Murder at the Rocks Read Online Free PDF

Fitzjohn found himself at his desk in Day Street Police Station.  Now dressed impeccably in a dark blue suit, white shirt and maroon tie, his wire framed glasses resting on the end of his nose, he sat down at his desk to finish paperwork from the night before, and to muse over his investigations without interruption.
    Part of the old guard of detectives, Fitzjohn’s methodical, painstaking methods were, no doubt, viewed by some as archaic.  Nevertheless, over the years, they had brought him success as well as the respect of all but one of his colleagues; Superintendent Grieg, the man Fitzjohn regarded as his nemesis.
    Fitzjohn opened his briefcase, relishing the opportunity of an hour to himself.  He removed his wire-framed glasses and smoothed his thinning grey hair before shuffling through the pile of papers in front of him.  His solitude ended moments later, however, when a knock sounded at the door and Chief Superintendent Fellowes walked into the room.  ‘Alistair.  I thought I’d find you here.  I’d like to have a word if I may.’
    A man of large proportions with a shock of thick white hair, Reginald Fellowes was a man that Fitzjohn not only respected but genuinely liked.  As a result, he forgave the intrusion, but even so, he looked down at the paperwork now spread over his desk and sighed as he got to his feet.  ‘By all means, sir.’
    Fellowes closed the door, crossed the room and sat down in the chair in front of Fitzjohn’s desk.  ‘As you’re no doubt aware, Alistair, at this hour of the day I’m not here to pass the time.  There’s been a suspicious death reported.  The victim is, shall we say, a prominent businessman.  I’d like you to drop whatever else you’re doing and take the case.’  A man of quiet, determined nature, Fellowes sensed Fitzjohn’s hesitation.  ‘I’ll speak to Superintendent Grieg when he gets in.  I’m sure he won’t mind.’  Fitzjohn felt a sense of amusement as he thought of Grieg’s reaction to the Chief Superintendent’s request.
    Putting his glasses back on, he said, ‘Who is it, sir?  The suspicious death, I mean.’
    ‘Laurence Harford.  I daresay you’ve heard the name in connection with Brayshaw’s.  They’re diamond merchants and jewellers.  They have a business in The Rocks area.  I understand Harford took over management of the company after his brother’s retirement earlier this year.’  Fellowes paused.  ‘A bit of a philanthropist by all accounts who moved in the higher echelons of our society.’  Fellowes’ eyes sparkled.  ‘The powers that be will expect a thorough investigation, Alistair and I know I can depend on you to do that.’
    All too aware of Fellowes’ wish to keep the bureaucrats happy, at least, until his retirement, Fitzjohn said, ‘Where was the victim found?’
    ‘In the lane that runs along-side the building housing Brayshaw’s.  Apparently, one of the employees found him when he arrived for work this morning.’
    Fitzjohn sat forward in his chair.  ‘Right, sir.  I’ll look into it at once.’
    ‘Thanks, Alistair.’  Reginald Fellowes got to his feet.  ‘I’ll leave you to it then.’  At that moment, the office door burst open and a tall, slim young man appeared, his short, curly ginger hair damp from the rain.  His face reddened and his body stiffened when he saw the Chief Superintendent.
    ‘I beg your pardon, sir.’  A look of amusement came to Reginald Fellowes’ face as he walked toward the door.
    ‘Morning, Sergeant Betts.’
    ‘Good morning, sir.’
    As the door closed behind the Chief Superintendent, Betts looked over at Fitzjohn.  ‘I’m sorry, sir.  I didn’t realise you were busy.’
    A look of annoyance crossed Fitzjohn’s face.  ‘Then perhaps in future you’ll knock and save us both embarrassment.’ Fitzjohn liked Betts even though his youthful exuberance caused him to blunder at times.  Looking past that, however, he knew Betts had all the qualities