The Burning by M. R. Hall Read Free Book Online Page B

felt herself yield as he slid his hand behind her waist and drew her closer. She’d been alone for long enough, and there was plenty of night left for
sleeping.

SEVEN
    ‘H EY . W AKEY-WAKEY !’
    Jenny forced her eyes open, squinting in the glare of the snow-reflected light streaming through the bedroom window.
    ‘Phone for you. Someone called Ryan.’
    ‘What time is it?’ Her voice was thick with sleep.
    ‘Just gone eight.’
    Michael was standing naked at the foot of the bed with his hand cupped over the phone. ‘Shall I tell him you’ll ring back?’
    ‘I’d better take it.’ Jenny eased herself upright, shivering at the cold air on her bare shoulders. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d fallen asleep without
pulling on a T-shirt. She felt an unaccountable twinge of shame as Michael handed her the phone. He grabbed his clothes and headed out to the shower.
    ‘Good morning, Inspector.’
    ‘Mrs Cooper. Sorry to disturb you.’ She thought she detected a hint of mocking humour in Ryan’s voice. ‘I thought you’d want to know that my super has formally
closed our file. He sat down with the CPS last night and they decided there was no evidence warranting further investigation. Do you want the physical statements or will email do?’
    ‘I suppose I’d better have the originals.’
    ‘I’ll be at the Vale mortuary around ten, if that suits you. I’m taking dental records over to Dr Kerr just to confirm the identifications – not that there’s any
doubt.’
    ‘I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it this morning,’ Jenny said. ‘You’ve seen where I live.’
    ‘I’ll leave it up to you . . .’ Ryan paused, as if he was holding something back.
    ‘Is there anything else?’
    ‘Well, just between ourselves, I’m feeling a little guilty on my department’s behalf – towards Kelly Hart, I mean. I know it’s not for me to tell you how to do your
job, but it feels wrong just to leave her hanging. It’d be nice if she felt someone was looking after her interests, moving things along.’
    ‘You’re still searching for her son, aren’t you?’
    ‘Of course. But finding his body isn’t the same as delivering closure with Ed.’
    ‘She accepts he did it?’
    ‘I think so.’
    ‘You only
think
so?’
    ‘It’s only been thirty-six hours. Look, all I am asking is would you mind paying her some attention.’ Another pause. Jenny sensed there was something he was avoiding
saying.
    ‘What exactly is it that you think I ought to be doing?’ Jenny asked.
    ‘It’s just I’ve seen one or two similar cases, not exactly the same, but I know this is the danger time – while the bereaved is waiting for all the wheels to start
turning.’
    ‘You’re worried Kelly might do something stupid?’
    ‘I saw her again last night. She was very quiet. I can tell she’s very bright – more than you’d think – but she’s fragile. We offered her a counsellor but
she’s not interested. That worries me a little.’
    ‘Are you sure you’re in the right job, Mr Ryan?’
    ‘I beg your pardon?’
    ‘You’re not sounding much like a detective.’
    Ryan laughed. ‘You’re right. I’d probably have been happier without the psychology degree.’
    There. He wanted her to know he wasn’t just any detective inspector. He was a DI with an education. Her equal.
    ‘Has she mentioned a man called Darren Brooks?’
    ‘Not specifically. Why do you ask?’
    ‘I heard she was involved with him before Ed. He tried to get into the burning house.’
    ‘I knew that.’ Jenny heard another phone ring at Ryan’s end. ‘Hey look, that’s my super chasing me. I’ll catch up with you later.’
    ‘Just one more thing – Kelly’s number.’
    ‘I’ll send an email.’
    Ryan rang off. He’d played it very cool, but she’d got the message: he was worried that Kelly Hart was a suicide risk and Superintendent Abbott didn’t give a damn. In fact, it
would probably suit him if she were to swallow a