Read Online Common Murder by Val McDermid - Free Book Online

circuit. “You’ve got good contacts among the lesbian beanburger brigade down there, haven’t you?”
    â€œThe best. The prime suspect seems to be an old pal of mine.”
    â€œWhat shift are you on tomorrow?”
    â€œDay off.”
    â€œFine. Take a look at it if you don’t mind and check in first thing with Duncan. I’ll leave him a note stressing that I’ve told you to get stuck in. And Lindsay—don’t do anything daft, okay?”
    â€œThanks, Cliff. How much do you want now?”
    â€œLet it run, Lindsay. All you’ve got.”
    There followed a series of clicks and buzzes as she was connected to the copytaker. She recited the story off the top of her head, adding in as much as she knew about Crabtree and his connection with the camp. “A brutal murder shocked a women’s peace camp last night,” she began.
    Then, at nearly two o’clock she made her final call. Cordelia’s sleepy voice answered the phone. “Who the hell is it?”
    Lindsay swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat at the sound of the familiar voice. She struggled with herself and tried to sound light. “It’s me, love. Sorry I woke you. I know you’ll be tired after driving back from your parents’, but I’m afraid I’ve got a major hassle on my hands. There’s been a murder down here. Rupert Crabtree the guy whose face Debs is supposed to have rearranged—he’s been killed. The cops have pulled Debs. I don’t think they’re going to charge her. I know I said I’d be home tomorrow lunchtime, but I don’t know when the hell I’ll make it now.”
    â€œDo you want me to come down?”
    Lindsay thought for a moment. The complication seemed unnecessary. “Not just now, I think,” she replied. “There’s nothing either of us can really do till I know more precisely what’s happening. I simply wanted to tell you myself so you wouldn’t panic when you heard the news or saw the papers. I’ll ring you later today, all right?”
    â€œAll right,” Cordelia sighed. “But look after yourself, please. Don’t take any chances with a murderer on the loose. I love you, don’t forget that.”
    â€œI love you too,” Lindsay replied. She put the phone down and walked back to the camp. She opened the door to the van, forgetting momentarily about the police. The bulky presence of two uniformed men searching the van startled her.
    â€œWhat the hell are you doing?” she demanded angrily.
    â€œWe’ll be as quick as we can,” said the older of the two, a freckle-faced, gray-haired man with broad shoulders and a paunch. “We have a warrant. Your friend said it was all right,” he added, nodding toward Jane.
    â€œI’d forgotten you’d be doing this.” Lindsay sighed as she collapsed into the comfortable armchair-cum-driver’s seat.
    True to the constable’s word, they departed in about fifteen minutes with a bundle of clothing. Lindsay poured a large whisky for Jane and herself.
    â€œI could do without another night like this,” Lindsay said. “I don’t know what it is about my friends that seems to attract murder.”
    Jane looked puzzled. “You mean this happens often?”
    â€œNot exactly often. About two years ago, a friend of mine was arrested for a murder she didn’t commit. Cordelia and I happened to be on the spot and got roped in to do the Sam Spade bit. That’s when the two of us got together—a mutual fascination for being nosey parkers.”
    â€œWell, I hate to say it, but I’m glad you’ve had the experience. I think you could easily find yourself going through the same routine for Deborah.”
    Lindsay shook her head. “Different kettle of fish. They’ve not even arrested Debs, never mind charged her. I’m pretty sure they don’t have much to go on.