Read Online Czech Mate by Elizabeth Darrell - Free Book Online Page A

found her irritating, smug and patronizing. Unfortunately, police professionalism and the fact that she was in the home of a major and his lady prevented her from doing what her psyche had urged. Her only opportunity to satisfy that urge was a rubbish bin at the end of the road into which the perfect mince pies went with great force.
    Phil Piercey tracked Sapper Rowe down on the eastern side of the base, where he was with a team clearing snow and ice from security lights and cameras surrounding the armoury. Squaring with the lance-corporal in charge, Piercey invited Rowe to sit in the comparative warmth of his car while they talked. Large but compact, with brown hair and alert brown eyes, the young RE seemed concerned by Piercey’s arrival.
    â€˜I told the Redcap all I could remember about that business on Saturday night,’ he said immediately. ‘I haven’t thought of anything else, although I’ve been over it in my mind several times.’
    â€˜We’ve taken over the case and I need some answers. Get in my car, please.’
    â€˜I had nothing to do with hitting that boy,’ he protested, standing firm in snow that almost topped his boots.
    â€˜The car!’ ordered Piercey, who occasionally enjoyed putting the frights on cocky nineteen year olds. Alan Rowe had been alibied by every other adult at the party, who said he had been occupied with the games and competitions the whole time. As all detectives knew, in any large group activity it is impossible for participants to be absolutely certain of the unbroken presence of every person around them. Someone slips outside momentarily, goes to the toilet, fetches something from another room unnoticed.
    â€˜Right then,’ Piercey began when they were settled in the warm vehicle. ‘In your statement you claim to have seen nothing unusual, no strangers hanging around, no aggro between the kids and Kevin McRitchie. Is that correct?’
    â€˜Of course. I wouldn’t have said it else.’
    â€˜You also stated that you don’t know Kevin, couldn’t describe him.’
    Rowe nodded. ‘There were a couple of hundred kids there. I had to ask their names for the score-cards, because I don’t know any of them. I don’t go to the married quarters.’
    â€˜Is that so? Mr Fellowes claims you’re very good with the tinies and they like you. How come if you never go near them?’
    The other man shrugged. ‘I’ve two younger brothers and two sisters. I’m used to sorting them out; understand little kids. I used to babysit them before I joined.’
    â€˜Babysit for any on the base, do you?’
    Rowe glared at Piercey. ‘That’s against the rules.’
    â€˜No moonlighting, then?’
    â€˜What is this, Sergeant? I thought you wanted to talk about Saturday night.’
    â€˜Do you go to discos, Rowe?’
    â€˜Like everyone,’ he replied edgily.
    â€˜Ever heard a group called Swinga Kat?’
    Rowe frowned. ‘The schoolkids? They guested once or twice at the Recreation Centre. They’re quite good for their age.’
    â€˜Then you do know Kevin McRitchie and could perfectly well describe him. He leads that group.’
    â€˜The scrawny kid on guitar?’ His surprise was genuine.
    â€˜Why say you don’t know him?’
    â€˜I don’t. I saw him on the stage for about half an hour once or twice, that’s all. No idea of his name. Unless he had a guitar in his hand I wouldn’t know him from any other kid. He would have been in some sort of costume on Saturday, anyway.’
    Piercey fixed Rowe with the steady gaze he used to unsettle those he questioned, and said nothing.
    â€˜Look, Sergeant, I don’t even remember writing his name down for any of the competitions or games.’
    â€˜He didn’t participate. Thought it too childish for a boy just passed thirteen.’ He switched the line of questioning. ‘Did you go up to