HELL'S HALF ACRE a gripping murder mystery full of twists (Coffin Cove Mysteries Book 2) by JACKIE ELLIOTT (classic literature books .txt) 📗

Vega nodded in understanding. In many ways, small-town life had changed little. “Was there a big drug problem in Coffin Cove?”

Hephzibah nodded. “I was too young to be fully aware, but yes, drugs were big business in Coffin Cove. There was a biker gang who used to run it all, I can’t remember what they called themselves, but they ended up as part of the Hell’s Angels, I think. You know what, Inspector?” Hephzibah got up as a customer arrived for coffee. “Why don’t you talk to Summer Thompson? She lives in town. She’s the mayor’s mother,” she laughed. “Isn’t it funny? Summer was a leader of a commune, running away from Coffin Cove, and now she’s part of the establishment.”

“I’ll do that — thanks for your time, Hephzibah.”

“No problem.” She called after him as he walked down the boardwalk, “Don’t work too hard, Inspector. Make some time to spend with Andi.”

Vega raised his hand in acknowledgment but didn’t look around. Good grief, you couldn’t sneeze in this town without everyone pulling out a tissue.

Chapter Fifteen

PC Matt Beaufort watched Sergeant Diane Fowler issue a statement to the waiting press.

“Sadly, our investigation has concluded that the human remains found yesterday morning were in fact those of Richard David Havers, known as Ricky, who was reported missing from Coffin Cove approximately nine months ago. We’ve identified several items belonging to Ricky, which were found at the scene. At this time, we are unable to answer any further questions about his death as we are conducting a thorough investigation, including DNA testing. His family have been notified and have asked that you respect their privacy during this very difficult time.” Sergeant Fowler paused and looked up. “We will not be taking questions today. We will issue another statement in due course.” She nodded at the small gaggle of reporters and walked back to join Inspector Vega.

Matt noticed Andi Silvers. He’d been so relieved when she’d shown up yesterday and helped calm Mrs Havers.

Andi looked up and made eye contact. She smiled and moved over to him.

“Was it a very late night for you?” she asked.

Matt nodded. “Yes. First of many, I imagine,” he said importantly. “Forensics are still out there,” he added, as if he were running the investigation. “Thank you for helping me with Mrs Havers.”

“Oh yes, poor woman. I can’t imagine how she is this morning, now her worst fears have come true,” Andi said sincerely.

Matt nodded. “Yes, it’s going to be hard.”

“Hard on the town too,” Andi mused. “Tourist season underway and all that. And now a murder.”

“Yes,” Matt agreed. “Who knows how long these investigations will take?”

He didn’t notice Andi’s head snap up and her staring at him. He looked over to see Inspector Vega frowning and gesturing at him.

“I’d better go. Thanks again for your help yesterday.” And PC Matt Beaufort hurried off, but not before he heard her say, “No, thank you, PC Beaufort.”

He had a sudden uneasy feeling.

* * *

Vega observed the small crowd while Diane was issuing their prepared statement. Nothing out of the ordinary. He’d spotted Andi Silvers and nodded to her. She smiled back. He wondered if she’d taken offence at his tone last night.

The media melted away — disappointed, Vega thought, at the brevity of their press release. But he needed time and space. He needed to go back to the beginning, right to the day Ricky Havers went missing. And he didn’t need the added complication of media scrutiny, especially as they’d be asking some tough questions. Could they have done more when Ricky went missing? Would he still be alive now?

It would be up to Sinclair to run the PR on this one. Sergeant Charlie Rollins had a lot of explaining to do. His eyes fell on the young PC who’d been eager to help out the day before and hoped Charlie hadn’t been passing on his lazy habits.

He frowned as he saw Andi greet the young man like they were long-lost friends. They chatted for a minute before he managed to catch the constable’s eye and gesture for him to join the rest of the team. But it was too late. He saw Andi grin and snap her notebook shut. What the hell had that PC told her?

“Damn her,” Vega muttered under his breath. Never mind if she were offended or not. He would not allow her to impede his investigation.

Sergeant Diane Fowler had done well. She’d taken the very first ferry from the mainland and arrived in Coffin Cove before nine. She and Vega had a quick briefing to bring her up to speed, and they’d agreed on the press statement. Then Diane had taken charge of the largest room available in the Coffin Cove detachment and made it ready for the team’s arrival. The old building was like a maze, tiny rooms with rickety desks and worn files. There were three small interview rooms and Sergeant Charlie Rollins’ office, which could be used at a pinch.

In the murder room, everything was now arranged the way Vega liked it.

In the corner was their own expensive computer equipment. At the front of the room was a large whiteboard. They set the room up for the most efficient information flow. Vega liked structure and routine. Every investigation was complex, and if things were chaotic, information would easily fall through the cracks.

He was ready to address his team. Officers were seated at their desks, sipping coffee and chatting. There was tension in the air. It was the same at the beginning of every case. Officers existed on adrenaline and coffee. The trick was to not let the case burn out, Vega knew. Keep the momentum and energy going. It was his job to keep these highly skilled members of the force