Read Online SECRET CRIMES a gripping crime thriller full of suspense by MICHAEL HAMBLING - Free Book Online

The band was well into its second set by then.’
    ‘Describe how the four of them behaved.’
    Wilton told them of Shapiro’s increasing irritation, and Sarah and Derek’s heavy petting. He told them about the walk up to the hotel late in the evening.
    ‘Who else was in the hotel lounge, Mr Wilton?’
    Ed thought for a few moments. ‘A couple of men in the other corner. We were sitting on sofas on one side of the fireplace. They were in chairs at a small table.’
    ‘Can you describe them?’
    ‘Difficult. They were wearing casual clothes. Zipped jackets and jeans, I think. I didn’t take much notice, especially since we were only there for ten minutes or so and I was worried about the way Shapiro was acting.’
    ‘Can you explain?’
    ‘He was angry and I could understand why. His chum was getting on with Sarah like a house on fire, and he wanted to do the same with Rosemary. But it clearly wasn’t going to happen. I was getting worried for her safety, so I offered her a bed back here. I was glad to help, and relieved when she accepted.’
    He went on to describe the scene as the group split up, and the short walk to his flat. Marsh nodded and made some notes. Ed ran his fingers through his hair.
    ‘How did you get that graze on your right hand, Mr Wilton?’ The DCI was looking at him.
    ‘I stumbled slightly as we left the hotel last night, and brushed it against the wall. I didn’t notice it until later, when I was back here. It’s nothing really. I rinsed it and dabbed it with a bit of antiseptic cream.’
    She held out her hand and gently took his, turning it to get a better look. Her hand was cool, with slender fingers that brushed against the graze.
    ‘It’s slightly bruised underneath the skin,’ she said. ‘Where exactly did you scrape it?’
    ‘The steps coming down from the entrance. I misjudged one of them at the bottom.’
    ‘Which side were you on?’
    Oh, for pity’s sake, he thought. ‘I was on the left, against the wall of the building.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Her green eyes gave nothing away. ‘Is there anything else you feel you need to tell us?’
    Ed shook his head.
    ‘Mr Wilton, Rosemary asked us for advice about where to stay tonight. I’d have been happier with her at the hotel, but since she was here last night I couldn’t raise serious objections to her staying again. Please don’t betray her trust. The police station is only two hundred yards away, as I’m sure you know.’
    ‘No. She’ll be safe here.’ He wasn’t sure how to interpret this comment.
    ‘If you think of any other information that might be of help to us, please contact me immediately.’ The sergeant looked at his watch, and then at his boss.
    Could we have a few words with your daughter, Mr Wilton?’ she said.
    ‘Why on earth do you want to speak to her?’
    ‘Corroboration, as I’m sure you can guess. We’ll only take up a minute or two of her time.’
    Ed walked through to the kitchen.
    ‘This is getting beyond a joke. They want to see you, Ella.’
    She nodded and left the room.
    ‘I need a drink,’ he announced. ‘A big one.’
    He opened another bottle of wine, refilled the three glasses and sat down at the table. Neither he nor Rosemary spoke. After a short while he heard the front door open and close and Ella re-entered the kitchen.
    ‘Just confirming times and events,’ she said. ‘Nothing to get worried about.’
    Ed moved to the window and watched the two detectives cross the road. As they walked under a nearby streetlight he could see that the woman had a mobile phone pressed to her ear and was talking into the mouthpiece.
    ‘The trouble is, Ella, I’m a natural worrier. That’s what your mother always used to tell me.’ He continued watching. ‘That’s odd. They’re walking up the hill, away from the police station.’
    His daughter joined him at the window.
    ‘Back to the hotel, do you think?’

Chapter 5: The Weird and Wobbly World
    Sunday morning
     
    Sophie opened