Deadly Intent by Lynda La Plante Read Free Book Online Page A

Anna explained how Harry thought Frank might be working as a driver or bodyguard; he also doubted that Frank was using drugs, and recalled that Frank had once worked with the Drug Squad.
Cunningham snapped that they knew that; then she tipped back in her chair. "He's been formally identified by his prints, Anna; it's just come in. Right now we don't have an address, but that should be through soon enough." Her desk phone rang.
Anna gestured that she would leave.
"No. Stay put. DCI Cunningham? Terrific—yes, yes, thank you." She pointed to ajar of pencils.
Anna picked one up and passed it to her, then watched as the DCI listened, jotting down notes.
She finished the call and replaced the receiver. "Frank Brandon married a Miss Julia Kendal five months ago. She has two children from a previous relationship. We'd better go and see her."
Anna nodded, though she was eager to get home. It was already after six, and the thought of all the unpacking she would have to do made her head ache. She would have liked to have gone in her own car, but Cunningham had insisted they ride together in a patrol car with a driver.
"This isn't a social visit, Travis!"
Anna said nothing, doubting that Cunningham, she of the folded arms and classy voice, would be able to give much compassion to the poor woman they were going to visit.
Anna was surprised by the house in Wimbledon. It was set back from the common, with pillared front steps up to a large oak studded door: modern, but expensive and quite tasteful. The carport had a Range Rover parked, leaving space enough for a second car. Anna could not imagine Frank Brandon here, but then she had never seen where he had lived as a bachelor.
Cunningham took a deep breath. "Christ, I hate these meetings." She rang the doorbell and stepped back, almost onto Anna's feet. "Frank seems to have been doing all right, though: this must be worth about three mil at least."
A Chinese girl opened the door.
"Mrs. Brandon, please," Cunningham said.
The girl hesitated. "One moment, please." Her English was good.
"Who is it, Mai Ling?" another woman asked from inside.
"Will you please tell Mrs. Brandon that I am from the police," Cunningham said."I need to speak with her on a very urgent matter."
The door was swung wider and a very attractive blonde in a chic dress and high heels appeared. "Is it about Frank? I've been worried sick."
"Are you Mrs. Brandon?" Cunningham asked quietly.
"Yes, do you want to come in?"
"Please."
They went into a spacious hall with a wide staircase. It was thickly and newly carpeted in a pale oyster; there was also the faint smell of fresh paint.
"I've been calling him all day," Mrs. Brandon said as she led them into a big family room. Again, there was a new carpet, and some of the furniture still had bubble wrapping around it." You'll have to excuse the mess. We only moved in fairly recently."
Cunningham nodded and introduced Anna.
Mrs. Brandon knew then, by how quiet they were, that something was wrong. She touched a gold chain at her neck as she perched on one of the new easy chairs. "Something has happened, hasn't it?"
"I am sorry, but I have some distressing news. There is no easy way to tell you this, but I am afraid your husband has been fatally wounded."
Julia just seemed to sag, her head leaning forward. "Ah, no."
"We will need you to give us a formal identification."
"What happened?"
"He was shot."
"Shot?"
"Yes. I am very sorry. It happened sometime early this morning."
"He's dead?"
"Yes. Do you know what he was doing last night?"
At this point, Julia lost control; she slid forward as she vomited over her new carpet.
It took them some time to help her up, and get Mai Ling back to clean up the mess Julia didn't cry, but seemed to be in a daze, as she was helped to lie down and a cold cloth was put on her forehead. Cunningham sat close to her, and asked the girl to call Julia's doctor.
By the time the doctor arrived, an ashen-faced Julia was holding on to Cunningham's hand. She had not