Offender of the Faith E-Book

Abrams Zach

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Just as his partner Sandra is due to give birth, D.C.I. Alex Warren is sent to lead a difficult and sensitive investigation.

Why has a young Asian girl been sexually assaulted and murdered in the home she shares with her Scottish boyfriend? Families are brought under intense scrutiny as Alex and his team look for answers.

Potential motives of racism, islamophobia, hate, jealousy and honor killing all have to be considered. But who is behind the killing... and what is the real reason?

Offender Of The Faith is a standalone novel, and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read other books in the series.

Leseprobe

Offender of the Faith

An Alex Warren Murder Mystery

Zach Abrams

Copyright (C) 2018 Zach Abrams

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2021 by Next Chapter

Published 2021 by Next Chapter

Cover art by Cover Mint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

Chapter 1

The gloved hand was steady, confident and sure. Controlling a razor-sharp blade, it smoothly sliced through skin and flesh. Barely a drop of blood spilled as deft fingers carefully probed and peeled back surface tissue to expose vital organs.

As if watching a road crash, Alex squirmed, with his eyes locked on the unfolding scene.

“I really enjoyed the lasagne and I'd like to keep it down. This isn't really the most appropriate after dinner viewing,” he complained, his tone unable to disguise his distaste.

“Alex you're a six- foot- four, fifteen stones brute of a man not a six stone weakling. I didn't have you down as being squeamish. It's not as if you don't see plenty of blood and guts at work.” Sandra shook her head. “Change the station if you have to.”

“Precisely my point. We need to deal with more than enough death and mutilation on a daily basis; it hardly makes the most entertaining recreational viewing. I'd much rather see a good drama or even a mediocre sit-com.”

With care, Sandra lowered herself onto the couch next to him, leaned across for the remote and scrolled through several channels before settling on a repeat showing of a Big Bang Theory episode. “Is this more to your liking, oh great master?” she asked while cosying in close, smiling contentedly.

“Perfect,” Alex replied, circling his right arm around her shoulder while tenderly stroking the distended bump of her formerly trim abdomen. He then added, “First class comedy; we want to ensure this young lady is given the best start in life.”

Sandra laughed for only a second before a frown darkened her face, “Will you be really disappointed if we have a boy?”

“Of course not. I just meant…” Alex started to reply but any reassurance he was planning was interrupted by the shrill ring from his mobile.

It was now Alex's turn to frown when he glanced at the screen before swiping to accept the call. “Yes Phil, What's up?”

“Evening Boss. Sorry to break into your free time.”

“I guess it must be something serious. Okay, forget the pleasantries and let me know what's happened.”

“Yes, Sir. Unexplained death, almost certainly murder. Not far from you, Waverley Gardens, just off Minard Road.”

“You're right. It's only a five-minute walk from my flat. Just as well I don't need to drive as I've had a glass of Rioja with dinner.”

“I'm sure it beats the drivel they call coffee from the office vending machine and I suspect it's not too safe to drive after drinking that stuff either,” said Phil.

“Too bloody true, but that's hardly the point. What more can you tell me?”

“Yes, Sir. Young Asian girl, late teens maybe early twenties, battered and strangled or so it seems. We've still to get the doc's opinion to confirm the cause of death. Boyfriend came home from work and found her lying there. So he says. He called it in.”

“Any sign of sexual assault?”

“Can't say for sure yet. She wasn't naked or anything like that, but her clothes look badly crumpled. We didn't want to disturb anything until Scene of Crime have checked everything out. They're on the job now.

“What about the boyfriend? Where is he now?

“Sanjay's talking to him. From what I could tell, the boy seemed really distraught, so either he's innocent or a bloody good actor.” He looks to be a similar age and he's white. This could be a delicate one because of the multiracial aspect so we thought we'd better let you know A.S,A,P. Sanjay's taken charge so far. He asked me to fill you in.”

“Thanks Phil; you've done the right thing. Give me the flat position and number and I'll be with you in a few minutes.”

Alex noted the information then disengaged the call. Turning to Sandra he asked, “I take it you picked up on that?”

“I caught enough to know Phil called, there's been a major incident and it's put the knackers on our carefully planned, nice, cosy evening,” Sandra answered.

“Sorry, Love, you know what it's like?”

“Yes, I think I've been in the job long enough to understand how duty calls.” Then glancing at her bump, Sandra added, “If it wasn't for this little one confining me to six months' desk work, and now maternity leave, you'd have had to tie me down to stop me being involved.”

Alex nodded gravely, “You can't be too careful, particularly after the miscarriage last year. I know being restricted must be really tough for you, but it won't be long now, only a couple of weeks hopefully, and it will be worth it.”

“I know, I know. We've talked it through a thousand times, but it doesn't make it any easier. There's nothing I want more than to have a healthy baby, our baby. I know I have to be careful, but it's hard having to sit around doing nothing.”

“You're not doing nothing,” Alex said but seeing the look on Sandra face, he knew better than to offer more platitudes. “Listen, I'd better get going.”

Sandra stood to see Alex out. Moving down the hall, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror sitting above a photograph of her and Alex when they'd started dating. The contrast was startling. Over recent months, she'd let her hair grow out of the page-boy style she'd previously favoured and added highlights detracted from the severe jet black. Having a naturally slim, slight stature, the large baby- bulge made her look misshapen. Sandra frowned and ran her fingers through her hair. “I'm not surprised you can't wait to get away from me. I'm fat and ugly.”

“Don't be ridiculous. I think you're gorgeous and you're not fat. You'll get your figure back in no time after the baby's born. Alex pulled Sandra into a brief hug, his arms straining to fully encircle her.

“I thought you promised never to let anyone come between us,” she joked before adding, “I'm really okay. I was only feeling a bit sorry for myself because I'm bored and frustrated waiting to get past this stage, but I'm really happy too, if that makes any sense.”

Alex smiled, pecked her cheek then slipped on his jacket, “I'll be back as soon as I can,” he said, then he sidled out of the door.

* * *

Skipping down the stairs, Alex barged through the security door and was outside in the street before he registered the inclement conditions. A chill in the air, together with a blustery wind, carried cold penetrating rain in a near horizontal direction. Alex shuddered, pulled his jacket close, before starting to jog, his long legs covering the distance to the crime scene in little time, without breaking sweat.

Taking the steps two at a time, Alex entered the close. The door was already propped ajar. T he uniformed officer who'd been left as sentry was standing further inside, protecting himself from the elements. Recognising Alex, he snapped to attention, “Sorry, I didn't see you approach, Sir. I'd been checking out back.”

“And you are?”

“”I'm PC Black, Sir, Stuart Black."

Alex removed his jacket and shook off the excess moisture. “Well PC Stuart Black, precisely what did you find in the back court?”

“Nothing, Sir.”

“Nothing? Can you not tell me when the bins were last emptied? Were there any footprints? Could the back door have been used as an escape route?” Alex quizzed.

“No, Sir,” I didn't see anything.

“Right, Constable. I don't believe you were out back, not unless it was for a sly smoke. I think it far more likely you've been skulking about in here, saving yourself from the cold and the wet.”

Tall, skinny and gawky, he gave the appearance of an overgrown schoolboy, and didn't seem too much older. Stuart Black was unable to meet Alex's gaze. He stood, dejected, his head slouched forward, staring at his own shoes,”

“Well?” Alex pursued.

“I'm sorry, Sir.”

“Too bloody right you're sorry. Sorry you got caught out, more like. Now listen to me and listen good. I don't have a problem with officers taking care of themselves, not as long as they're still doing their duty. But one thing I won't stand for is being lied to. If I catch you at that game again I'll have your balls on a plate. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir. It won't happen again,” the boy stammered.

“Okay, now tell me what's happening?” Alex demanded.

“Yes, Sir. The body was found in flat 2/2, that's at the right-hand side on the second floor. Sergeant Guptar is up there talking to the husband. The techies got here some time ago, and Doctor Duffie's arrived not long before you. DC Morrison is there too.”

“Fine, I'll go and check for myself.” Alex made his way up the stairs, confident that the constable had learned an important lesson.

* * *

Alex bounded up the two flights and recognised the shape of Phil, swathed in crime scene coveralls, waiting at the front entrance. Seeing his attire, Alex chuckled inwardly. Although, at thirty-five, Phil was only a few years younger than himself, Alex considered he gave the impression of being an overgrown schoolboy. It wasn't only his adolescent sense of humour, his chubby face looked younger than its years and he appeared to handle everything with an exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Any more to report?” Alex enquired.

“Not much, Sir. We've not been given clearance to poke about yet. Do you want to come in? I've a suit here for you.”

While Alex covered up, Phil informed him of what they'd learned so far. “No sign of forced entry. The flat's owned by George Radford, a private landlord, he's registered and seems to be reputable. The tenancy started more than three months ago and Kevin McGowan, the boyfriend, is the only tenant on the lease. Since moving in, he's shared it with the victim, Keiran Sharma. It's a big flat for just the two of them, particularly as they're fresh out of university; both are aged twenty-one. I'll give you the layout. Through the entrance, there's a large square shaped hall, with all rooms off. Running clockwise, first there's a bathroom and then a sitting room, open-plan to a fitted kitchen with a scullery off to the side. There's a couple of cupboards and then there's two bedrooms off to the right. The first is enormous and was where they slept; it has a large double bed and various other items of furniture. Then last, a small double used as a study with a convertible sofa.”

Alex nodded, “Yes, a lot of these flats are this shape.”

“The body was found lying on the bed. There's bruising to arms and face and particularly to the neck; I reckon the windpipe's crushed.

“Has she been moved?” Alex asked.

“Not as far as we know. McGowan says he came home and found her like that. He claims he didn't touch her. He saw her, realised she was dead and came straight back out to call for help. Uniforms arrived within ten minutes and called us in, maybe an hour ago now.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes, before we arrived. he'd knocked on the neighbour's door, through there,” Phil pointed to the first door on the landing. “A single lady lives there, elderly. When she saw the state he was in, she asked him in. Sanjay's talking to him now, in there. He has Mary with him taking notes. Donny's got uniforms checking all the other doors in the close and next door as well, to see if anyone saw or heard anything or had anything else to tell us.”

“Did the boy speak to anyone else before you got here?”

“Not that we know of; he said he hadn't when we asked.”

“Right, I'll see how Sanjay's doing first. By then Duffie might be finished with the body and the techies may be a bit happier for us to wander around. You come with me.”

Chapter 2

A blast of heat hit him, and Alex stepped back in surprise when the door was yanked open by Edna Gallacher. It was clear she'd been standing waiting at the door because he'd barely had the chance to lower his hand from pressing the doorbell.

Small and rake thin, a shock of pure white curls crested the lady's wizened old face. She peered at Alex's warrant card before pointing to a closed door. “They're in there, sitting at the kitchen table. They said they wanted me to give them some privacy. You'd better go on in.”

“Not just yet,” Alex replied. “I'd like to ask you some questions first, if I may. Is there somewhere we can sit? Tall and muscular, Alex was a big man in any circumstances, but by contrast, standing next to the old lady, he appeared to be a giant.

Mrs Gallacher shuffled forward and led them through to her formal lounge. The room could have been taken straight out of the nineteen-fifties. It was adorned with a fuss of heavy, dark brown furniture and covered in a profusion of ornaments. Everything looked old and worn but there was a pronounced and pleasant odour of beeswax polish and not a speck of dust to be seen anywhere.

Accepting her invitation, Alex and Phil sat down on a heavily-stuffed, deep buttoned sofa and were surprised by the comfort.

“Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?” she asked. Although appalled by the circumstances of their meeting, Mrs Gallacher was hospitable and appeared pleased to have company.

“Thank you, but no,” Alex replied. “We won't keep you long and we have a lot of other things to take care of.

She nodded slowly then lowered herself into a matching armchair, before looking up expectantly.

Trying his best to put her at ease, Alex noted her personal details and asked about her circumstances, confirming his suspicions that Edna had lived in this flat for most of her life. A widow and now aged eighty-eight, this had been her first and only home after she'd married, some sixty-five years ago. She'd raised her children here, although both boys had grown and married, before emigrating to New Zealand. Besides Christmas and birthday cards and an ever-rarer phone call, she'd had no contact with them for decades.

“Now how well did you know your neighbours, Kevin and Keiran?”

“Och, they were a lovely couple, much nicer than the last tenants who stayed there. They were so much in love. They put me in mind of me and my Charlie when we started out. Full of the joys. They were very good to me, too. They had me in for tea every week and they were always checking if I needed shopping or anything” A darkness fell over Edna's expression and tears started to flow. “Kevin was so upset when he came in. He said she was dead. Is that true? What could have happened? Was there an accident?”

“We don't have any answers yet. We're trying to put the pieces together. Now, can you tell me if you saw or heard anything unusual this evening?” Alex probed.

“No, nothing, not until Kevin came to my door. Of course, my hearing's not what it used to be. Unless the telly's up really loud, I can't make out a thing. I always worry that it might be disturbing my neighbours, but nobody's said anything. Anyway, I rarely hear anything from outside. That nice 'Care and Repair' man from the Council even attached a light thing to my entry-phone so I'll know if anyone comes to door.”

“I see,” Alex replied. “Can you tell me if you ever saw or heard any arguments between Kevin and Keiran, or by them with anyone else for that matter.”

“No, never a cross word, not that I ever saw. Mind you, there was the one time, Ian Fulton caused a bit of a fall out. He's the idiot who stays on the ground floor. He had a moan at Keiran for leaving the back door open when she was taking out the rubbish. Then he started shouting at her saying she wasn't wanted here. He didn't want the smell of curry coming near his flat, and he went on at her about what she was doing with a nice Christian boy,. and saying she should go back to her own people.”

“When was this?”

“Och, that was months back, not long after they moved in. It only lasted a minute before Janet, his wife, came out and gave him such a mouthful. Keiran was upset though and went running up the stairs, streaming with tears.”

“And you saw all this happening?”

“No, no. It was Janet who told me all about it. I never breathed a word to Keiran as I didn't want to upset her more.”

Alex got to his feet; Phil was quick to follow. “I think that will be all for now, although we may need to speak to you again. Thank you for your help. I'd like to go in and speak to Kevin now. If you'd please wait in here, we'll let you know before we leave. Is there anything you need from the kitchen in the meantime?” The response was negative, and Alex and Phil made their way out to the hall.

* * *

“Hi Boss, I'm glad you're here.” Sanjay stepped into the hall and closed the kitchen door behind him to have a private word with Alex. “I'd like your take on this. There are a number of things that just don't add up. Shall I fill you in before you talk to him?” As he spoke, Sanjay removed his thick black glasses and took out a tissue to clean them. Unadorned, his face lost its normal impression of severity as the little man craned his neck to look up at Alex.

“No, thanks. I'd prefer to hear it first hand to form my own impression. If you can take me in and introduce me then I'd like you to interview Ian Fulton, the guy on the ground floor. Apparently, he had a spat with Kieran some time back, not long after they moved in. Possibly a bit of racial tension there, so I'd like to see how he takes to you.”

Kevin raised his head when Alex opened the door. Supervising him, Mary sat impassively. Kevin seemed unaware of her, her stocky frame and rosy cheeks, a benign presence sharing the same room. He'd been sitting facing her, with his elbows on the kitchen table, holding his head in his hands, a blank stare facing downwards. As he looked at Alex, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, as if he expected to be told it was all a mistake and he'd only had a bad dream. He had the look of the cartoon character, Oor Wullie, with a pale face and ginger hair sprouting in all directions, dishevelled from his hands trying to contain his grief. He had an untidy look, his suit was creased and the top buttons of his shirt were open with his tie draped askew.

“I'm DCI Alex Warren and I'm leading this enquiry,” Alex introduced. “I know you've been through this already, but I need to hear it from you myself.”

Kevin exhaled deeply. “What do you want to know?”

“Let's start with this morning. Take me through everything that's happened today.”

Kevin looked puzzled. “What does this morning have to do with anything?”

“Please just bear with me. It helps put everything into context.”

“Okay,” Kevin briefly shook his head, appearing unconvinced.“My alarm went off at 7.30 a.m. I got up, showered, cleaned my teeth, dressed, had breakfast and went for the bus.”

“Let's go back, please. I need more detail. Your alarm may have gone off at 7.30 am but when did you wake? Were you already awake, and what about Kieran?”

Kevin's face flushed. “What the fuck's this all about?”

Alex said nothing, instead looking fixedly at Kevin's face and let the silence build.

“Kieran had the day off work. It's the second anniversary of when we started to go out and she wanted the time off. She planned to make us a special romantic dinner. I was to bring the wine. I bought a bottle of Prosecco on my way home. I left it on the table.”

“Kieran drank alcohol?”

“Yes, although she was raised a Moslem she hasn't practiced any religion since she started university.”

“Sorry, go on”

“We both woke before the alarm. Kieran went to shower first, and I followed afterwards, then got dressed.”

“Had you been intimate?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“We don't know yet if there was any sexual motive to the attack.” In a very matter of fact tone, he continued, “We need to know the last time you had sex together to help us interpret any forensic evidence.

Kevin winced then sat back, the words striking him worse that a punch. “Yes, we'd been intimate,” he whispered. “Afterwards, we had breakfast.”

“What did you eat?” Anticipating another question, Alex pre-empted, “We'd like to know everything Kieran ate today as it could help us establish the time of death.”

Kevin looked as if he might faint. “Coffee and toast, that's all. We treated ourselves to a Tassimo machine last month and we've been trying out all the different flavours together. If I remember correctly, we had a Mochiata with Caramel this morning - it was awfully sweet. I had toast and butter, I think Kieran had a scrape of marmalade.” Overpowered by the memory, together with the current predicament, Kevin's eyes filled with tears and they started running freely. He swabbed at them with closed fists.

Seeing paper kitchen towel on a work surface, Mary ripped off and handed him some sheets. “Would you like a glass of water, or a cup of tea, maybe?”

Kevin shook his head and dabbed at his face with the towel.

“After breakfast?” Alex prompted.

“I went for the bus. We kissed 'bye' in the hall and I said I'd be back around six; then I left. I walked round to Pollockshaws Road and caught a 38 bus into Hope Street, then walked to my office in Waterloo Street. I arrived just before nine.”

“What time did you leave the house?”

“I'm not certain but it must have been around eight-twenty.”

“What's your job?” Alex asked.

“I'm a Trainee Solicitor.”

Alex raised an eyebrow.

“I work for McPhail and Morgan, have done since I graduated last year. It's mainly conveyancing I do, although they're giving me a general training with some family law and commercial and legal aid work.”

“What about criminal law?”

“I studied it for my degree, but M&M just do bits and pieces. It's not our speciality, but sometimes existing clients have an issue which they bring to us.”

“And how was your day.”

“Nothing really out of the ordinary.”

“You had your special dinner to look forward to?”

“Well yes. I was planning to go straight home but then I had a message from Billy Marshall. One of my mates from Uni but he lives in Aberdeen now, so I've not seen him for ages. He asked if we could meet for a jar after work. I explained I had plans for this evening, but I could maybe manage a quick one.”

Alex nodded.

“I texted Kieran to say I might be a little bit later and I worked through lunch to make sure I got away sharp. I went to meet him in Wetherspoons as arranged and got us in a couple of pints, but he didn't show. I was really pissed, because I'd explained I didn't have much time. I finished my drink and tried calling him, but it just rang out. So, I downed the other pint, no point wasting it, and headed for home. I picked up the wine and flowers from Sainsburys in town, on my way and caught the next bus.”

“Which Wetherspoons was it?”

“Corner of George Square.”

“Did you see or speak to anyone who can confirm any of this?”

Kevin thought for a moment. “The pub was quite busy for that time of day, but no, there was nobody there that I knew, not that I can remember.”

“And how were you feeling just then?”

“I dunno. I wanted to be home. I was a bit rattled at wasting my time, but also a bit merry having sunk two pints on an empty stomach.”

“Did you see anyone you knew on the bus?”

Kevin shook his head. “The bus was busy but to be honest, I dozed off and only came too just in time, when we were approaching the park. I had to shake myself awake so I didn't miss my stop.”

“And what time was this?”

“I guess it must have been after half six, maybe going on seven.”

“Okay, let's go back in time a little bit; you said that Billy called to arrange the meeting but didn't show up. How did he call you, was it to your work or mobile?”

“No, I'm not allowed to take private calls and I'm not meant to use the mobile in the office either, but I usually leave it on, switched to silent. I got a text from Billy and that's how I replied to confirm the arrangement. Here, see for yourself.”

Alex checked the phone records and noted Kevin's message to Keiran and his dialogue with Billy. “This shows a mobile number which sent and received the texts from Billy, but it's different from your phone book listing for Billy Marshall.”

“Yes, now you come to mention it, I didn't see his name when it came in. I assumed he must have changed his phone and thought no more about it. I haven't had a chance to update his number yet.”

“You didn't try both numbers when he didn't show up?”

“No, it didn't occur to me.”

“Do you mind if we hang onto this for a while to check a few things out?”

“No, take it, not a problem.”

“Thanks. Now, picking up where we left off, you said you got off the bus at Queens Park.”

“Yes, that's right. It's only a few minutes walk.”

“Keep going.”

“I came up to the flat and let myself in.”

“Was everything the same as normal? Was the door locked?”

Kevin paused to think before answering. “It was closed on the Yale, as I'd expect when someone's home. Sometimes when Keiran was working, I'd be the first one home and I'd have to unlock the mortise as well.”

“You didn't use the security intercom before going up.”

“No, we both have keys so there wouldn't be any point.”

“Okay, you let yourself in. What next?”

“I called out to Keiran as I went to the kitchen to put the wine in and get water for the flowers. I thought it odd when she didn't answer. I hung up my jacket and then realised there was no sign of any cooking going on. I checked the fridge and saw all the ingredients were prepared but she hadn't started making the meal.”

Alex nodded.

“I thought maybe she'd gone out, but the door hadn't been locked. Then I thought perhaps she was unwell. I went to check the bedroom and found her lying on the bed.” Kevin shook his head, trying to dislodge the image. “She looked bruised, her eyes were wide, staring blankly at the ceiling and her mouth was open. I could tell she was dead. I didn't know what to do. I just sank to the floor. I couldn't stop looking at her.”

“Did you touch her, take her pulse or move anything?”

“No, I don't think so. I was in a bit of a daze. I don't know how long I sat there before I came to my senses. I phoned emergency services and then I came here to Mrs. Gallacher.”

“Can you tell me if there was anyone who you or Keiran had fallen out with? Was there anyone you know who may have had a grievance with either of you?”

“There was no-one; she was a lovely person. Everyone she met liked her. She made friends really easily.”

“Okay, if she was that popular then how about people who might have been jealous? Do you know of anyone who may have resented her popularity?”

“Really, there's no-one that I can think of.”

“What about family? How did they take to her shacking up with you? Did you get on?”

Kevin paused for a moment, before looking back at Alex. “Other than her sister, I haven't met any of her family. They didn't approve of her living with me out of wedlock and I doubt they'd have been any happier with her marrying someone who wasn't a Moslem. Although Keiran had no religion, to my knowledge her family were still devoted to Islam.”

“And what about your own family how did they react to you and Keiran being a couple?”

“Once they got to know her, they accepted her. As I said before, everyone loved her.”

“Thank you for being so helpful. I don't think we need to ask you anything else just now. You won't be allowed back in the flat tonight, not that you're likely to want to be there. Is there anyone else you can stay with for the time being?”

“I guess I can go back to stay with Mum and Dad. They're not far away. They live in Giffnock.”

“Okay, we can take you there. Once we get clearance from our forensic people, you'll be able to gather a few belongings, then one of our officers can drive you there. Would you like us to call them for you or would you prefer to let them know yourself? We'll need to interview them too at some stage.”

“Thanks, but I think it would be better if I spoke to Mum myself.”

Chapter 3

Sanjay was waiting for Alex outside Mrs Gallacher's flat.

“What did you think, Boss?”

“It's going to take a lot more probing, establishing the exact time of death may prove crucial. It doesn't ring true that McGowan was eager to come home for a cosy anniversary meal yet went off on a failed mission to have a drink with one of his buddies. He's hardly helped himself. He's given us nothing to confirm his claimed timeline. What's more, we have the extra hour where his movements can't be unaccounted for. Even if we accept his story, he's come home later than planned and been bevied up.”

“That was my concern, too,” Sanjay replied. “I'd better update you on other developments. Duffie's finished up for now and away. He's arranging for the body to be transferred and will do the P.M. in the morning. Before he left, he told me there were definite signs of recent sexual activity. In his words, 'she's taken quite a pounding'. One possibility is very rough sex, but it's far more likely to be rape. Some kinky sex involving strangulation, going wrong, can't be ruled out either.”

“Damn it! We could have done without that complication.”

“There's more, and you're not going to like it. Scene of crime technicians have still to run tests and give their full report, but Connor has given me some provisional findings. The door hadn't been forced so whoever did this either had a key or was let in. The place is untidy but there are no signs of any scuffle or resistance, other than on the body itself. It's pretty battered, with what appears to be some defensive bruising on the arms. She is clothed, sort of. No underwear and whoever attacked her must have rearranged her dress before they left. Either that or McGowan did it after he found the body. What may be of greater interest is what they found in the trash. The cleansing uplift only took place this morning but nevertheless there was a bag at the bottom of this flat's bin. Possibly, it had been missed but more likely it went out at some point today. In any event, amongst the garbage, it contained two used condoms. Perhaps of even greater significance, inside the kitchen bin, they found a pregnancy test kit and the blue line indicated a positive result. No doubt, Duffie will be able to tell us more when he does the P.M.”

“This just keeps getting better and better,” Alex said with undisguised sarcasm. “I think I'd better have another word with young Mr McGowan before we send him on his way.”

“The door-to-door hasn't yielded much of value. An upstairs neighbour thought he may have heard shouting about six o'clock. They didn't regard it as unusual because it's happened often before and when they'd checked, the source had been old Mrs Gallacher's choice of TV viewing.”

“Not a lot of help.”

“I did go down and speak to Fulton,” Sanjay continued.

“And?”

“The guys a bit of an arse, but I don't believe he had anything to do with it. I asked him about the argument and he tried to explain. His story: He'd had a crappy day. He'd been overlooked for a promotion at work that he'd earned. He had all the training and experience but instead it had been given to an Asian woman who didn't have a clue. She only got it, so the company could meet its quota of recruiting and promoting women and racial minorities, so he says.”

Alex chuckled.

“Yeah, that's what I thought too. The bastard stared at my stripes and it wasn't too difficult to see what he was thinking.”

“Don't take it to heart,” Alex said, and gave Sanjay a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“To add insult to injury, his next comment was, 'I'm not a racist; really I'm not'. He went on to explain that after getting the bad news, he'd gone out and got drunk, Then, on his way home, he'd seen Keiran coming in from the back court and she got the sharp end of his tongue as a result. He hadn't meant what he'd said. Anyhow, he and his wife have been home all afternoon and evening and she's given him a solid alibi.”

* * *

“Kevin, something else has come to light that we need to talk about.”

“I thought I'd told you everything.”

“It appears that Kieran may have been pregnant. Did you know about it?”

“What? Is this some sort of sick joke?” Kevin turned away.

“I want you to look at me. This is serious Kevin. What can you tell me?”

“It's not possible; you're trying to trick me. I've read about weird mind games the police use to try to confuse suspects or witnesses. Surely you don't consider me to be a suspect?”

“Let me assure you Kevin that this is no game. Our people found a pregnancy tester in your flat showing a positive result. If it wasn't Keiran's, then whose could it be?”

“But it's not possible.”

“I'm afraid it's very possible. You've already confirmed you had a sexual relationship and I'm sure you know that condoms are not a foolproof method of birth control.”

“No, you don't understand. She couldn't be pregnant. I couldn't make her pregnant.” There was a long pause before Kevin continued. “I had a tumour some years back. It was successfully treated but the radiation resulted in me having a zero sperm count.”

“If that's the case then why did you use condoms? You've been in an established relationship for two years. If it wasn't for protection against pregnancy, what were you protecting against?”

Kevin's head slumped. “I didn't tell her. When we first got together and had sex, it was common sense to wear protection. At the start, we were both students with no thoughts of having kids. Once we became a couple, I didn't want to say that I was infertile. As the relationship developed I realised she loved children. I knew she'd want her own at some stage, but we didn't ever discuss having kids and I was afraid if she knew then she may not want me. I wanted to tell her, but the longer it went on, the more difficult it was to say anything.”

“Well Kevin, this creates a new problem. If Keiran was pregnant and you're not the father; that means that somebody else must be.”

Kevin looked as if he might be sick. Mary passed him a glass of water.

“This can't be happening. It has to be some big mistake, or a hoax. Please tell me it's not real.”

A full two minutes passed in silence, with Alex giving Kevin time to digest the information.

“Can you give me any clues? Have you had any suspicions that Keiran may have been playing around?”

“No, absolutely not!” Kevin spat back. “We loved each other. There was no-one else for either of us. We spent all our time together when we weren't working.”

“Maybe there was someone at her work she was close to. Besides, you didn't always take time off together; today, for instance.”

Kevin shook his head. “Never, I don't believe it,”

“We'll have to talk to her colleagues. Where was it she worked? Oh, and just so you know, we also need to speak to your employers. It's standard procedure.”

“She worked at the new Queen Elizabeth hospital. She's a pharmacist and was offered the job straight from university.”

“Right, we'll get onto it, but for now, we'll take you over to your parent's house. I know this has all come as a shock to you, but you need to get some rest and we can talk again in a day or two.”

“You don't seriously expect me to get any rest after what's happened and what you've told me.”

Chapter 4

“I need to have a chat with Connor. Mary, I'd like you to go with Sanjay to break the news to Keiran's family; Phil can you find Donny and take Kevin to his parent's house. Let's meet up first thing tomorrow to compare notes.”

“Will do, Sir,” Phil replied. “The old bugger's been a bit illusive today, not quite himself.”

Alex looked up and grinned. “Do you mean more, or less, grouchy than usual?”

“Definitely more, Sir. He's been a bit touchy, but that's not all. It's normal for him to be a bit untidy, but today he seems … I don't know, looking a bit uncared for. He's showing a bit more grey, his face as well as his hair, but maybe he's just run out of tint.” Phil grinned.

“Perhaps, he's just having an off day; but laughing aside, let's keep an eye on him.”

Alex left them to it and went through to find the scene of crime specialist. Even dressed in his coveralls, the little man exuded the impression of precision and efficiency. Although the hood of his protective suit had been lowered, not one of his lacquered sandy-coloured hairs was out of place. Alex found him crouched over a table, feeding data into his laptop.

Connor looked up. “Evening, Sir. I knew you were here and I was wondering when I'd see you. Would you like the guided tour?”

“Yes, please. Phil's already described the layout and my own flat's not dissimilar, so just tell me your findings so far.”