Read Online DARK CRIMES a gripping detective thriller full of suspense by MICHAEL HAMBLING - Free Book Online

plenty of comings and goings here. But the local shops hadn’t seen her this morning.’
    ‘Thanks. I’ll just have a quick look round, if that’s okay. Barry, you’re with me on this.’
    Sophie opened a small wardrobe that occupied a corner of the bedroom. Hanging inside were several glitzy dresses, a couple of tight skirts and three faux-fur jackets. Pairs of high heels were neatly aligned on the floor, along with several pairs of boots. On the top shelf stood a row of wigs, all on individual stands, and some ornate masks.
    The dressing table unit contained a range of make-up, and two drawers of colourful lingerie. Another drawer had a neatly stacked pile of silk and satin blouses and strappy tops, while a fourth held some shiny, vinyl clothes.
    ‘It’s all well-organised, Barry. A lot cleaner and tidier than similar places I’ve seen. What do you think?’
    ‘Her outfits are the kind of stuff I’d expect. As for neatness, all I can say is that it’s better than my place. Makes me a bit ashamed.’
    Sophie left the bedroom and walked slowly through the rest of the small flat, with Marsh following. There was a small toilet and shower room, decorated in white tiles with a pale yellow pattern. The room, too small for a bath, had a tiny washbasin fitted into one corner. She opened the cabinet, and looked at the bottles of pills and medicines on the shelves. There was nothing out of the ordinary — painkillers, birth control pills, vitamin pills and several packets of condoms, along with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The other shelves contained cotton wool, cleansing creams and hair products.
    A small window looked out over the front garden to the road. The top fanlight window was open on the latch. This must have been the one that her friend had spotted. Most people wouldn’t bother closing an upper-floor window as small and as invulnerable as this when leaving the house for a short time. Yet, according to her friend, Susie always secured all of her windows before going out.
    The tiny kitchen was also decorated in pale yellow. A fabric-block print of sunflowers hung on one wall. A table was pushed close against one of the other walls with two chairs beneath it. There was a sink under the window, with a small worktop beside it. Fitted against a third wall was a small electric stove, with a fridge and a tiny microwave oven nearby. Sophie opened the cupboards and peered inside at the few packets and tins of food on the shelves. The sparse collection of cooking utensils didn’t look as if they were used much. The fridge contained some milk, cheese, butter and some salad vegetables, but little else. The window faced out over the front of the house and, just like the bathroom, had a small top section open slightly.
    ‘Could you see yourself living here, Barry?’
    ‘No. Grubby neighbourhood,’ he said.
    ‘I mean in this flat. Forget where it is.’
    ‘Possibly. It would be okay for one person. A bit poky, but I could cope fine.’
    ‘What about the food that’s here? Any thoughts?’
    ‘Well, she was obviously into salads. The microwave is fine. I eat a lot of ready meals. She doesn’t seem to have any. I’d put a TV onto the worktop over there. You could sit and watch while eating your dinner. She doesn’t seem to have a telly.’
    Sophie didn’t reply. The flat didn’t feel right to her, but she was too tired to work out why.
    ‘Time to go,’ she said.
    They returned to the hallway and Sophie turned to speak to McGreedie, who was standing and waiting for them. Three coat hooks hung from the wall beside his head, empty except for a brown leather jacket which didn’t seem to be hanging straight. Sophie reached out and moved the jacket aside. Then she stood still, looking at the long, slender umbrella that was now exposed to view. It was deep burgundy, patterned with tiny, ornate roses. She turned to smile at McGreedie, put on a pair of latex gloves from her bag, and carefully lifted the umbrella into a