Read Online DARK HOUSES a gripping detective thriller full of suspense by Helen H. Durrant - Free Book Online Page B

“They’re a menace, the whole lot of them. All they think about is getting a story they can sell to the nationals. Well, the crimes we’re dealing with are certainly big enough.”
    “You shouldn’t jump to conclusions. He could be anyone. This is really getting to you, isn’t it?”
    “We’ve got a messy one on our hands,” he said. “The press aren’t helping. We can’t give them too much because it would jeopardise the case when it comes to court. But they never stop. I don’t know how they get wind of half the stuff. We’re dealing with the locals at the moment — the Herald mostly. But the nationals could get hold of it. The case will turn into a circus if they do.”
    “You need to relax more.”
    “When this is over. I’ll probably be late home tonight,” he said.
    Her face fell.
    “You’re not yet forty,” she said. “I know you’re good at it, but I also know how badly it affects you. I’ve seen how much you put into the job, how obsessed you get. But you should be enjoying life. It worries me that all you do is work and fret.”
    “I’m okay. Really,” he said. But he could tell from her face that she didn’t believe it. “Murdered girls . . . what am I supposed to do? The details are too terrible to tell you. The crime scenes are like something out of a bad horror film. Someone is really going to town, Suzy, and he needs to be caught.”
    “Okay. I’ll keep something hot. Perhaps we can go out at the weekend. I can organise a babysitter. All you have to do is say yes.”
    “Go ahead. We’ll have a meal at that place you like, by the river,” he said. “Come on then, Tillyflop. I’ll carry Mortimer to the car.”
    * * *
    The Hudsons lived on a leafy avenue in an area between Oldston and Leesworth. As he pulled up, a silver hatchback was about to drive away. Greco got out and waved for the car to stop. The occupant was a woman in her forties.
    “Mrs Hudson?”
    She nodded. “What is it? You’re blocking my way.”
    “Can I have a word? Inside perhaps? Is there anyone else at home?”
    “What is this? Who are you?”
    Greco showed her his badge.
    “My husband is in, but Rosa is still in bed I’m afraid.”
    Greco stared at the woman. “Are you sure? Have you looked in on her this morning?”
    “Yes, of course I have. I’ve even been in with a mug of coffee, but she was snoring her head off. Inspector, has she done something? She’s not in trouble, is she?”
    The dead girl had had Rosa’s driving licence with her.
    “Is this hers? Are you sure the girl in the photo is your daughter?” He showed her the mobile phone picture he’d taken of the document.
    “Yes, that’s my Rosa. She’s having lessons. Is that what this is about?”
    “No. It’s not that simple, I’m afraid. I need to speak to her at once.”
    “Come inside and I’ll get her up. Whatever this is, I’m sure she’ll have an explanation. She always does.”
    The house was warm and comfortably furnished. There was a view of Oldston Park through French doors at the back.
    “Sit down,” Mr Hudson told him. He was sitting on the sofa reading the morning paper. “There’s still hot coffee in the pot if you’d like some.”
    Greco shook his head.
    “What’s she been up to now? It’s not her driving again, is it? She’s having lessons, but Rosa doesn’t seem to get any better.”
    He heard someone thumping their way down the stairs.
    A teenage girl walked into the room.
    “Where did you find it? I told her not to let it out of her sight. She knows how important it is.”
    Rosa Hudson looked about the same age as the murder victim. She had long fair hair and was swathed in a fleecy dressing gown.
    “Okay. I’ll fess up,” she said to Greco. “I lent it to Jenna yesterday at school. She needed ID to get into the club. She isn’t eighteen yet.” She wrinkled her face. “I’m not in trouble, am I? For doing that? It’s no biggy. Everybody does it.”
    “Jenna who?”
    “Jenna Proctor.