Read Online Christmas Killing by Chrissie Loveday - Free Book Online

the last three were born.’
    ‘Three?’
    ‘Remember what Kevin said? They’ve got a disabled brother tucked away upstairs somewhere.’
    ‘Good lord. It’s incredible what some women will go through.’
    ‘I’m not sure they’re all aware of the consequences actually. Their blokes come in from the pub wanting a bit of nooky and lo and behold, another pregnancy results.’
    ‘That’s always assuming she’s really got a bloke.’
    ‘Something to ask Kevin. Do you know where we’re going?’
    ‘I think it’s a couple of streets along, on the left.’
    ‘In the posher part of town,’ remarked Ray.
    ‘Oh yes. Very posh here isn’t it?’
    Ray’s phone rang.
    ‘Yes?’ he answered.
    ‘Jimmy North’s son and daughter are here. Do you want to see them?’
    ‘Can you get someone to interview them? Make a report and leave it on my desk please. I’m on my way to see someone else.’
    ‘Right you are sir.’ Ray switched off his call.
    ‘Everything happens at once doesn’t it?’
     

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Kevin Riley stretched as he woke up. For several minutes he wondered where he was, alone in a different bed. He realised he quite missed Julie what’s her name and decided it might be time to find another girl. He had his bed at his brother’s place and usually stayed there on a Saturday to give him a bit of a break from the rest of the family. He glanced at his watch. Ten-thirty. He went along to the bathroom and listened for the sounds of his brother’s family. The house was silent. He wandered downstairs and saw the note left on the kitchen table.
    Make sure the door is locked when you leave . Out for the day . Malc .
    Brilliant, he thought. He’d invite his mates over. He went into the hall and picked up the phone. He dialled a couple of numbers and organised two of his mates to come round.
    ‘Bring some girls wiv you. You sister for one and a couple of ‘er mates too.’
    He rubbed his hands together in glee. He knew his brother kept a stash of beers in the cupboard under the stairs and hauled them out. The girls would always drink beer, he knew from history. Summat to eat, was his next thought. He looked in the cupboard and found crisps that his sister-in-law had bought for the kids’ lunches. He could always buy some more later on. He heard a cacophony of horns blowing and looked through the window. They were here.
    ‘Okay mate? You made good time. Come on in.’
    ‘Mandy’s here and Kylie. Kylie was stoppin’ over at ours. Haven’t found another girl yet.’
    ‘’Ow about Matti? Think she’d like to come?’ said Mandy.
    ‘Who’s she?’
    ‘I think she took over as the new elf at Foredyce’s. You know, after Julie was done in.’
    ‘D’ya know her number? Give ’er a call. Phone’s in the ‘all.’
    Mandy went to phone and came back looking a bit green.
    ‘You’ll never guess what’s ‘appened? Someone’s done for Santa. You know, the old man Jimmy summat or other. Well someone stabbed ‘im.’
    ‘Blimey’ said Jace, one of Kevin’s mates. ‘Poor old bugger. Who the heck would do that?’
    ‘Weren’t me,’ Kevin said hurriedly.
    ‘Course it weren’t. Why on earth would it be you?’
    ‘Dunno. The police seem to think it were me what done in Julie. If it hadn’t been for you two saying I was wiv you on the phone nickin’ thing, I reckon they’d ’ve got me for that. Anyway, beers all round?’
    ‘Yes ta,’ Fred said.
    ‘Girls?’
    ‘Ain’t you got nuffin’ else?’
    ‘I dare say there might be some wine. I’ll go and look.’ He went to the fridge and there was a bottle, left by Shelley for their supper. ‘Bingo. Here we go girls.’ He unscrewed the cap and poured out a large glass for each of them.
    ‘Ta.’ Kylie took a sip. ‘Bit dry. Is this all there is?’
    ‘I can give you some sugar.’
    ‘Don’t worry. I’ll drink it. Make sure you get summat sweeter next time.’
    ‘I certainly will. I’ll put some music on, if I can find