Read Online Under a Silent Moon by Elizabeth Haynes - Free Book Online Page B

Whitmore raised a hand. “Ma’am, I’d like to take that one, if I can? I’ve worked on Nigel Maitland before, so I might be able to bring something to that line of inquiry . . . if it would help?”
    Andy kept up the hard stare but didn’t say anything else. It was tempting to push him to take the job but he’d been thrown a lifeline by Whitmore. Really, that had been embarrassing and unprofessional. He should have known better, and the room was charged with excitement now, as if they’d all enjoyed the little argument.
    â€œThat would be really helpful, Ali, thank you. Which brings us neatly on to intel,” Lou said briskly. “Barry—anything useful?”
    â€œWe should be getting some stuff in this morning. One thing that did stand out for me, though, is that on the list of the farm employees is one Mr. Connor Petrie. He’s showing as a casual farmhand-slash-groom. Been there since March.”
    â€œConnor Petrie?” Lou echoed.
    â€œOne of the younger Petries. Son of Gavin Petrie and Emma Payswick, charming couple that they are.”
    Lou smiled. “Well, at least this one seems to have a job. But, Ali, can you find out how Mr. Petrie came to be employed by Nigel Maitland? That seems like an odd combination. You might need to put in a request for more intel. Anyone else interesting on the list, Barry?”
    He shook his head. “They’ve got a cleaner for the farmhouse, comes twice a week, various people who work with Nigel on the farm side of it, mostly casuals, but nobody jumps out. We’re working our way through them.”
    She had one eye on the clock—half an hour to go until she was in front of the press.
    â€œJane, how are we doing with the phones?”
    â€œWe don’t have Polly’s phone—wasn’t in the cottage—but we’ve got Felicity’s and Nigel’s, although from the casual way he handed it over I would imagine it’s clean. I don’t know about the ones from the Barn, though.”
    â€œAndy?”
    He looked pissed off. “I’ll get back to you on that one. Leave it with me.”
    â€œI will,” Lou said. “I want billings and cellsite for both their mobiles. Landline billing too.”
    â€œI’ve already applied for billings from the farm,” Jane said.
    â€œThanks, Jane. Can you make sure Jason’s down as the appointed analyst?”
    â€œI’ve done that.”
    â€œGreat. Where are we up to? I’m conscious of the time, so any urgent questions?”
    She scanned the room, looking for hands, for confusion in the faces, and her eyes stopped when she got to Jason. He was looking right back at her, attentive, interested. That was a good sign, at least.
    08:21
    BT151—Message left on 01596 652144
    Hello, this is a message for Mrs. Taryn Lewis from Sister Roberts of the Lionel Gibbins Ward, Briarstone General Hospital to let you know that your father has regained consciousness. Could you call me, please, on 921000, extension 9142. Thank you.
    PRESS RELEASE
    Statement prepared by Eleanor Baker, Media Officer for Eden Police, Briarstone Police Station
    Briarstone Police are appealing for witnesses following the murder of Polly Leuchars in the early hours of 1 November. Polly was a regular at the Lemon Tree public house in Morden and had visited the pub on the evening of 31 October, Halloween. Police would urgently like to speak to anyone who saw Polly in the pub that evening, or who may have any other information that might help the investigation.
    â€œWe’re trying to build up an accurate picture of Polly’s last day,” said Detective Chief Inspector Louisa Smith, leading the investigation. “In particular, we don’t know who Polly was meeting. Was it you? If so, I urge you to come forward now so that you can be eliminated from our inquiries.”
    Twenty-seven-year-old Polly Leuchars was found at her home, Yonder