Murders in the Blitz by Julia Underwood Read Free Book Online

the sitting room where Eve had to push Micky off her chair. The placid tabby budged reluctantly. He had become stout and indolent and was the reason that Eve had left Jake behind. The terrier’s enthusiastic and determined attentions caused the lazy feline great distress. Micky’s claim to fame was that when he was taken to the vet to be ‘done’, he had escaped and trekked home, over a mile. This achievement was met with such admiration that Micky was allowed to retain his manhood and he became the scourge of the neighbourhood. Many litters of sturdy kittens had benefitted from his parenthood.
    After Mum brought in the tea, with chocolate biscuits - a rarity nowadays - they listened to the news. The imminent possibility of German invasion, at some unspecified point along the South Coast, was mentioned. The news ended with admonitions of what to do if the enemy was in your street: to hide your food and make sure that vehicles were out of commission, and any fuel safely hidden.
    ‘Goodness knows where we’re supposed to put all that stuff,’ said Jack.
    ‘Let’s hope they don’t come,’ said Eve. ‘We haven’t been invaded since William the Conqueror. We won’t make it easy for Hitler now.’
    The news ended with another warning.
    ‘There is a high possibility that bombing of our cities will commence shortly. Make sure that your air-raid precautions are in place and that your family know where to shelter when the siren sounds.
    ‘Here ends the news. This has been Alvar Liddell reading it.’
    There were no details of the weather, of damage or casualties caused by aerial fighting, or anything that might aid the enemy.
    It was half past nine when they stopped listening. Eve knew her parents would be going to bed soon, as both were early risers.
    ‘Time I went, Mum, Dad. Thanks for the supper. I’ll bring you some of my rations next time, so you’re not short. And don’t worry about me – nothing bad is going to happen.’
    When she was ready and stood on the doorstep, Jack gave her a hug.
    ‘Look after yourself, kid. I know you’re the most sensible of my three girls. You won’t take any risks. Come and see us when you can. Tata, love.’
    Mrs Duncan stood behind him as Eve walked to the gate, a screwed up handkerchief between her fingers and an anguished expression on her face. Eve was aware that her mother would never say anything, but she knew that she was loved.
     
     

 
    Chapter Eight
     
    Because she had arrived home early from Wembley yesterday, and after walking Jake, she was in bed by 10.30, Eve woke on Tuesday morning full of energy.
    Having dressed and seen to Jake she walked directly to the police station. The place still buzzed with the fire at the factory and officers bustled backwards and forwards in what appeared chaos to Eve’s eyes. Pete would be home sleeping, as he had been on the night shift. She sat quietly by the front desk waiting until someone noticed her and observed the comings and goings with interest. Wartime and danger hadn’t decreased the numbers of timewasters and nuisances that bothered the desk sergeant of a busy station. Eve couldn’t help admiring his forbearance.
    After she had lingered for nearly an hour someone came in whom Eve recognised. The officer walked straight up to the desk with a swagger born of authority. If he noticed Eve’s presence he didn’t acknowledge it.
    ‘Excuse me,’ Simon Parkes addressed the Sergeant. ‘I need to speak to someone about the murder.’
    ‘Murder, sir? Has there been a murder? Wait a minute and I’ll write down the details.’
    ‘Not a new murder.’ A note of impatience entered Simon’s upper class voice. ‘The one on Sunday night. I think they’re waiting for the result of a post mortem.’
    The desk sergeant looked baffled, as if no-one had told him about a murder on Sunday. Eve stood and approached the desk. Major Parkes turned and stared as if he’d been unaware of her presence.
    ‘Why, Miss Duncan! What a