The Body Dealer (A DI Erica Swift Thriller Book 5)
Page 21
Angela had been suspended from her job and was under investigation in her involvement in the kidnapping of Chau Phan. It was expected that she would be looked upon leniently, considering her recent loss, the stress she’d been under, and her help in tracking down the man at the top of the chain.
Erica had attended Milly’s funeral and had seen Angela being supported by a man of a similar age, who she assumed to be Milly’s father. Looked like he’d finally bothered to come back into their lives now his daughter was gone. Erica had offered her condolences, but it hadn’t felt right to stay around for too long. A part of her had strangely felt somewhat to blame, considering if it wasn’t for her interference, Milly might have survived. The idea made her hot and uncomfortable, and though the doctors they’d spoken to afterwards had insisted she’d have been unlikely to survive the surgery, and another young girl would have been murdered for it to happen, it still didn’t seem right. In an ideal world, no one would have to die for another to live, but the world was a cruel place. She’d spotted Superintendent Woods sitting on the other side of the church, too. They’d exchanged a brief, tight-lipped nod, but that was all, and she’d seen him speaking to Angela as she’d left. She wondered how close their friendship was—if there was more than he’d let on—and if that was a friendship that might now flourish in the wake of her grief, vulnerable and alone, and that made her feel uncomfortable, too.
James Beckett had survived the gunshot wounds and would now be standing trial for his crimes. So far, it appeared his brother, Kenneth, had been unaware of the import of the immigrants and the use of them, both in his workplaces and for their organs. It was an ongoing investigation; he claimed to be completely hands-off with his business, though he understood he still had responsibility for what was happening on premises he owned. She still wished she could find the families of those poor women though—the burned Jane Does who they had never managed to identify. She hated to think of the families waiting for their loved one to come home, not knowing that they never would. It was a kind of torture that no one deserved—having hope while never being able to move on. They deserved to be able to grieve for their loved ones.
“He’s here, he’s here,” Poppy squealed, leaping down from the window and rushing to the front door. She was like an overexcited puppy.
“Okay, take a breath. He’s not even going to get the chance to ring the bell.”
As Erica had predicted, Poppy had swung open the door before Shawn reached the front door.
“Shawn!” she cried and threw her arms around his waist and hugged him tight.
He grinned and ruffled her hair. “Hi, Poppy. Good to see you, too.”
She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the house. “Mummy and me did some baking. We made a cake for pudding. Do you want to see?”
“Absolutely. I love cake.”
Erica couldn’t help smiling, her heart filling with happiness. She tried not to feel the oncoming wave of guilt that she knew would come after, but that was impossible. It would always be there.
Shawn pushed a bottle of Malbec into her arms as he walked past. Erica smiled and mouthed, ‘hi.’
“Can we have the cake now, Mummy?” Poppy begged. “Pleeease.”
Erica laughed. “No, we haven’t had dinner yet.”
“Oh, but it’s a special day. We have company.”
Erica knew she’d picked up the phrase from her.
“How about I pour that wine?” Shawn offered.
“Sounds good.” She handed him the bottle.
“Have you heard from Linh Phan?” he asked her.
“Yes, she and Chau are doing well. They’re applying to stay in the UK, but I’m not sure if they’ll qualify.”
He nodded. “It’s a difficult one. I feel for them. All Linh wanted was to make her and her family’s lives better. What about Gibbs? Have you heard from him?”
“Yes, he’s out of hospital and is recuperating at home.”
“That’s good. He’ll be back in work soon, and you’ll be fighting for your job.”
She knew Shawn was only teasing her. Gibbs probably wouldn’t be back anytime soon. He was still struggling with paralysis to one side of his body and needed to take naps every few hours. Erica was happy to continue to do the job, though she could do without the additional paperwork. Dealing one-on-one with Superintendent Woods was making her a little anxious, but she was a grown-up and she could handle the likes of him.
“Mummy, can we have the cake now? I’ve been waiting for ages.” Poppy did her usual dramatic slump into her chair, almost sliding to the floor.
Erica looked to Shawn. “I’ve roasted a chicken, but any chance you fancy a slice of cake and a glass of red wine for a starter?”
He finished pouring the wine and handed her a glass. “Sounds good to me.”
She glanced affectionately as Poppy jumped up and down, clapping, and then continued with her constant stream of chatter. They’d been through a lot in the past year, and it was great to see Poppy happy again.
“Cheers,” she said to Shawn, lifting her glass in his direction.
He tipped his in return. “To us making a great team.”
Erica smiled, and realised, just like Poppy, she was happy.
THE END
ENJOYED The Body Dealer? Don’t miss out on book six of the Erica Swift series, The Mimic, which is available to order from Amazon today! Keep page flipping to learn more! Sign up to M K Farrar’s newsletter and claim your free ebook, so you don’t miss out on any news of freebies, sales, cover reveals and new releases!
A COPYCAT KILLER...
A detective with a past...
A prisoner who knows too much.
A killer who likes to replicate previous murderers’ deadly deeds is stalking London’s streets.
Detective Erica Swift had hoped to never see Nicholas Bailey—the man who killed her husband in front of her—again, but when he contacts her to say he’s been corresponding with this new killer, she’s forced face him once more.
Order book six of the DI Erica Swift series here!
About the Author
M K Farrar is the pen name for a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Though 'Some They Lie' was her first psychological thriller, it wasn't her last, and she’s now written eight novels of crime and psychological fiction. When she's not writing, M.K. is rescuing animals from far off places, binge watching shows on Netflix, or reading. She lives in the English countryside with her husband, three daughters, and menagerie of pets.
You can sign up to MK's newsletter here or check out her website here. She can be also be emailed at mkfarrar@hotmail.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Also by the Author
Crime after Crime series, written with M A Comley
Watching Over Me: Crime after Crime, Book One
Down to Sleep: Crime after Crime, Book Two
If I Should Die: Crime after Crime, Book Three
Standalone Psychological Thrillers
Some They Lie
On His Grave
In the Woods