Read Online Deserving Death by Katherine Howell - Free Book Online Page A

together on the plate.
    ‘Not for the better,’ Benjamin said.
    ‘We can’t help that,’ William said. ‘But we do have to live in it.’
    Delancey was still looking at the little family. They crossed the room to a table and sat down. She tightened her lips, then beckoned to Linsey over Carly’s head. ‘Darling, come and sit for a moment.’
    ‘I’m working,’ Linsey said.
    ‘Just one moment,’ Delancey said.
    Linsey came to stand between her mother and Carly, wiping her hands on her long black apron. Carly felt her foot push against hers. She nudged back gently.
    Delancey took one of Linsey’s hands in her own. ‘Sweetheart, look at your poor skin. Your nails. There’re no dishpan hands in the office.’
    ‘I like my job,’ Linsey said.
    ‘You’d make more money,’ William said. ‘And you could hardly call this a career.’
    ‘Not that we want you to go back to the social work,’ Delancey said.
    Linsey pulled her hand free. ‘I’m happy here.’
    ‘Good, good,’ Delancey said. ‘Too much stress in social work.’ She lowered her voice and cast a glance towards the gay family. ‘And some people just can’t be helped.’
    Carly bit the inside of her cheek.
    ‘Mum,’ Linsey said, pressing her knee hard against Carly’s leg.
    ‘I know, I know,’ Delancey said. ‘You love everybody, I know. Some of us have a different view of the world.’
    A group of people came in and Linsey smoothed her apron. ‘I have to get back to work.’
    ‘We should go also,’ William said.
    Delancey laid a cool hand on Carly’s arm. ‘It was so nice to see you again.’
    Carly smiled and nodded. ‘You too.’
    They straggled out the door, Linsey seeing them off with a wave. She came back to Carly, her face still tight.
    Carly put out her hand but Linsey didn’t take it. ‘Let me make sure they’ve really gone.’
    Carly didn’t answer. It was like being a spy – watching your back, behaving differently in public, thinking about who might be looking. She put her forehead in her hand. She was tired. She was so tired, and everything was shit, and Alicia was dead.

Seven
    T he store where Robbie Kimball worked was part of a mega-complex covered with signs in bright primary colours declaring SALE! and LESS FOR CASH! Ella and Murray went through the glass doors to be greeted by a young woman with an artistically lopsided haircut and a slapped-on smile. ‘How may I help you today?’
    Ella showed her badge. ‘Robbie Kimball, please.’
    The smile didn’t budge. ‘Just one moment.’
    In a minute she was back with a young man in tow. He looked to be in his early twenties, his brown hair needed a trim, and his round face wore no smile at all. Ella had looked into him already. He had no criminal record but had trouble driving within the speed limit.
    ‘You Robbie?’ Murray said.
    ‘Yep.’ He tugged at the ID card on the lanyard around his neck and glanced at the girl. She moved a few steps away – still within listening distance, Ella noticed. He said, ‘This is about Alicia, right?’
    ‘Where were you last night?’ Ella asked.
    ‘At Castro’s.’
    ‘Doing what?’
    ‘Having a few drinks with my mates.’
    ‘Who did you see there?’
    ‘My sister and her mates. I said hi. They said hi. I offered to buy them drinks. It was one of their birthdays.’ He frowned as if unsure of the grammar then went on. ‘I was really sorry to hear that Alicia died.’
    ‘How did you find out?’ Ella asked, though she already knew.
    ‘Tessa rang me when she was there, at her house.’
    ‘Why you?’ Murray said.
    He shrugged. ‘Sometimes you want your family.’
    ‘Did you see anything strange while you were in the club?’ Ella asked. ‘Guys leering or making a nuisance of themselves?’
    ‘Nope. Nothing.’
    ‘What time did you leave?’
    ‘Twelve, twelve thirty. Somewhere around there. I’d had a few so I can’t be sure.’
    ‘Where’d you go?’ Ella said.
    ‘Home. I walked. I share a house with