A Pitying of Doves Read Online Free PDF

look told Shepherd.
    She gestured him out of the office and they made their way along the corridor side by side, the brisk clack of Shepherd’s heels matching Jejeune’s loping stride step for step. She spoke in low, urgent tones as they walked. It was her way of indicating that this was important, and that Jejeune should pay attention.
    â€œAt this point, I’m sure Señor Hidalgo is merely looking for assurances that we know what we’re doing, that this case hasn’t fallen into the laps of some bumbling village coppers who are in over their heads. So let’s try to give him those assurances, shall we, Domenic? On cue?”
    Shepherd had worked with Jejeune long enough to know that his silence during these exchanges was not necessarily tacit agreement. She stopped outside the door to her office and turned to look at him directly.
    â€œIt goes without saying that the eyes of some very important people are going to be upon us as soon as the identity of the victim gets out. In order for us to get the kind of breathing room we will need, we have to convince the Mexican Counsellor for Culture and Heritage that the right people are on the job. For the record, that’s us, Domenic, you and me, and this whole team that I have assembled here at Saltmarsh Division. So let’s get in there and do some convincing. Okay? Follow my lead.”
    She ushered Jejeune into her office to find a distinguished-looking man sitting in a chair.
    â€œCounsellor Hidalgo. Allow me to introduce my Chief Inspector, Domenic Jejeune. The counsellor has kindly come down here to discuss how the Mexican authorities can assist us in our inquiries,” said Shepherd.
    Efren Hidalgo rose with dignity and offered a well-manicured hand. The counsellor was not a tall man, but his slightly rotund figure was skillfully disguised by an exquisitely tailored suit. He smoothed the jacket now with a downward stroke of one hand as he resumed his seat. “Your reputation precedes you, Inspector,” said Hidalgo. “This reassures me. This morning, I concluded a very difficult telephone call with Ramon’s wife back in Mexico. I ended by suggesting that I would be able to provide her with some details in the near future. I would like also to be able to pass along some news of progress in this case as soon as possible.”
    Jejeune nodded in understanding. Without facts, Santos’s death was nothing more than an empty, senseless event, a swirling cloud of pain that cast a shadow of confusion and anger. If Jejeune could at least offer some meaning, some context to the man’s death, it would be a starting point for the family to begin the process of grieving.
    Hidalgo continued. “Due to the nature of Ramon’s work at the consulate, there may be areas where special permission will be necessary in order for you to pursue your inquiries.” The clipped economy of his dismissive hand gesture had its own special elegance. “But rest assured, we are prepared to provide any assistance you may require. You must know, we are as anxious as you are yourselves to see the person who committed this dreadful crime brought to justice.”
    â€œWell, I’m sure Inspector Jejeune appreciates the need for such diplomatic restrictions, but I don’t think we are anticipating any inquiries in that direction at the moment, are we, Domenic?”
    Jejeune addressed them both.
    â€œMr. Santos journeyed all the way from London to north Norfolk and stayed in accommodations as close to the sanctuary as possible. It seems reasonable to assume that it was his intended destination.”
    â€œI think it goes without saying, Domenic, that if Mr. Santos was at the sanctuary on official business, Señor Hidalgo would have already brought it to our attention.”
    Jejeune wasn’t overly fond of having other people hijack his questions, especially those he had not intended asking in the first place, but he supposed