Restless Dead (Harry Grimm Book 5) David Gatward (reading strategies book txt) 📖

here, and Grimm when he gets back.’ Liz said. ‘Why, is something up?’

‘Not sure really,’ Jen said. ‘Mr Fletcher over at Black Moss House has reported another intruder.’

‘What, again?’ Jim said. ‘Seriously? Harry and Matt were over there last Thursday for the same thing. He was convinced that he’d seen his wife.’

‘How did he sound?’ Gordy asked, her ears picking up on this, remembering the contact she’d had with Mr Fletcher and his family after the awful crash that had claimed Mr Fletcher's wife, Helen, and what she’d then heard about Harry and Matt’s call-out the previous week.

‘I think it was his daughter called it in this time,’ Jen said. ‘But something’s not right, is it? Can’t be.’

‘No, you’re right, it’s not,’ Gordy said. ‘Can you tell them I’ll call them later, and pop in before the day’s out? Just to see if they need anything.’

‘Will do,’ Jen said, then glanced over at Liz and Jim. ‘So, you two both have something to be going on with. Which means I’ll be heading out there on my own, then.’

‘It’ll be nowt anyway,’ Jim said. ‘Just sounds like the poor old bloke’s not dealing well with the loss of his wife. And who can blame him? Right horrible, that.’

‘I think it best if PCSO Coates goes with you,’ Gordy said. ‘I’m sure I can persuade Constable Okri to step in instead.’

‘Neil’s joining us as well,’ Jim said.

‘Neil?’ Gordy asked.

‘My old mate,’ Jim explained. ‘The one I was out with Monday night, like. He wants to help seeing as I was out with him when it happened.’

‘We don’t know when it actually happened,’ Liz said.

‘I know,’ Jim said, ‘but I didn’t get back till late, did I? And I think Neil just feels a bit guilty. Anyway, an extra pair of eyes can only help, right? He’s meeting us up there.’

Liz turned back to Jen and asked, ‘So, you driving?’

‘Of course!’ Jen grinned.

Gordy put a hand on Liz’s shoulder as she prepared to leave. ‘I’ve seen Detective Constable Blades drive,’ she said. ‘I’ve even survived being a passenger with her a few times. You sure you’re ready for this?’

Liz laughed. ‘I’m never anything else! Come on, then, Jen, let’s go and see if Mr Fletcher’s seen another ghost.’

As Liz and Jen left, Gordy looked over at Jim and asked how his dad was doing.

‘He’s back home and under Mum’s watchful eye,’ Jim said. ‘Which means it was probably more relaxing for him in hospital, the poor bloke. Mum’s lovely, but she doesn’t half mither around given the chance, if you know what I mean. It can be a bit much to take sometimes, but it’s what he needs, so he’ll just have to get used to it.’

Gordy laughed. ‘A very watchful eye, then.’

‘You could say that,’ Jim said, as the office door opened and in walked Police Constable Jadyn Okri.

‘Speak of the devil,’ Gordy said.

‘And he shall appear,’ Jadyn finished, and Gordy heard excitement in his voice. ‘So, are you a Batman fan, then? Amazing! Because old Grimm hasn’t a clue.’

‘Batman?’ Gordy said, glancing over to Jim.

‘Don’t look at me,’ Jim said, holding up his hands. ‘I just work here.’

‘Constable Okri,’ Gordy said, turning back to Jadyn, ‘I must say that you’re looking particularly sharp today.’

She watched as the young police constable visibly swelled with pride.

‘Thank you, Ma’am,’ he said. ‘Important to give the right impression I think.’

‘It is,’ Gordy smiled. ‘So, are you busy today? Lots to do?’

Jadyn shook his head. ‘There’s always bits and bobs to do, yes, but if there’s something you need me on, then I’ll be all over it!’

Gordy laughed. ‘Where do you get your enthusiasm from?’

‘My dad,’ Jadyn said. ‘He’s unbearable. The kind of man who gets excited about finding a packet of prawn cocktail crisps in the cupboard.’

‘That’s a very specific reference,’ Jim said.

‘My dad’s a very specific kind of man,’ Jadyn replied.

Gordy said, ‘PCSO Metcalf here is going to accompany me to the auction mart. And I was wondering if you would like to come along?’

‘You think that’s where your dad’s sheep are?’ Jadyn asked, looking at Jim. ‘Is that it? Are we going to make an arrest?’

‘Bugger all chance of that, I reckon.’ Jim sighed.

‘But there’s always a chance we’ll hear or see something,’ Gordy said. ‘I had a chat with DCI Grimm, and he thinks a bit of police presence wouldn’t go amiss. I’m more than inclined to agree. And sometimes, that’s more than enough to spook someone into doing or saying something they shouldn’t, acting out of character, that kind of thing.’

‘Like at airports, you mean,’ Jadyn said.

‘How’s that then?’ Jim asked, clearly as baffled by the constable’s change of subject as Gordy herself.

‘You see, I’ve a mate whose dad works at Nottingham International,’ Jadyn explained, though Gordy wished that he wasn’t, but she wasn’t about to step in and quash the lad’s enthusiasm for sharing information. ‘When folk are queuing up and going through customs, and they pick people out at random to do a spot search, it’s not always because they think that person is actually carrying in something dodgy.’

‘Why do they do it, then?’ Jim asked.

‘They’re doing it to spook anyone in the queue who is,’ Jadyn said. ‘So, while they’re searching, they’re looking along for changes in behaviour, anything that might give someone away as not being quite right. Clever stuff, really. Psychological.’

Gordy managed to hold in her chuckle as Jadyn tapped the side of his head to emphasise the word.

‘So, you going to join us, then?’ Gordy asked.

‘What about the office?’ Jadyn asked.

‘Matt will be back soon enough,’ Jim said.

‘Then yes,’ Jadyn said, and Gordy loved to see the excited glint in his eyes. ‘Are we going now?’

‘Unless there’s something else you have to do first?’ Gordy said.

‘Nope, not a thing!’ Jadyn said, and before Gordy could say anything else, the police constable was at the door.

Chapter Twelve

Outside the community centre, and as Gordy, Jim, and Fly chased after Jadyn, Jen reversed to point the car