Catalyst by Michael Knaggs Read Free Book Online Page B

– DC Cottrell?”
    â€œPossible link to street violence and intimidation. On the night of the killings, the man was observed at the scene of the disturbance watching the Bradys. Less than half an hour later the killer entered the Wild Boar and – it seems certain now – deliberately singled them out.”
    â€œYou said ‘killer’, Detective Sergeant. Just for once, you’re allowed to state the bleeding obvious. Why do we believe the man in the pub is the killer?”
    Jo looked surprised at the question.
    â€œWell, sir, he was seen by about thirty kids alone with the Bradys in the cul-de-sac where they were found dead.”
    â€œOkay… ”
    â€œAnd,” she went on, “the two hundred pounds Jimmy had taken from him in the pub was missing from the body.”
    â€œRight. Forensic evidence? Robbie?”
    â€œNone, sir,” said DC Burns. “No identifiable prints on the stool or glass in the pub, nothing from Jimmy’s clothing or the other notes in his pocket. Firearm used was 9mm, quite probably a Glock, but the gun’s signature on the bullets can’t be matched to any from other shootings.”
    David nodded and paused for a moment.
    â€œOkay, thanks everybody; so that’s what we’ve got so far – not exactly sweet FA, but not much more. And without anything else, we still can’t be sure exactly why this man did what he did. And without knowing that , we can’t narrow down the search.”
    He paused to look round the anxious faces.
    â€œNow I know a number of you grabbing bastards put in a lot of overtime this weekend.”
    The group relaxed for the moment into a collective smile.
    â€œThree hundred and thirty-odd records checked – very impressive – but, I’m afraid, nothing to celebrate. Geoff and Murray have got a couple of leads to follow up, but I won’t be asking anyone to hold their breath. So, where do we go from here?”
    He turned to the map which was exhibiting signs of wear, with frayed edges and finger marks all over it, reflecting the amount of attention it had received, being the only material focus of the meetings – and the case – so far. The scene of the disturbance, the location of the Wild Boar Inn and the place where the Bradys died – on the very edge of the area covered – were marked with red circular stickers. Scattered over the rest of the map were a number of smaller green ones, fifteen in all.
    â€œI know that the initial team visited every house and apartment on the estate during the door-to-doors. I am also aware that some residents were not at home when they called the first time and that they followed up with further visits to talk to them. In fact, I know by that time some of you were involved in follow-up visits.” He pointed to the map. “These green dots represent houses where residents have not yet been spoken to. These are the addresses – DS Cottrell.”
    Jo clicked on an icon on her laptop and the image next to the map changed to display a list of addresses with the tenants’ names. David continued.
    â€œI’d like, say, three or four of you, to split this list and do a final check this morning, and speak to neighbours if we still draw a blank at the addresses themselves. Any questions?”
    No-one spoke.
    â€œDetective Sergeant?” he said, inviting Jo to add anything.
    â€œNothing, sir, except that copies of the list are on my desk.”
    â€œRight, we’ll get back together again here at four o’clock for an update. Okay, let’s go.”

    â€œWhat exactly are we looking for, sir?” asked Jo, as they strolled through Cullen Field Estate.
    â€œAnything,” said David, “and just as likely, nothing.”
    â€œWill we know it when we see it?” she asked, smiling.
    â€œDoubt it,” said David.
    The Cullen Field Estate was home to around 3,000 people. It had been conceived