Read Online CRIME ON THE FENS a gripping detective thriller full of suspense by JOY ELLIS - Free Book Online

Nikki’s, and it irritated her.
    ‘No. No father.
    ‘And your mother was conveniently ‘away’?’ barked Nikki.
    ‘It wasn’t convenient, whatever that means. She’s a rep, for a sports equipment company. She’s often away. Now will you please tell me what the hell is going on?’
    Nikki noted the shaking hands and the reddening cheeks. ‘We need to find your phone, Mr Brown. Perhaps my sergeant should help you look for it?’
    ‘If it’s not in my pocket, then I’ve lost it.’ Kris Brown sat back on the sofa and stared belligerently at them. ‘I hate the things. I’m always losing it. Sure you need one living in a place like this, but I don’t often use it, and I never text!’
    ‘We have reason to believe that you texted Kerry Anderson last night.’ Nikki paused to see what effect her next words would have. ‘That would be just before she disappeared.’
    The man gave a sharp intake of breath. ‘Oh shit! But I never sent her a text! It wasn’t me!’
    ‘I’m sorry, Mr Brown, but in the absence of someone to confirm your whereabouts last night, and the fact that you cannot produce your mobile, I’m afraid we are going to have to ask you to come with us to the station.’
    Nikki glanced at Joseph. ‘Get him to sort his dog out, then take him to the car, Sergeant. I need to ring for uniform to get out here. I want a thorough search for that missing phone, and any other evidence of Kerry Anderson being here.’ She turned to Brown. ‘Can we have your permission for that? Or do I need to get a warrant?’
    The man offered no resistance. ‘Do what you have to, no doubt you will anyway. But I promise you, I haven’t seen Kerry since we met for coffee. And I would never hurt her, never.’
    ‘Because you love her?’
    ‘Love her?’ He blinked in surprise. ‘I don’t love her. She’s my friend.’
    ‘Well, perhaps that’s how she wants it to be, but maybe you’d like a bit more, Kris? Did you make a move on her and she didn’t like it? Is that how it was?’
    At first he didn’t answer, then Kris Brown threw her a look of utter disgust. ‘I said she’s my friend. And I meant it.’
    As Joseph walked him to the car, Nikki pondered on the intonation Kris Brown had placed on the words, my friend . There was a peculiar ‘singular’ sound to it, and she was left with the distinct feeling that Kris’s other friends were few and far between. If indeed, apart from Kerry, there were any.
    As she locked the door, she decided that she was going to need a lot more time with that young man. There had been something in his voice when he talked about Kerry Anderson, something clingy and unhealthy. Like he knew her better than anyone else. Like he worshiped her. Nikki shuddered slightly. She knew from past cases, one in particular, that that kind of relationship could go horribly wrong.
    * * *
    Mickey lay on his side on the unmade bed, and stared at the mask held tightly in his hand. He should never have taken it. The orders were very clear, and if Marcus found out, the older boy would knock seven bales out of him. And that would be the end of all that lovely cash.
    He felt the spongy rubber with his fingers, then smiled possessively at it. He’d just have to make sure that Marcus didn’t find out. He’d hide it, and wear it when he was alone. Like now.
    The boy gave a little shiver of excitement. So far he had not had the opportunity to put it on. Now that his dad was down the social, and his mum had gone off with some friend, he had the place to himself.
    Mickey sat up, and taking the mask with him, walked across to the wardrobe. Inside the door was a long narrow mirror. Mickey looked at himself with interest. He sure didn’t look like the kind of kid who had nearly £200 stuffed in a shoebox beneath his bed. He grinned, then pulled the mask over his thick thatch of corn-coloured hair. He positioned the eye slits, then looked once again in the mirror.
    The second he saw himself, he gave an