A Shot In The Night (John Harper Series Book 2) by Edward Holmes Read Free Book Online Page B

killing shot had been made by a rifle which
left me in an awkward position.  I didn’t want to get Sheila Morrison’s hopes
up by telling her I might have a lead in her son’s case so decided against
telling her what I had learnt that day.  It was difficult to do so but if I was
wrong about this she would be unduly upset and I hated the thought of that. 
There was also the danger of not getting paid and a nagging voice in my head
told me that I still had rent to pay on the office that month.
    Sitting
on the overly soft mattress I rang my friend Rodney.  I’d met him in
Hollingswood but he travelled all over the county putting on bets.  Some people,
hell most people I had met disliked the man because of his rude and loud
behaviour.  I on the other hand found him amusing; it is a rarity in life to
find someone who can simultaneously antagonise and provide such entertainment. 
I’d gone into business with him when the independent bookmakers had finally
paid me my impressive amount of winnings.  That money had gone towards a number
of racing dogs and their upkeep and I was hoping to see some return soon.
    The
conversation was short and remarkably loud; Rodney, like a vast majority of his
generation, had a problem understanding how good the microphone on mobile
technology was these days as he shouted to me as if I was the other side of a
football stadium.  He assured me that we would be having a very good winner
later that week and I should be smart about where I put on my money so we still
get a good price.  Delighted with the news I showered and dressed for my
evening meal with Camille.
    Wearing
a black suit and white shirt, maybe the height of boring apparel but I thought
I looked good.  I wanted to look my best for Camille; even though she was a
pain in the arse she knew more about the area than I did and she was an asset
for me to use at the moment.
    The
restaurant she had chosen was small and cosy which provided a very romantic
setting.  I felt slightly awkward at that but it didn’t surprise me that she
would pick such a place.  The tables were small and separated from one another
to allow for some privacy and the lighting was low and only marginally helped
by the flickering candle stuck in an old wine bottle.  Strange for myself I
arrived early and took a seat at the bar looking around the clientele as I was
trained to do.  Most people sat in couples and were enjoying the Italian
cuisine which I was perusing on the menu when my date arrived. 
    Camille
was dressed very provocatively in a flowing dark green dress.  The cut in the
side showed considerable leg and there was a very noticeable plunging
neckline.  The restaurant wasn’t busy but I caught the envious looks of most of
the male patrons as I greeted her and sat down.
    “I
appreciate you dressing up for me Camille but you may have gone overboard on
that outfit,” I said with a smile.
    “I’ve
got a party I have to attend later.”
    I
rolled my eyes and shook my head, “And I thought that you were trying to
impress me.  All business I see.”
    “John
if I was dressing up for you it would be something a lot more comfortable,” she
replied in a tone that had me struggling to decipher her intent.  That is why I
struggle with attractive women especially when they flirt; I’m just not used to
it.
    “So
then what’s good here?” I threw her off with that one as she expected me to get
straight to business and we ordered or respective meals and a bottle of wine to
share.  We chatted amiably about her job which she was still a little sore over
and she asked how Harris was and if I was still employing him.  I knew he would
be flattered that she had remembered him so endeavoured to remember to tell him
later.  It was only as we were finishing our main courses did the case come
back to the fore.
    “So
John what are you really doing here?”
    “Trying
to enjoy a good meal with an attractive woman.”
    “You
know what I mean.  I know that