Minds That Hate Read Online Free PDF

you think that’s about?’ Pratt jerked a thumb backwards as he and Nash walked down the corridor.
    ‘Probably asking Creepy to do his dirty work. They’re two of a kind. I’m just glad one of them isn’t female.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘The thought of an offspring from that union is too horrible. I wonder what God makes of King. Do you know?’
    ‘God hasn’t confided in me. Anyway, you should know. You’re her blue-eyed boy. I reckon she looks on you as the son she never had.’
    Their chief constable’s nickname was obvious, not only from her rank but her initials. Gloria O’Donnell did indeed have a soft spot for Nash. ‘I wouldn’t have thought any mother would refer to her son as she speaks about me,’ Nash objected.
    ‘Alright,’ Pratt confessed, ‘so she calls you “that randy bastard at Helmsdale”. You can’t tell me that isn’t a term of affection?’
    ‘Hardly matronly.’
    ‘Whatever, I think you’re right about Creepy.’
    Had they remained in the meeting room, Pratt would have been able to congratulate Mike on the accuracy of his guess.
     
    ‘I’ve been reading the files of the officers under my command and I believe you’re the ideal candidate to assist me. I intend to build a team that’s second to none. There will be a considerable number of changes, in strategy, working practices and personnel.
    ‘There will be no room for lone-wolf operators. Procedures will not be ignored or bypassed. The chain of command will operate at all levels, with strict attention to correct reporting.
    ‘Every officer will have a clearly defined role. They will know exactly what’s expected. I intend to ensure this area is free from old, bad practices. There will be no prima donnas.’
    ‘I’ll do whatever I can to assist.’ Crawley’s eagerness was pathetic.
    ‘We’ll go into detail when I’ve established the parameters. In the meantime, tell me about Nash. I understand he has an active social life?’
    ‘He’s never short of female company,’ Crawley agreed.
    ‘I’m no prude, but I prefer my officers to have settled domestic arrangements.’
    ‘There have certainly been a lot of women.’ Crawley leaned forward confidentially. ‘There was even a rumour concerning Nash and DS Mironova, although that’s unconfirmed.’
    ‘That’s something I won’t tolerate. Romantic entanglements between officers inevitably cause problems. It impairs the efficiency of those concerned and others who work alongside them. There’s only one way of ending such an unsatisfactory situation and that’s by separating the parties. We must pay close attention to this.’
     
    Nash’s mobile bleeped during his drive to Helmsdale. On reaching his flat, he checked the inbox. ‘Michael. Have to go to New York. Will call you. X.’ He groaned. Why didn’t the wretched girl sign her text? If he couldn’t remember her name, he’d be in real bother.
    He noticed the message alert flashing on his landline. He’d to replay the message before the significance struck home. ‘Michael,’ a man’s voice said. ‘We need to talk about my sister.’
    Nash stared down at the phone in helpless frustration. A fault had developed, which rendered every voice, male or female, totally unrecognizable. It was as if all messages were being delivered by a ten-year-old Jimmy Osmond. Now her brother wanted to see him. He couldn’t identify the brother’s voice any more than he could remember the girl’s name. As if things weren’t bad enough.
     
    Reporters often have to wait a long time for a story. Tucker sat outside Gemma Fletcher’s flat each evening until he was sure she’d gone to bed. The following morning he was there before she left. He watched her as many hours as he could, given that he’d his weekly column to write.
    He’d submitted this to his editor on Wednesday lunchtime and that afternoon had his first slice of luck. Gemma left work early. Tucker followed her as she drove west out of Helmsdale and headed deep