Read Online Fever of the Bone by Val McDermid - Free Book Online

trauma, no sperm in her mouth or throat. If we get really lucky, there might be something in the samples that have gone to the lab. But don’t hold your breath.’ The car drew to a halt. When they caught sight of him, the lounging pack of journalists came to life and surrounded the door. ‘Here we bloody go,’ he muttered. ‘Neither use nor ornament, most of them.’ Patterson shouldered his way through the throng, followed by Ambrose. ‘I’ve got no further comment,’ he muttered.
    ‘Give the family a break,’ Ambrose said, spreading his arms to keep them at bay as his boss approached the house. ‘Don’t make me waste our time getting the uniformed guys down here to move you away. You back off now, we’ll see what we can do about sorting out a press call with them, OK?’ He knew it was a pointless request, but at least they might try and make themselves a little less conspicuous for a while. And his bulk did sometimes carry its weight in these situations.
    By the time he got to the door, Patterson was already halfway inside. The man holding the door would probably pass for handsome in other circumstances. His hair was thick and dark, shot through with silver. His features were regular, his blue eyes had that slight downward angle that seemed to appeal to women. But today, Paul Maidment had the gaunt and haunted look of a man one step away from life on the streets. Unshaven, hair awry and clothes crumpled, he looked blankly at them through red-rimmed eyes as though he’d lost his grip on all the conventions of behaviour. Ambrose couldn’t begin to imagine what it must be like to step off a plane thinking you’re about to be reunited with your family only to discover that your life has been shattered beyond repair.
    Shami Patel hovered behind Maidment. She made the introductions. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t get the door, I was in the kitchen making tea,’ she added. Ambrose could have told her Patterson didn’t care for excuses, but this wasn’t the time.
    They filed into the living room and sat down. ‘We could all use some tea, Shami,’ Ambrose said. She nodded and left them.
    ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t at the airport to meet you myself,’ Patterson said. ‘I had matters to attend to. Concerning Jennifer’s death, you understand.’
    Maidment shook his head. ‘I’ve no idea what you people do, I just want you to get on with it. Find the person who did this. Stop them wrecking another family.’ His voice caught and he had to clear his throat noisily.
    ‘How’s your wife?’ Patterson said.
    He coughed. ‘She’s . . . The doctor’s been. He’s given her something to knock her out. She managed to hold it together till I got home, but then . . . well, it’s better that she’s out of it.’ He spread his hand over his face and gripped tight, as if he wanted to rip his face off. His voice came at them slightly muffled. ‘I wish she could stay out of it for ever. But she’ll have to come back. And when she does, this’ll still be here.’
    ‘I can’t tell you how sorry I am,’ Patterson said. ‘I’ve a daughter about the same age. I know what she means to me and my wife.’
    Maidment dragged his fingers down his face and stared at them, tears spilling from his eyes. ‘She’s our only child. There won’t be any more, not at Tania’s age. That’s it for us, this is where it ends. We used to be a family, now we’re just a couple.’ His voice cracked and shivered. ‘I don’t know how we get past this. I don’t understand this. How could this happen? How could somebody do this to my girl?’
    Carrying a tray loaded with steaming mugs, milk and sugar, Shami returned. ‘Tea,’ she said, handing round the drinks. It was a mundane moment that broke the mood and made it possible for Patterson to move the interview forward.
    ‘According to Claire, Jennifer said she was planning to bake you a cake to welcome you home. That she had to go to the Co-op to get some chocolate for it. Was that