The Calling of the Grave by Simon Beckett Read Free Book Online Page B

it?'
        'If
that's what he's doing,' Sophie said, looking at Terry. 'I'd have a better idea
if I'd been allowed access to him.'
         Here
we go again, I thought as Terry's jaw muscles bunched. 'We've already been
through this. You get to accompany the team with Monk, but there's to be no
direct contact. If you don't like it, take it up with Simms.'
        'He
won't return my calls.'
        'I
wonder why.'
        'But
it's ridiculous! I could assess Monk's state of mind, gauge if his change of
heart is genuine, but instead—'
        'The
decision's been made. Monk's not talking to anyone, and for the time being the
priority's getting him to show us the other graves.'
        'You
mean Simms' priority.'
        'I
mean the priority of this investigation, and last time I checked you were a
part of it. You want that to change, then say the word!'
        The
cords on Terry's neck stood out as they glared at each other. Lucas looked as
uncomfortable as I felt. It was a relief when Roper came over. The DCs gaze
flicked between Terry and Sophie, missing nothing.
        'What?'
Terry snapped.
        'Just
had the transport on the line. They'll be here in ten minutes.'
        The
anger drained from Terry. He straightened his shoulders. 'Right.'
        'Hang
on,' Sophie protested. 'What about—'
        But
Terry was already walking away, feet clumping on the duck- boards. Roper
hesitated long enough to give Sophie a toothy smile that exposed a line of pale
gum above his incisors.
        'Never
mind, love. He's got a lot on his mind.'
        She
shot him an angry look as he hurried after Terry. Lucas rubbed the bridge of
his nose, embarrassed.
        'Well,
I need to get on as well.' He hesitated, giving Sophie an uncertain glance.
'Look, it's none of my business, but I wouldn't push too hard. There's a lot
riding on today.'
        'All
the more reason why I should be able to do my job properly.'
        Lucas
looked as though he were about to say something else, then thought better of
it. 'Just watch yourself. Monk's a dangerous bugger. You ask me, you're better
keeping well away.'
        For a
second I thought Sophie was going to snap at the search advisor as well, but
then she gave a reluctant smile. 'I can look after myself.'
        Lucas
kept his thoughts to himself. He gave me a nod. 'Dr Hunter.'
        We
watched him walk away. Sophie blew out an exasperated breath. 'God, sometimes I
hate this job.'
        Sophie
had made no secret of her displeasure at being left out of the decision-making
process. 'You don't mean that,' I said.
        'Don't
bet on it. I just can't understand why Monk's suddenly so keen to help. And please don't say it's his guilty conscience.'
        'Perhaps
he's planning an appeal and thinks it might help him get a reduced sentence.'
        'He's
got at least another thirty-five years to serve. I can't see him planning that
far ahead.'
        'You
think he's hoping to escape?' I asked.
        I
wouldn't have dared mention that to Terry, not given the pressure he was already
under to see that didn't happen. The most dangerous part of any prisoner
transfer was the transit, but everyone was well aware of what Jerome Monk was
capable of. Even so, it was hard to see how even he could hope to escape out
here, surrounded by guards and with a helicopter standing by only minutes away.
        Sophie
thrust her hands into her pockets, scowling in frustration. 'I can't see how he
can, but I'd feel happier if he'd at least give us a bloody clue where the
graves are. But no, he insists he'll only come out and show us. And
Simms is letting him! He's so fixated on finding the Bennett twins so he can
announce he's got the full set he's letting Monk dictate his own conditions.
That's plain stupid, but I can't get anyone to listen.'
         Not
for lack of trying. I had the sense to keep that to myself, though. 'Even
if the other graves are around here we'll be