Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again Book 2) M Comley (ready to read books txt) 📖

and dipped into his car. He emerged holding up an old envelope. “You’re in luck. I don’t usually have a pen and paper on me. It just so happens I had a list with me tonight while I went shopping.”

He handed the paper over, and again she wrote down the information, her adrenaline shoving aside the apprehension she’d felt a moment earlier.

“That’s brilliant. If I can take down your address.”

He reeled it off. “Any assistance I can give, just shout. We need to rid the streets of these maniacs, there are far too many of them these days. If it’s not knife crimes…sorry, you don’t need me telling you that, I’m sure you’re aware of the crimes we have to put up with in this area.”

Katy smiled. “Sadly, all too well. I have to action this information swiftly if we’re going to catch the person responsible, sir. I can’t thank you enough for being super observant. We’ll be in touch soon.”

“My pleasure. I’ll be on my way then.”

Katy called the station as she darted back to the crime scene. “Yes, I need to get a bulletin out. All vehicles to be on the lookout for a red VW with this registration number…” She read out the details to the woman on control. “I need the ANPR cameras checked as well. My partner and I are on our way back to the station now.”

“Leave it with me, Inspector Foster. I’ll get this actioned ASAP.”

“Keep me informed, as and when you find anything.” Katy ended the call and watched Paul Somers leave the area. “I wish there were more diligent people like him around, it would make our lives a lot easier. He got the plate number. I’ve asked control to get onto it now. Charlie, you and I should make a move. I think we might have a long night ahead of us.”

“I’m up for it. I’ve already rung Brandon to pre-warn him not to expect me before midnight.”

“I’ve got to break the bad news to AJ yet. Can’t say I’m relishing the prospect. But needs must as they say. We need to catch this bastard, and soon. Tonight would be ideal.”

“What are you hanging around here for then?” Patti asked. “Shoo…let me get on with my work. Judging by the clouds gathering, I think we’re going to get a downpour soon enough. They predicted a bout of thunderstorms at the beginning of the week, but they haven’t materialised as yet. It’ll be just my luck the heavens open tonight.”

“Less chatter and more work then would be my advice.” Katy winked at the pathologist.

“All right, I’m on it now. Good luck, keep me informed if you find the suspect.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be at the top of the list.”

Katy and Charlie tore off their protective gear and ran back to the car, dumping the suits in a sack close to Patti’s van.

“Things are definitely looking up for us, Charlie.”

“Good, it’s about time.”

Katy decided to text AJ to break the news to him. A response came back within seconds: Stay safe. I love you.

She sent three love hearts and an I love you in return.

Katy wasn’t looking forward to telling yet another victim’s family about their loved one’s passing, but here she was, standing outside the family home, jiggling from foot to foot while she waited for someone to open the door.

It took a while for the woman to appear. She had her hair wrapped in a towel, her dressing gown pulled tightly around her. “Hello, can I help?”

“So sorry to disturb you, Mrs Bird.” Katy showed the woman her ID. “Would it be possible to come in and speak with you?”

“Oh my, it’s not my husband, is it? Ellis is late home, and I’ve tried calling him several times but received no response. I thought a bath would help me to relax. I was getting myself in a right state.”

“Yes, it’s concerning your husband.”

She clutched a hand to her chest and staggered back into the hallway, allowing them access. Charlie closed the door behind them, and they followed the shocked woman into the first room on the left. The lounge was decorated in muted brown and creams. Large geometric pattern curtains covered the two windows. Mrs Bird took a seat by the fireplace and motioned for Katy and Charlie to sit on the sofa.

“Please don’t tell me something dreadful has happened to him. I couldn’t bear you telling me that. We’ve had such a dreadful few months. Both our fathers have died recently, and the loss has been horrendous to deal with.”

Katy swallowed down the lump that had emerged in her larynx. “I’m sorry, it is bad news, I’m afraid. This evening, your husband’s body was found lying in the car park at the rear of the supermarket.”

The woman listened. Her mouth dropped open, and she shook her head. “No, don’t tell me that. Not Ellis. Not my baby. He can’t be gone, I need him.” She covered her face with her hands.

“Charlie, can you make Mrs Bird a cup of tea?”

Her partner rose and tore out of the room, Katy suspected out of relief. She wished she could do the same.

“I’m sorry for breaking down, he’s my everything.”

“Is there someone else in the house or someone you’d like me to call to come and be with you?”

“No, there’s only us here now. The children have both left home, they have their own families. How am I going to break the news to them? They both adore their father.”

“Would you like me to call one of them, would that help?”

“No. I’ll do it.” She reached for the mobile sitting on the small octagonal table beside her chair and scrolled through it. “Gemma, sorry to wake you, love…yes, I know it’s late…I’ve got the police here…it’s your father…something dreadful has happened…can you come and be with me? I quite understand if you don’t want to…okay, I’ll see you then. Goodbye, sweetheart.” Amy ended the call. “She’s going to contact her sister. They both