Back-Slash by Bill Kitson Read Free Book Online Page A

analyze his dissatisfaction. For two years he’d lived alone; the solitary life had become second nature. The spell in prison had prepared him well.
    He should be grateful; at least he was free. He had the cottage, a job he enjoyed where he was his own master, and he had Nell. So why was he restless? Telling his story to Lisa Andrews had invoked painful memories. His quandary was what to do about the past. He’d attempted to let it lie, but it didn’t seem to want to stay buried. Should he abandon the attempt, rejoin what he’d heard called ‘the rat race’? He looked down as he felt a paw on his knee. The Labrador stared at him, her eyes mournful and her distress apparent. Something was troubling her deeply. Myers glanced at the kitchen clock and laughed. ‘OK, I’ll get your tea.’

    ‘Good morning, Mr Brown. Jones here, Harry Jones.’
    ‘Good morning, Mr Jones.’
    ‘I’ve been listening to local radio. I see an unlabelled package was dispatched. I assume it was mine, as required, together with a bonus, I understand. I take it there were no snags connected with the delivery?’
    ‘None whatsoever. Although there has been an unexpected development . One I feel sure will interest you deeply. Not in connection with the dispatched article itself, more to do with the information I gathered at the time.’
    ‘Really? What might that be?’
    ‘When I was looking through the papers and documents I’d collected, I came across a very significant name. One we both know from a long time ago.’
    ‘Would this name by any chance be connected with a much earlier dispatch?’
    ‘That’s right. If I remember correctly, it was a name you were most anxious about at the time.’
    ‘The fact that this name should come to light is interesting, though hardly surprising.’
    ‘I think you should take it seriously.’
    ‘I’d be concerned if I thought the two parties had got together and
exchanged information. That would be highly dangerous. The problem is we have no way of knowing whether they did or not. Maybe it would be better not to take any chances.’
    ‘There’s something else that might be relevant to your concern.’
    ‘What might that be?’
    ‘You remember the location chosen by the party concerned with this commission?’
    ‘Yes, it seemed an odd choice.’
    ‘Perhaps it would seem less odd, if I tell you that according to the paperwork, the other party lives in a small village no more than eight miles from there.’
    ‘Now I’m more than concerned. This demands urgent attention. How swiftly can you rectify matters? We’re talking extreme damage limitation here.’
    ‘I would need to do some research before I can deal with it. Given the location, it will be a couple of days at the very soonest before I could deliver.’
    ‘Then do so, as early as possible. Lay the ancient history to rest. If you can make it appear to be voluntary retirement, so much the better. Will you trust me in the matter of payment?’
    ‘No, Mr Jones, I never trust anyone in the matter of payment. However, should the money not be forthcoming, I would be more than a little unhappy. I’m sure you wouldn’t wish me to be unhappy, Mr Jones. Unhappy enough to arrange a meeting with you?’

chapter six
    When businesses resumed work after the holidays, Ruth’s enquiry about Stuart Moran yielded a result. ‘Moran’s a solicitor ,’ she told Nash and Lisa. ‘He’s a partner with Hobbs and Hirst, a nationwide practice. I’ve spoken to one of the other partners. It took a while for the news to sink in. Once he got over the shock he told me Lesley Robertson also worked there. In fact, she was Moran’s secretary. He’d no clue as to a possible motive for the murders. It gets to look more and more like a chance robbery, which will make it harder to solve. I’ve to go through to Netherdale. I’ll bring the chief up to date whilst I’m there. Save you a job. And I’ll release the details to the press.’
    Nash raised his head.