so any time before that. Thinking about it, with his injuries, he wouldn’t have lasted too long. So let’s narrow it down to between nine and ten, although I’m thinking more along the lines of nine-thirty. I know, I’m waffling as I’m thinking out loud. Who’s up for the task?”

Patrick and Stephen raised their hands.

“Thanks, guys. That’s all I’ve got to tell you at present. Wait, I’ll contact Nadia. She wanted to get some personal belongings from the house. While you’re there, have a word with SOCO and oversee accompanying her inside to pick up her stuff for me, would you?”

“Sure. Where’s she going to stay? Does she have relatives in the area?” Patrick asked.

“No. I think I’ve persuaded her to stay in a hotel. Her sister is travelling down from Scotland, haven’t got a clue when she’s likely to show up. I’ll ring Nadia and get back to you.”

Katy entered her office to make the call. She stood by the window overlooking the car park at the front of the station. “Hi, Nadia, it’s DI Katy Foster. How are you feeling today?”

The woman sighed and yawned. “Sorry about that. I’m okay. I’ve just got up, I’m getting ready to go into work.”

“What? Well, I would advise against you doing that. You must still be in shock, that’s going to affect the way you carry out your job.”

“I need to be around people. I need the interaction. If I sit in a hotel room I’m going to go out of my mind.”

“What about your sister? Isn’t she due to join you today?”

“She’s due this afternoon, getting in around three. I’ll take time off to get her settled at the hotel and return to work. Please, don’t question my actions. I need to be busy, to be distracted. I’ve barely slept all night. Every time I closed my eyes…I saw my father’s throat cut open…”

“I’m sorry about that, Nadia. I can’t profess to know what being confronted with such a horrendous ordeal can do to a person. I can arrange for you to see a counsellor, if that’s what you want or need to get through this.”

“I don’t know what I want. What I need is my father back, but the likelihood of that happening is non-existent.”

“It is. I still don’t think you’re doing the right thing by going into work. Is your immediate supervisor aware of the situation?”

“Yes, the ward sister understands my reasons for going in and has given me the all clear, under the proviso that if things turn out to be too tough to deal with, I leave and go back to the hotel.”

Katy found that piece of news incredulous, especially as Nadia would be dealing with patients on the ward, effectively putting their lives at risk if her thoughts lay elsewhere. “Oh, I see. A couple of my officers will be out at the house today, conducting house-to-house enquiries with the neighbouring property owners. I know you said you wanted to grab some personal effects from your home; they can oversee that if you want, today.”

“Oh, yes. That’d be good. What time will they be there?”

“They’ll be leaving soon. Should be there in about twenty minutes, does that suit you?”

“Yes, I don’t have to be at work until ten, so that’s perfect. I can snatch a change of clothes and pack a bag of essentials, and then go straight to work. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll let my boys know to expect you. I’ll be in touch soon. Don’t forget to call if you need to speak to me.”

“I won’t. Will you do the same if you find out who…killed my father?”

“Without hesitation. Speak soon.” Katy ended the call and returned to the incident room. “Guys, I’d leave now. I’ve told Nadia you’ll be there in twenty minutes. You know what to do when you enter the house. Suit up, including her, and escort her to her room. Don’t allow her to roam around the house unattended.”

“Yes, boss,” Patrick replied. He got to his feet and left the room with Stephen.

“Okay, that’s them sorted. What’s left for you guys to do? It’s a residential area, so no chance of obtaining any CCTV footage for the road in which they live. Our only hope is that one of the neighbours comes up trumps. Karen, if you can begin the background checks for me.”

“Already started on them, boss. Do you want their bank accounts checked as well?”

“If you would. Charlie, can you see what the system throws up for any crimes of this nature taking place, or armed robberies—we can’t discount that theory either—within a twenty-mile radius in the past two months? I’m guessing there won’t be; however, at this stage of the investigation, there’s really nothing else for us to tackle.”

“What about calling a press conference?” Charlie suggested.

“The thought crossed my mind. I think it’s a bit early to consider holding one just yet. Let’s see what the boys come up with. Karen, will you add the sister to your list? Although, I don’t know her married name. Her Christian name is Penny.”

“Leave it with me.”

“I’ll be in my office.” She stopped off at the vending machine and took a cup of coffee with her. Her mind was numb, and she found herself staring at the unopened letters piled on her desk, not having the heart to open them. Instead, she decided to ring Patti. “Hi, sorry to disturb you. I don’t suppose you’ve had a chance to perform the PM yet?”

“Good morning to you, too, Katy. You’d be right in your thinking. I’ve only been at work for an hour, give me a break.”

“Sorry, eager to know what your take on the vic is.”

“Why? You’re not usually one for chasing things up so early. Is there something you need to get off your chest?”

“To be honest, I can’t explain it. I know Lorne used to go on about working on