Read Online Tainted Ground by Margaret Duffy - Free Book Online Page B

to go back. I’m not hopeful, the place was redeveloped in such a way as to keep neighbours’ noise to a minimum. There were a few insights into the murder victims, though. I’ll write it all up for you.’
    Carrick made no reply, going down on his haunches to have a closer look at the floor. ‘This looks as though it’s been disturbed.’ He shook his head. ‘Oh, I don’t know, it could have been done by an animal.’ Rising, he said to Lynn, ‘I know this place is on the market but why has Brian Stonelake moved out already? Most people would live here to keep an eye on it.’
    â€˜Unhappy memories?’ she hazarded.
    â€˜Perhaps he needed the money from the sale of the furniture,’ Patrick offered. ‘We went to talk to him, by the way. He told us that he was keeping a weather eye on the place.’
    Clearly, Carrick tried to find a reason for objecting to the visit and I began to see the real depth of his resentment at Patrick’s presence. There was more to it than that; perhaps weakened by his injury and haunted that he might never be able to indulge in the first love of his life, playing rugby, he somehow felt emasculated. Then being required to work alongside another high-octane male was probably just about the worst thing that could have happened to him.
    â€˜Any theories on Stonelake?’ he asked grudgingly.
    â€˜He could have had a hand in the murders. He’s shifty. But in all fairness that might only be because he’s seen his sisters off for the proceeds of the sale. Anything interesting indoors?’
    â€˜Not yet, but we’ll see what forensics turn up. I’ve told SOCO to take up a few floorboards.’
    â€˜Fancy a pint tonight?’
    Carrick hesitated. ‘Er – no thanks. I think I’ll have to work late.’
    â€˜I could give you a hand, if you like.’
    â€˜Thanks. I’ll give you a ring if I need you.’
    We split up and Patrick and I spent the rest of the afternoon, wearing wellies, walking over practically every inch of the farm. We found nothing of interest to a criminal investigation even though the exercise did us good. No one appeared to have been digging holes either.
    It seemed that Patrick was required to work no longer than a nine-to-five day, and having heard nothing from Carrick – after towing his car out of the mud – we returned to the rectory at a little before six.
    â€˜You know, I can’t work like this,’ Patrick said, slamming the driver’s door on our arrival and speaking for the first time on the journey home.
    â€˜No, well, in recent years you’ve always been in charge so any awkwardness could be sorted out, pronto,’ I said.
    â€˜Awkwardness apart, in D12 days you and I would have simply put our heads together, worked out what we would do next and gone ahead and done it.’
    Well, sort of and some of the time, I thought. I said, ‘And tonight we would have probably broken into Brian Stonelake’s bungalow when, no doubt, he goes out for a pint or two, and looked for evidence. We can’t do things like that now, the cops don’t work like that.’
    Patrick simmered all the way indoors.
    â€˜Things still difficult?’ Elspeth said, after a glance in his direction as we entered the kitchen. ‘Well, it was never going to be easy, was it?’
    â€˜It’s like being back at school,’ Patrick complained. ‘I’m not used to being sent home for the night. He didn’t even want to go out for a drink!’
    â€˜I should imagine James was relieved to be left to get on with the case.’
    Patrick turned to her and I did not imagine the flare of anger in his eyes.
    â€˜You know perfectly well he didn’t want you,’ Elspeth went on. ‘But I don’t think you really realized what it would mean.’
    â€˜This man is a
friend
of mine,’ Patrick whispered.
    â€˜It makes no