Cruel Justice (DI Lorne Simpkins (Book one)) by Tania Mel; Tirraoro Comley Read Free Book Online

times, boss, your sense of humour or lack of it can be so embarrassing."

    "Oh. Sorry, Pete was that supposed to be funny?" She shook her head and rolled her eyes as they both got out of the car.

    They entered the busy bank and joined the long queue.

    "If there's one thing us Brits love to do more than talk about the weather, it's bloody stand in queues all day," Pete grumbled, shuffling nervously on one foot then the other.

    "Stop complaining and stop fidgeting. You seem damn suspicious, one of the girls will probably push the panic button soon," Lorne told him, in a hushed voice.

    Finally the computerised announcer invited them to make their way to cashier number 3. Lorne produced her ID card and asked the attractive blonde if the manager was free to see them.

    "I'll just check for you. One moment please." The cashier wriggled off her high stool and made her way to the rear of the bank, swaying her oversized rear as she went.

    "Jesus, it's like watching two Pitbull terriers having a fight in her knickers. I bet she has to wear those extra-large ones like Bridget Jones, " Pete observed, crudely.

    Lorne fought hard not to smirk but failed miserably.

    The blonde returned moments later, her ample bosom fighting against the restraints of a bra that was obviously a couple of sizes too small.

    "The manager won't be long, if you'd like to take a seat at the other end of the counter, he'll come through that door." The girl aimed her husky reply and dazzling smile at Pete, totally disregarding Lorne.

    "It would appear you have an admirer."

    "Huh, some catch. She's the type that turns a man gay. I bet most of the unfortunate guys she tangles in her web probably end up pleading for someone to cut their dicks off, before she wears the thing out," he replied, surprisingly straight faced, as they waited by the door.

    Lorne wondered if Pete was speaking from experience.

    A well-dressed man in his early forties came to collect them a couple of minutes later. As he approached, his right hand shook when he sleeked back his greying hair, before the same hand straightened the large knot in his pink tie.

    "I'm Charles Timmins, the manager, how can I help you?" he asked, from the other side of the secured door.

    "DI Simpkins and this is DS Childs. Is there somewhere more private where we can talk, Mr Timmins?" Lorne flashed her warrant card.

    "My office. Unfortunately, I can only spare you five minutes as I have an appointment with a customer. Can't be late for that, the bank prides itself on punctuality."

    Timmins opened the door, let the two officers in and bolted it after Pete. "That's generous of him," Pete whispered sarcastically, as they followed him up the corridor to his office.

    Timmins' office was much grander than Lorne anticipated. A large cherry wood desk dominated the room and matching filing cabinets lined one wall. As she glanced around she noticed several framed certificates for 'Manager of the Month' proudly arranged on the wall behind his big leather chair.

    "What can I do for you, Inspector?" Timmins smiled, and motioned for them to take a seat.

    "We're here about Miss Fishland, we wondered if she's turned up yet?" Lorne asked, notebook at the ready.

    "You mean you haven't found her?" Timmins snapped back unexpectedly.

    "Not yet. We'd like a few more details to further our enquiries."

    "Like what? I told the fraud squad everything I know. The bitch ran off with ten grand, what other information do you need for Christ's sake?"

    Lorne's suspicion grew along with his aggression. "Personal details, like her height and weight. Do you happen to have a staff photo of her?"

    "Surely, you should be asking her family questions like that?" Timmins appeared bemused.

    "I'm asking you, Mr Timmins. We haven't managed to locate any of her family up till now. So, do you have one?" She lied convincingly.

    He pointed to a group staff photo hanging on the wall. "That's her in the middle."

    "It's not very clear, do you