Read Online Blood Symmetry by Kate Rhodes - Free Book Online

Islington.’ She looked regretful about her disclosure as Angie scribbled the name down, as if she’d betrayed her friend.
    â€˜You’ve done the right thing, Denise.’ I touched the back of her hand.
    Her eyes latched on to mine again, full of anxiety. ‘When can I see Mikey?’
    â€˜I promise to let you know.’
    We were about to leave when the living-room door swung open. Simon Thorpe was a very different physical specimen to his wife: medium height, thin, with black hair and penetrating blue eyes. Everything about him was hard-edged and definite, the opposite of her dreamy softness. His pallor and the shadows under his eyes suggested that he spent most of his days indoors. It was only when his smile animated his features like a light bulb that I realised why his wife had been drawn to him.
    â€˜Sorry, I’ve been with a client. Did you want to see me too?’ He had a soft West Coast American accent.
    â€˜Your wife’s helped us already. She’s answered all our questions.’
    â€˜Nothing I can do?’
    â€˜Not today, but thanks for the offer. We’ll come back if we need more information.’
    â€˜To be honest, we were upset about Mikey not staying here. He needs to feel safe until Clare’s found.’ His face tensed with concern.
    â€˜We can’t allow that yet, I’m afraid,’ Angie said.
    â€˜We want the best for him.’ His gaze intensified. ‘Please keep us informed. He should be with people he loves.’
    â€˜Of course, but I promise he’s getting excellent care,’ I replied.
    The couple looked anxious as we prepared to leave. Denise’s fingers clutched mine tightly as we shook hands goodbye, her husband’s expression sober. It interested me that the couple hadn’t made eye contact once during the exchange, and I guessed that their relationship was being tested by Clare’s disappearance. It made sense that they would be frantic about the disappearance of such a longstanding friend, and anxious about the welfare of her child. The abduction was having a ripple effect; the people closest to Riordan touched in different ways by her absence.
    Angie called in the news about Sam Travers immediately, as if he was bound to be the culprit. She talked nonstop on the drive back, updating me on her private life. She was waiting for the results of her detective inspector exams, her husband’s construction business was booming, and they were planning a holiday to Mauritius. I was an expert on Angie’s home life by the time she dropped me at London Bridge, but why Clare Riordan had been taken remained a mystery.

8
    B urns was hunched over his desk when I found him that afternoon. His tie was slung over the back of his chair, dark hair in need of a comb, his jaw rimed with stubble. I did my best to ignore the jolt of attraction that arrived out of nowhere.
    â€˜I hope you called me here for something urgent, Don.’
    He rose to his feet. ‘You wanted to see Clare Riordan’s sister. She’s not best pleased about being brought in again.’
    â€˜Has anything else happened?’
    â€˜We’ve had three more sightings of a couple by the copse where Riordan went missing.’
    â€˜Reliable witnesses?’
    â€˜A teacher, a nurse and a fitness trainer, all out walking their dogs or jogging. They were too far off to give much detail; but we know a man and woman in dark clothing were hanging round the spot when Clare was taken. They were seen inside the copse, sitting on a bench.’
    â€˜Life just got more difficult then. Couples are harder to spot; they can pass as normal so easily. You heard the news about Riordan seeing someone called Sam Travers?’
    â€˜Tania’s chasing it.’
    â€˜Have you got anything on her sister?’
    He glanced at a computer printout. ‘Clare took an injunction out against her this summer for harassment.’
    â€˜Never a great sign