Read Online You Are Dead by Peter James - Free Book Online Page B

press was a vital one for the police to manage well. The press needed sensational stories, which often entailed having a go at the police from many angles. But equally in major crime investigations, the press could be crucial in public appeals for witnesses to come forward. He was hoping for a better relationship with this new reporter.
    â€œGood morning!” he said pleasantly, raising his voice against the loud thwock-thwock-thwock of the helicopter. “You’ve met my colleague, DI Branson?”
    â€œYes,” she shouted back, grinning at Glenn almost mischievously. “Nice to see you again, Detective Inspector.”
    â€œAnd you too, Siobhan, how are you?” Glenn said.
    â€œWell, a little bird told me you two gentlemen haven’t come to a children’s playground to have a go on the swings, nor the slide or roundabout—and you don’t look like you’re dressed for a windsurfing lesson!”
    Glenn cocked his head sideways, and Grace noticed the chemistry between them. “Very astute,” Branson said. “You could be a detective.”
    She laughed. “So do I have to wait for a press conference to find out what’s going on here, or can I get a scoop on the dead body unearthed by workmen last night?”
    â€œWell, at this point,” Roy Grace said, “you appear to know as much as we do.”
    â€œIs it male or female? Do you know the age? How long has he or she been here?” She pointed. “You have a fairly big CSI presence and a Home Office Pathologist, and I understand you have a forensic archaeologist in there, too. So, I would say, you are spending serious money at a time of major budget cuts for the police, which means you have a crime scene you consider worth investigating. We’re not talking historical relics, are we?”
    She was smart, Grace had to concede, and he had to stop himself grinning back at her. Not only was she attractive, she had an infectious smile.
    Glenn Branson jerked a thumb at his colleague and best friend. “I hope that comment isn’t referring to this old relic here?” He grinned at Grace. “Sorry, old-timer.”
    â€œVery witty,” Grace retorted.
    The reporter smiled. “I won’t print that,” she said.
    There was something about the reporter that Roy Grace warmed to. She seemed a lot more sincere than many journalists he had encountered. And hell, she had made the effort to get here early and was well-informed. She deserved at least a titbit.
    â€œDI Branson will be holding a press conference, Siobhan, as soon as we have sufficient information. What I can tell you so far is that workmen digging up this path yesterday exposed human remains, which have been tentatively identified as female. We don’t know the age and we don’t know how long they have been here—other than that they pre-date this path, which was laid approximately twenty years ago by the Council. I hope to have more information as the day progresses.”
    â€œAny chance I could have a quick peek inside the tent?”
    Glenn Branson gave Roy a quizzical look.
    â€œI’m afraid not at this stage,” Grace replied.
    â€œIs there a Coroner’s Officer attending?”
    â€œYou mean there’s something you don’t know?” Glenn teased her.
    She grinned back. “Yes. I am just a rookie, sir.”
    â€œPhilip Keay is on his way. But I don’t think he’ll have anything for you. I think you’re going to have to wait for the press conference.”
    She shrugged. “OK. I’ll just hang around for a while, if it’s OK with you guys?”
    â€œIt’s a public park,” Glenn said. “Feel free. But I tell you what, if I wanted a good story, I’d go and doorstep Norman Cook. Ask Fatboy Slim how our local rock star feels having a crime scene outside his café.”
    Her face lit up. “You’re right! That’s exactly what