Read Online Good Girls Don't Die by Isabelle Grey - Free Book Online Page B

lovely young woman who reminded Ivo of his first wife. Probably his daughter as well, except it was at least ten years since he’d set eyes on her.
    Hilary opened with a feeble joke that nobody had come to listen to her, and lost no time introducing the senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Stalgood, who was accompanied by Detective Sergeant Fisher, a member of the enquiry team for Rachel Moston’s murder.
    After the usual platitudes about liaising with the university authorities to offer reassurance and advice, concerns for student safety and stepping up patrols, the SIO got down to the nitty-gritty, which didn’t amount to much. Apart from confirming that the cause of death was strangulation, making this officially a murder enquiry, and a blandcatch-all that they were vigorously pursuing several possible leads, it was obvious they had nothing – or nothing they wished to share.
    ‘This is an incredibly difficult time for Rachel’s family and we are keeping them informed of every step of our investigation,’ said Keith, wrapping up his spiel. ‘I and my officers are committed to bringing her killer to justice as quickly as possible.’
    Hilary indicated that they’d now take questions from the floor and Ivo shot to his feet, notebook ostentatiously in hand. ‘Ivo Sweatman,
Daily Courier
. Do you currently have anyone under arrest?’
    ‘Not at this time. As I say, we’re pursuing a number of leads.’
    ‘Is there a link between Rachel’s murder and the missing student Polly Sinclair?’ Ivo asked. He was gratified that a couple of heads swivelled in his direction: the other pillocks either didn’t know about Polly or had been too slow to make the connection. He was almost sorry he’d done their job for them, but he was more interested in poking Keith to see what reaction he got.
    Disappointingly, it was Hilary who took the question. ‘Only one in seven thousand, four hundred missing people are victims of homicide. This force alone handles over two thousand missing person reports per year, ninety-nine per cent of which are resolved. Despite our ongoing concern for Polly Sinclair’s well-being, we have no reason at this stage not to believe she will yet be found safe and well.’
    Ivo could tell from the way Keith’s lips narrowed that hewas annoyed by this pointless attempt at deflection, which only went to confirm Ivo’s surmise that Hilary was out of her depth. Ivo caught Keith’s eye, raised a provocatively ironic eyebrow and, sure enough, Keith rose to the bait.
    ‘We have not so far been able to locate Polly, and her disappearance is entirely out of character. Her parents are naturally extremely anxious, and our concern for her welfare grows with each passing day.’ Keith spoke with what sounded like genuine passion. ‘We are keen to hear from anyone who has seen Polly, or has any information about her whereabouts or movements since late Friday night. I’d also like to make a direct appeal to Polly herself to get in touch with us.’ He turned to face the TV camera directly. ‘If you’re watching this, Polly, please contact us. You’re not in any trouble. We simply wish to make sure that you’re safe and well, and we will completely respect your privacy.’
    ‘Two girls apparently victimised in a matter of days,’ pressed Ivo.’ You’re sure you’re not on the lookout for a serial killer?’
    Well used to this game, Keith gave him a look of weary forbearance and answered with a terse ‘No’.
    Seated behind Roxanne, Ivo couldn’t help but catch some covert eye contact between DS Fisher and the cub reporter. DS Fisher caught him looking, and immediately tried unsuccessfully to camouflage the direction of her gaze, confirming Ivo’s feeling that this story was definitely a runner.
    ‘I’d urge you not to get ahead of yourself, Ivo,’ Keith continued. ‘And not to alarm the public unnecessarily.’ Hedeliberately swept his gaze around the room, away from Ivo. ‘I