The Good Son Read Online Free PDF Page A

guess they weren’t. But Robertson talked like family was all that had ever really mattered to him.
    â€œMaybe not, but Daniel’s suicide would have opened up a lot of old wounds.”
    â€œI get that,” she said. She moved to a chair, sat down. “The coppers just ignored it?”
    â€œIt was a suicide,” I said. “Nothing suspicious. Just the question of why. Not something they seem too interested in answering.”
    â€œJust another body.”
    I hadn’t seen the pictures, but in my mind I could see Daniel Robertson with his eyes wide, his mouth open as though he were screaming.
    â€œIt’s the way they have to look at it,” I said.
    â€œFunny thing,” she said. “I met you on the street, I’d take you for a copper.”
    â€œI used to be one.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œI walked out.”
    â€œYou walked or they pushed you?”
    I didn’t answer.
    â€œIf you just walked, then you’re a fuckin’ wimp.” She smiled, then, and said, “That was rude, Mr McNee. I’m sorry. It’s just…”
    â€œI understand.” But I wanted to tell her I had my reasons.
    â€œYou said his brother was the one what found him? You think maybe I could talk to him?”
    â€œIf you give me a contact number I’ll have him call you.”
    â€œLeave it to his discretion?”
    â€œSomething like that.”
    I passed her a pen and a piece of paper. She wrotedown a mobile number. Her script was deliberate, the numbers large and bold. “I’ll be in town a little while. I guess I need to do my grieving is all.”
    â€œIf you need anything…”
    She pulled a hankie from her handbag and dabbed delicately at her eyes. The white tissue came away smudged with the black of her mascara.

Chapter 5
    â€œShe knew my brother?”
    â€œAye.” I was walking west along Ward Road. Holding the phone tight against my ear as I strained to hear Robertson’s voice. “Says she did, anyway.”
    â€œChrist,” he said. “A wife?”
    â€œGirlfriend,” I said. Except she wasn’t much of a girl any more. Fake fur and thick makeup hiding the mature woman underneath. It should have been repulsive. Instead, I felt sorry for her.
    â€œHow long…?”
    â€œShe didn’t tell me much. Insisted she’d only speak to you. I told her I couldn’t make that decision on your behalf.”
    Silence on the other end of the line, except for the sound of his breathing.
    â€œIf you want my opinion,” I said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Give me some time to feel around. I can find out if she’s genuine.”
    â€œWhy would she lie about knowing Daniel?”
    â€œI don’t know.” A half truth, but I didn’t want toburden him with details of his brother’s life over a phone line. A cold way to conduct such personal business.
    â€œHas she given you any reason not to trust her?”
    â€œShe hasn’t given me a reason to trust her.”
    â€œGive me the number.”
    I stressed again that I didn’t think this was a good idea. “Mr Robertson, the facts of your brother’s life are… unpleasant.”
    â€œUnpleasant?” I could picture his already red face turning a deeper shade of scarlet, the fat of his forehead crinkling around his little eyes.
    â€œI hoped we might discuss this in person.”
    â€œThis woman — his girlfriend, bidey-in or whatever she is — she’s the last link to my brother. If anyone can tell me who he was, then it’s her.”
    He was right. She was tangible. Our last link to Daniel Robertson.
    â€œAt least let me have another talk with her… I can—”
    â€œNo,” he said.
    â€œThen I should be present, at least—”
    â€œI don’t think so. This is something I have to do for myself.”
    There was no talking him out of it.

    By the