Bad Moon Rising (#1 - D.I. Paolo Storey Crime Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

dragged into the modern age of fruit machines and electronic quiz technology. Even the subject of introducing a pool table had met with fierce opposition and that was hardly cutting edge. The only concession to the present century was the small flat-screen television fixed on the wall over the bar permanently on either a news channel or one of the more serious talk shows.
    Barbara walked across the main square, past the Law Courts and turned right into a narrow walkway. The Horse and Panniers was tucked away at the end. Light spilling from the pub’s tiny lead-lined windows gave the alley a Dickensian feel. About three-hundred years old, low ceilings and dark beams in the two tiny bars created an intimacy lacking in the larger pubs that littered Bradchester.
    Larry’s wife, Sharon, also South African and long-time friend of Barbara’s, served great food, which was another good reason for going there.
    Leanna, a solicitor, had come straight from court and was already seated at one of the side tables, gin and tonic in front of her, when Barbara arrived. Larry brought over a diet Coke for Barbara.
    “Sharon’s done a lamb curry as the special tonight,” he said, smiling at the two women.
    “Sounds good to me,” said Leanna. Barbara nodded her agreement and Larry went off to shout the order to his wife.
    “I always feel that creep’s imagining what I look like naked,” Barbara whispered. “If he was anyone other than Sharon’s husband I’d have thrown a drink over him by now.”
    “I know,” Leanna said with a mock shudder. “He does it to every female who comes in. Why can’t Sharon see what an arsehole he is?”
    Barbara smiled. “He reminds me of Paolo’s sidekick. He can’t see a woman without mentally undressing her either.” She took a sip of her diet Coke. “Leanna, what the hell am I going to do about Paolo? I know I’m being stupid, but I’m obsessed with him and it’s driving me nuts.”
    “He’s still in love with his wife, so you’re going to have to let it go, sweetie. There’s no point waiting around for someone who’s pining for someone else. Now, is there?” Leanna softened her bracing words by squeezing Barbara’s arm.
    “Ja, I know. You’re right.” She grinned at Leanna. “You’re always bloody right. Don’t the other solicitors hate you for it?”
    Leanna deepened her voice. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
    Larry interrupted their laughter by bringing over two steaming platefuls of his wife’s curry. “Here you are, girls, always a pleasure to serve you two.”
    “Wow, this smells good. It reminds me of the Malay curry I used to get back home. This is the only place I know where the food is like a taste of South African heaven.”
    Barbara waited for her friend’s response, but Leanna’s attention was fixed on the television screen. Matthew Roberts was the guest on one of the political talk shows. Leanna looked shaken and close to tears.
    “What is it?” Barbara asked.
    “Nothing,” Leanna replied, shifting her gaze to her food. “Let’s eat.”
    “Come on, tell me.”
    “Damn it, I said there was nothing wrong. Just leave it, will you.”
    Her outburst was so out of character that Barbara was more concerned than ever. Leanna took a sip of her gin, her hands were shaking and she was clearly distressed. After a few deep breaths she seemed to get herself back under control.
    “Sorry. We knew each other at uni, the great Matthew Roberts and I. The ending wasn’t good and I’d prefer not to talk about it. Okay?”
    “Sure, as long as you’re all right now. What shall we talk about instead? How I can get Paolo’s Lydia on my autopsy table?”
    Leanna laughed. “What do you see in him?”
    “Hmm, would you like a detailed list, or just the potted version?”
    “You’ve really got it bad, haven’t you? Maybe if you give him time to get over his marriage breaking up...”
    Barbara forced herself to smile and hoped Leanna wouldn’t realise