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

be concerned for the man sitting next to her. He still appeared to be in shock.

“I think so. I don’t want to hold you up. You should get over to see Toby. Once you’ve told him, will you send him my regards and an apology for not being able to do more to help Grace?”

“You mustn’t think like that, Frank. You’re not to blame. You did all you could to help her in her moment of need. I’m sure if she was looking down on us she would be gutted to hear you speaking like that.”

He gulped and asked, “You think?”

“I know. I’m going to make tracks now, I think you should do the same. You’re not fit to be at work. Do you need a lift?”

“No. I have my car here today. Maybe I’ll call for a taxi instead.”

“Good idea. Claire, can you call a taxi to pick Frank up?”

“Sure, I’ll do it right away.”

Katy patted Frank’s knee, her heart going out to the man.

“I’m sorry I was useless. Will you need a statement from me?”

“Yes, in a few days. Why don’t you contact your brother? You said he used to be in the force, didn’t you?”

“He did. He’s dying of lung cancer, I’d rather not burden him with this, if it’s all the same.”

“Damn, sorry to hear that.”

“It is what it is. Damn fool smoked over forty fags a day due to the pressure of his job back in the day, and now he’s suffering for that assumed enjoyment.” He shuddered. “Whoever invented cigarettes should be strung up for killing millions of people over the years. Not right, is it?”

“Don’t get me started on that one. I detest smoking. I totally agree with you. Okay, if you’re sure you’re going to be all right, I’d better go and see Toby. Take care of yourself. I’ll be in touch in a few days with regard to taking a statement.”

“I look forward to seeing you again. Please, promise me you’ll do your best to get this bastard.”

“You have my word on that.” Katy patted his hand again and rose from her seat. “Stay there until your taxi arrives.”

Claire smiled. “I’ll make sure he stays put.”

Katy smiled and nodded. “We’ll return later, if you could let your boss know.”

“I’ll do that,” Claire replied.

Katy and Charlie left the car and walked up the long path to the semi-detached house. The garden was looking sorry for itself now that December was here and the cold weather had arrived, but Katy could tell it had been well cared for. Had that been Grace’s job? “Are you ready for this?”

“Does it get easier, the more you do?”

“Not really. I was relieved when the task used to fall on your mother’s shoulders. I’ve never relished telling a relative the inevitable.” Katy rang the bell and inhaled and exhaled a few steady breaths.

“You’ll be fine,” Charlie whispered.

The door opened, and a man in his early forties frowned at them. “Hello, can I help?”

Katy and Charlie flashed their IDs, and Katy announced, “DI Katy Foster, and this is my partner, DC Charlie Simpkins. Would you be Toby Hunt?”

“I am. What’s this about?” Toby’s frown deepened.

“It would be better if we spoke inside, sir.”

“Can you give me a clue? How do I know those IDs are real? You hear of so many scammers these days.”

“You can check by all means. Ring the station if you wish. Whatever makes you happy.”

He relented and stood behind the door. “Come in. You’ll have to excuse the mess, leading up to Christmas.”

“No problem.”

They followed him through the house to a large lounge at the rear.

“Take a seat. Now, why are you here?”

The three of them sat down. A large thump sounded overhead.

Toby raised a finger. “I’m warning you, I’m going to shout. Kids, pack it in. I have guests.”

The noise ceased. Katy nodded her appreciation and then said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you your wife was involved in an incident today.”

“What sort of incident? I was with her only a short while ago. Is she all right?” His voice rose the more he spoke.

Katy sighed. “I’m sorry, no. Unfortunately, your wife died at the scene.”

His neck extended forward, and he blinked continuously as the words sank in. “What? Is this some kind of joke? She can’t be dead. I don’t believe it. I refuse to believe it. Did she have an accident? What happened? I need to know. Please, don’t keep me waiting…how did she…?”

“I know this is hard to hear, Toby. I’m afraid your wife was shot.”

He shook his head and launched himself out of his seat. He paced in front of the gas fire and shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. How? We met her less than two hours ago and spent her lunch hour sorting out Christmas presents. No, I don’t believe you, she can’t be dead, she just can’t be.”

“Take a seat, Toby.”

He flopped into his seat again and stared at Katy. “I’m waiting. What happened? How does someone get shot when guns are illegal?”

“That’s what we need to investigate. The doorman was with your wife when she died, if that’s any consolation. He’s in shock right now.”

“Was he hurt? Where did this occur?”

“Outside her place of work. No, Frank wasn’t hurt in the incident. He was with her come the end. What I’m trying to say is that she didn’t die alone.”

He placed his hands against his cheeks. “God, I…I can’t take this in. She was so happy. Shot, you say? How?”

“I need to ask you some questions. Do you think you’re up to answering them?”

“I don’t know. All I can think about is her lying there with a stranger, or the doorman from work by her side instead of me. God, what the hell? How does something like this happen in London? Was it gang related?”

“At the moment, we can’t tell you much. We’re interviewing possible witnesses but haven’t come up with anything substantial as yet.”

“Someone shoots a person, that