Shot of Silence (Justice Again Book 3) by M Comley (best contemporary novels txt) 📗

enough. I can give you my assurance, we won’t let this drop until we have the culprit sitting in a cell.”

He sighed and then let out a shuddering breath. “I hope that’s soon. The thought of having someone that dangerous out there who kills innocent women…it’s just wrong, isn’t it? What is this world coming to when you can’t walk down a main street during daylight hours without getting shot?”

“I agree. These types of incidents are a rarity. That’s why it’s important to do the groundwork thoroughly. To dig deep, to ask all the relative questions from the outset.”

“I can’t tell you any more than I have already, I wish I could. I want you to find the bastard, and quickly. What if he comes back? What if he attempts to kill me now that I’ve spoken to you?”

“I doubt that will happen. All I can advise you to do is to remain vigilant at all times.”

“I intend to. Bloody hell, I doubt I’ll ever walk the streets again, knowing there’s someone out there who is capable of killing innocent people.”

Katy exhaled a breath. “Until we find out more it’s hard to advise you what to do regarding your own safety. I have to ask, I take it you sat with Grace after the incident, until assistance showed up?”

He nodded.

“Did you happen to see anyone walk by, carrying something bulky perhaps?”

“Like a gun? No, I can’t say I did, and yes, I sat on the pavement with her until the ambulance and police arrived, then they shooed me back in here. That’s when Claire poured me a shot of brandy. Done me the world of good. I was a mess. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Claire will tell you, won’t you, love?”

“He was proper shaken up. I had to give him a drink to calm his nerves. Bloody terrible situation to be confronted with, worse when it happens to a colleague.”

“Did you know Grace very well?” Katy asked the receptionist.

“Not really. I’ve only been here six months, but well enough to say good morning to her and to know a little about her family. She was so proud of her kids. Shit! Her husband, he needs to be called. I did ask the woman on control if I should call him, but she advised me not to and to leave that for the officer in charge to sort out. I think he should be told soon. It’s been like over an hour now. I’d want to know ASAP if I were in his shoes, wouldn’t you?”

Katy smiled. “I agree. I don’t suppose you have an address for her, do you?”

“I don’t, but I can contact her boss for you, he’ll have it in the personnel file.”

“If you can arrange that for me while I speak to Frank, that would be brilliant.”

Claire waddled off as fast as her belt-sized skirt and four-inch stilettos would allow her to move.

“How are you feeling now, Frank?” Katy dragged a chair across the floor and sat next to him.

“Numb. Still can’t believe it. I’ve never seen a dead body before, you see. It’s bloody tough when you regard that person as a friend. Sickening, it is. Downright despicable. It makes no sense to me, that’s what’s bugging me about this. She walked towards me with a smile on her face, happy with life, she was, and then to have it snuffed out like that, it’s shocking. That’s what it is, absolutely shocking.”

“It is. Any words I have for you will seem insignificant right now.”

“I know. Hard to know what to say to someone who witnesses the light disappear in a friend’s eyes. I could do nothing to help her. I have this thought running through my head, it’s a daft one really…”

“What’s that?”

“That she didn’t have time to suffer. Yes, I know there was a delay between the shots, but in all honesty, I don’t think it would have registered as a long delay…oh God, I don’t know what I’m trying to say, everything is muddled in my head. Does it get better?”

Katy placed a hand over his. “I’ve heard it can take a few days and sleepless nights to deal with such a trauma. Hang in there. No one will think badly of you if you took a few days off to get over the shock.”

“You think I’ll need it? My legs, look at them, I can’t stop them jiggling. Christ knows what would happen if I tried to stand. Trouble is, I’m usually on my feet all day, looking after people as they come in and out of the building. I wouldn’t be up to doing that.”

“Maybe Claire could suggest that your boss sends you home. Do you have anyone there?”

“No, my missus walked out on me five years ago. Went off with one of those toy boys or whatever they’re called. Thirty years younger, can you believe that? How is a man of my age supposed to compete with a youngster? I’m closer to my grave than he is to his nappy era.”

“Sorry to hear that. Do you have friends or other family members? Someone who could stay with you a few days?”

“Not really. I’m a loner when I’m not at work. That’s why these people mean so much to me. All we might do is share the odd smile, but they treat me well. Friends and family always seem to shaft you these days, that’s why I prefer to keep my distance.”

“I can understand that, especially after what happened with your wife.” Katy glanced up and removed her hand from his as Claire joined them again.

“I’ve got an address for you.” She handed Katy the piece of paper.

“That’s very kind. I’ll go and break the news to her family and then come back. My partner and I will need to question the staff, see if they have any ideas about what’s gone on today.”

“I’ll let the boss know.” Claire returned to her desk again.

“Will you be okay?” Katy couldn’t help but