BLOOD STAINED an unputdownable crime thriller with a breathtaking twist (Detective Claudia Nunn Book by Rebecca Bradley (whitelam books .txt) 📗

tomorrow, the investigation itself was not closing down. There were officers on the night shift who were still searching for Ruth. His wife was still the force’s top priority and no one was backing down from finding her.

In the comfort of her own home Claudia allowed the mask she’d been wearing all day to slip away. The mask that enabled her to deal with the case that involved family. With one member desperately at risk and the other on the hook for her potential murder. Now, in the quiet of night, with the curtains drawn on the world, Claudia let the pain of the day wash over her as she couldn’t hold back the tears that had been threatening to fall every hour.

Claudia stood in the shower and allowed the jets of water to cascade over her as she sobbed. Her heart breaking. Nothing in her life or her career could have prepared her for this. Where was Ruth now? Was she being kept alive somewhere? Was she cold and afraid? This thought nearly brought Claudia to her knees. Considering that Ruth was injured and cold and afraid while she stood here warm and safe. Claudia clutched at her stomach, physical pain tearing through her body.

Or were they already too late? Claudia howled out in protest. At the unfairness of it all. Her father locked in the small space in the custody block, terrified for his wife but unable to actively do anything to help. He was innocent but she followed orders and the logic behind them made sense. It had to be done this way. It would happen like this if it was anyone else, she couldn’t deny that.

She towelled herself dry and padded to the bedroom. Sleep would be elusive but she’d make the pretence of trying.

Eventually in the early hours of the morning she slipped into a dark sleep where she found herself sitting with Ruth in a bar, both of them holding a glass of red wine. Ruth laughing at something she’d said. Then, as she sipped on her wine, blood started to pour from Ruth’s mouth. Loud laughter carried on around them. Echoing and repeating. Ruth’s eyes bulged in horror, her wine glass filling with blood, mixing with the red wine, swirling in a vortex. Claudia reached out to grab her but however far forward she leaned she was unable to reach her. She shouted out and found herself in the inky blackness of her bedroom once again.

After that she didn’t sleep. Her fear tormented her. Her mind whirred.

As soon as was reasonable, she rose, grabbed a tea in a reusable carry mug, pushed her shoulders back, put her work mask back in place and left the house.

There had been no forward momentum during the night. It was always a difficult period where little could be progressed. They had no idea where to even start searching for Ruth. Not one witness had mentioned a vehicle they could trace. It was a matter of hoping someone recognised the image they put out yesterday and hoping the interview with her father gave them something useful. Thinking of her father, she really wanted to get back to him and start again.

Russ entered her office. ‘How’d you sleep?’

She shook her head. ‘What about you?’

He shrugged.

There really were no words for how shitty they were all feeling.

Russ slumped into the chair in front of her desk. ‘You want to get back over to the custody block?’

She was about to answer him when her phone started to ring. She picked it up, tried to tell the caller she was tied up and then said she’d be there shortly.

Russ raised an eyebrow in question.

‘Someone has come in and wants to talk to me.’

‘You think it might be from the press conference yesterday?’

‘He says he’s family of one of the victims. I couldn’t send him away.’ She rose from her chair. ‘I won’t be long and then we’ll get straight off.’

* * *

The man waiting for her stood with his hands behind his back, his shoulders straight, and where people usually appeared a little nervous in a police station he had an air of self-importance.

‘How can I help you, Mr Chapman?’

They were in one of the witness interview rooms. In fact it was the very same room she’d spoken to her father, just yesterday morning.

‘I saw the media appeal that went out yesterday. I believe it was you who ran it.’

‘Have a seat.’ Claudia waved at the chair opposite her as she slid into the one nearest her.

Alex Chapman let out a sigh of impatience and seated himself in the chair she’d pointed out.

‘How can I help?’ she asked again.

‘My ex-wife, the mother of my child, was murdered by this animal. You’ve done nothing to catch him but now he’s taken one of your own it’s all systems go.’

Was he going to ask her a question or was he here to make a complaint? ‘The team dealing with the case have been working hard for months. I understand it’s been difficult—’

He waved his own hand at her. ‘I don’t want your platitudes. I want to know that you’re going to catch this man. That I can tell my son he can sleep at night.’

That problem at night was familiar. ‘Mr Chapman. I’m sorry it’s taken so long. I can assure you the investigation team are dedicated to their task. But yes, while we have the opportunity to get one of the women back alive we’re going to do everything within our power to find him.’

Apparently appeased by what she’d just said he rose from his chair. ‘Please do let me know when you catch him, won’t you.’ That was it. He was done.

She promised to do so.

And on that point, it was time for her to organise the extension of