Time to Play (North East Police) Read Online Free PDF Page A

puzzled.
    ‘Sorry. The old boy that found him had a heart attack. He managed to get it rang in to the control room but then passed out. Doesn’t look good for him but he’s at the hospital now.’
    ‘Jesus. Poor fella.’
    ‘Are you wanting me on the RIB or the bank?’ asked Ali.
    Sharpie raised an eyebrow – the DI knew boats? ‘Bank is fine. I’m gunna go brief my team.’
     
    Ali watched as he walked off. He had noticed the look of surprise. No one down here knew he’d worked the dive team in Edinburgh years before. There’d never been any need to tell them. His heart filled with sorrow as he remembered his reason for leaving. You’ll never catch me diving again. Turning, he made his way back to the car.
     
    2 nd November, 0800 hours – River Wear, near Durham Cathedral, Durham
    The engine of the RIB hummed loudly as it came to a stop in front of the weir. The body was more in view now with the sun rising and banishing the darkness. Marlo could see the male was in his early twenties, and a jagged gash was visible against the pale skin of his forehead. It didn’t look good: wounds like that usually came from being clocked round the head with something hard. Marlo glanced at Sharpie and he nodded almost imperceptibly. This was potentially a murder.
    She held the pole steady as she tried to hook the body to pull it towards the RIB. Sharpie was at her side, acting as the stand-by diver. Mac and Doc were both working on the tanks in case Marlo had to go in the water, and Connor stood at the engine trying to maintain position against the heavy flow of water. Marlo managed to hook the body and tugged, trying to free it from the hold of the weir.
    A tree branch hit the RIB causing it to jerk suddenly, and Marlo felt herself pitch forwards. She inhaled a sharp breath in anticipation of the blast of cold water that she was about to hit, but her body jerked backwards. Sharpie had grabbed her utility belt and heaved her back.
    ‘Intent on taking a dip today, Buck?’ he joked.
    ‘Just making sure you’re awake.’ She yanked the pole again, firmer this time and the jolt was enough to free the body from the water’s grip. They pulled the male towards the RIB and grabbed his clothing, pulling him over the inflated edge and onto the base of the boat. Working quickly, they manoeuvred him inside a mesh-sided bag. The mesh allowed any residual water to drain off, whilst holding any potential forensic evidence inside.
    As Connor navigated the RIB back to shore, Marlo cupped her hands to her mouth and blew hard, trying to warm them up. The Kevlar gloves were great for preventing injuries but they didn’t stop the cold seeping through into finger joints.
    ‘What have we got then?’ asked Ali as the team pulled the RIB up the bank.
    Marlo opened the zip fastening at the top of the bag, peeling it down so Ali could see the male’s face, watching as Ali frowned.
    Kneeling down for a closer look, he said, ‘I know this lad. We had him in not so long back for domestic assault, I’m sure we did. Charlie handled the interview. He bashed his missus round the head with an ornament. Maybe this is her way of striking back. Is there any ID on him?’
    ‘We haven’t looked. We pull ’em out. You can put your hands in his pockets, gov.’ Connor’s voice was sarcastic as he stood beside Marlo glaring at Ali. She shot him a warning look. What the hell is his problem?
    Ali looked suitably shocked at Connor’s tone. ‘Problem?’ He queried, his eyebrows raised.
    Connor looked ready to respond with anger, so Marlo quickly interrupted. ‘No, no problem. I’ll check for ID now.’ She patted the male’s pockets and found his wallet tucked in his jeans at the front. Pulling it free, she flicked it open. ‘Grant Cooper?’
    She handed Ali the wallet so he could look at the picture on the provisional driving licence card.
    ‘Aye, that’s him.’ Ali put the wallet into a small evidence bag, sealed the open end and turned back