No Smoke Without Fire (A DCI Warren Jones Novel - Book 2)
Page 44
“From a personal perspective, I’d rather my officers were a little less inclined to go running into a darkened forest after a serial killer without back-up. But all’s well that ends well, I suppose.”
Warren said nothing. The grapevine suggested that ACC Naseem had run into his own fair share of darkened forests when still on the beat and he was grateful that he didn’t have to endure another earful about his rather rash decision. Susan had gone ballistic when she’d picked him up from the hospital that night, and the following day he’d received another dressing-down from Bernice.
“On a more serious note, you were very lucky, Warren. Your carelessness by the river could have cost you your career.” Warren blinked in surprise. Naseem continued, his eyes crinkling slightly.
“Apparently the cyanide bottle didn’t break when you threw it away. I can downplay your heroics in the forest and DI Sutton’s over-enthusiastic driving style; however, the Chief Constable is an obsessive fisherman and Forensics reckon there was enough poison in there to wipe out half the trout in the river.”
The End
Acknowledgements:
Phew, that ‘difficult second novel’ wasn’t as difficult as I feared! And again, that’s in large part down to my wonderful family and friends who help and encourage me in everything. Whether they proof-read drafts, gave me their thoughts on extracts that I sent them or just said something really interesting that I shamelessly pinched…
As always, there are too many to list you all, but a few stand out. Again, my father and Lawrence proof-read the complete manuscript, corrected my grammar and gave me their thoughts. My favourite lawyers Dan and Caroline gave me sound legal advice and an insight into custody procedures. I am also extremely grateful to Crime Scene Investigator Lee Robson from Essex police, who’s description of the procedures and day-to-day working practise of the folks in white suits has been invaluable. I apologise sincerely for any errors or artistic liberties taken to advance the story.
And finally, a big thank you to Father David Barry who not only double-checked the authenticity of a key chapter, but also helped make my little sister’s wedding such a perfect day!
As always, the support and friendship of Hertford Writers’ Circle has been wonderful and I appreciate the fact that nobody reported me to the authorities for turning up each month with a new description of a grisly murder…
And finally, the editorial team and staff at CarinaUK and Harlequin, in particular Helen, Lucy and Victoria for their hard work on this and The Last Straw.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Disclaimer:
The town of Middlesbury, Middlesbury CID and all characters featured in this book are entirely fictional and not intended to represent any real-world individuals or organisations. It is also important to stress that whilst Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Constabularies are real organisations, they are not in any way affiliated to this book and the way that they are represented in this book is entirely imaginary.
CARINA™
ISBN: 978 1 472 09648 7
No Smoke Without Fire
Copyright © 2014 Paul Gitsham
Published in Great Britain (2014)
by Carina, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited, Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
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