Blood Red Roses Read Online Free PDF

Then you killed Tracey because she suspected it was you.’
    Jonny jerked his head like a child defiantly saying no.
    Janice came in with the tea. Bill took out a small hip flask and tipped in some whisky then pushed it in front of Jonny.
    â€˜Drink!’
    Jonny lifted the mug, his hand shaking, and gulped at the hot tea.
    The words came rushing out.
    â€˜I found out Donna was still working at the club, but not until after she died. I went round. I was mad at Tracey because I knew she was in on it. I made her promise to do what Belcher said. Go on acting the whore with the rose. I thought the sicko would come back and I’d get him myself.’
    â€˜Then it’s your fault Tracey’s dead.’
    Beside Bill, DC Clarke made a small disapproving sound.
    â€˜This isn’t recording sir.’
    â€˜It doesn’t matter. Jonny’s just leaving.’
    A look of surprise crossed Jonny’s face.
    â€˜Go home. Get some sleep,’ Bill grabbed the photos and stood up. ‘Be back here at eleven tomorrow morning.’
    â€˜Thanks.’
    â€˜See Mr Simpson out, DC Clarke.’
    Bill watched the pair leave the room. He couldn’t charge Jonny until he had some evidence that he had been at the murder scene, both murder scenes. And he had to depend on Dr MacLeod for that.

 
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Sean wasn’t going to show. Rhona tried the mobile number he’d given her but got only the message service. She was angry with herself. She should never have gone to the club. It looked like she was chasing him.
    It was after one o’clock, plenty of time to get from the jazz club to here, she told herself one more time. If he arrived now she wouldn’t let him in. Better than that she wouldn’t be here at all.
    She pulled on a short black dress and high heels and grabbed her jacket. Outside it was cold with a clear sky. She walked briskly towards the main road and waved down the first taxi that passed.
    â€˜Where to, luv?’
    â€˜
Eden
.’
    â€˜
Eden
?’ he repeated.
    â€˜The lap dancing club,’ she confirmed.
    â€˜Okay.’ The driver gave her a look that spoke volumes, but didn’t argue.
    The city centre was empty except for the usual prostitute on every corner. Above
Eden
a red light blinked on and off illuminating a lap dancer.
    â€˜Do you want me to wait for you?’
    He obviously thought she had come here to find a wayward boyfriend or husband.
    â€˜No, thanks.’
    Rhona handed him his fare.
    He slipped her a card with her change. ‘In case you want a quick exit.’
    Rhona waited until he drove off, then skirted the building and entered the back lane. The incident tent was down. The skip had been removed. A couple were fucking against the wall. The guy looked round when Rhona appeared, then went briskly on with what he was doing. The girl gave Rhona a bored look over his shoulder.
    The fire doors were wedged open a foot. Rhona slipped inside. The distant sound of dance music beat like a rapid heart in the green corridor.
    The women’s toilet was empty except for one locked cubicle. Rhona used the mirror to paint on a face and do her hair. Looking at the result, shewas satisfied Belcher wouldn’t recognise her, if she kept her distance.
    The main room was heaving. She pushed her way through the crowds to the bar. The barman wasn’t the one from her previous visit. She arranged herself on the stool while he gave her the once over.
    â€˜What can I do you for?’
    She gave him a friendly smile. ‘Looking for a bar job. Who do I speak to?’
    He thought for a minute.
    â€˜Boss is busy. Important customers,’ he rubbed his fingers together to emphasise money. ‘Keep an eye on the door right of the stage. That’s his office.’ He pushed her over a drink. ‘Fat guy with a red face. Belcher’s the name. And a wee warning. He likes to handle the goods before he hires.’
    Rhona took her