Tumbled Graves Read Online Free PDF Page A

seat.
    â€œAll set,” Rouleau said. “Got your train ticket?”
    â€œI do.” His father patted his breast pocket. His thick white hair was newly trimmed and he was wearing his good black coat. He’d tucked a silk cravat the colour of a robin’s egg around his neck. “And it’s not too late for me to order a cab. You need to get into the office.” He squinted through the front windshield. “Nice to see some spring sun for a change.”
    â€œWork can wait half an hour, Dad.” Rouleau put on his sunglasses before pulling out of the condo parking lot. He turned right onto Ontario Street then left onto Brock, a one-way that would merge onto Division. Division was a main road that led past the police station to the train depot closer to Highway 401. The trip would take under half an hour this time of the morning. He put the heater on low to take the chill out of the car. By mid- morning the temperature would climb and he’d have the windows open.
    â€œWill I be seeing you on the weekend?”
    Rouleau felt that he should nod, but knew he had no way of knowing. “We got a report yesterday about a woman and her daughter gone missing. It could be nothing or it could turn into a major case. I might not be able to get away this weekend.”
    â€œWell, I’ve taken a suite at the Delta on Lyon in case you can make it.”
    Rouleau felt the weight of his father’s sharp blue gaze without turning his head. “You really need to spend the next few weeks rooting around in Library and Archives, Dad? I worry that this might be too much so soon after your surgery.”
    â€œI do, and you shouldn’t worry because I don’t. The doctor says I’m fine to resume my normal routine.” He paused. “Since I’ll be in Ottawa anyway, I’ll probably go visit Frances. Anything you want me to pass along?”
    â€œNo.”
    His father’s voice got softer. “You can’t keep pretending this isn’t happening, Jacques. She’ll want to see you.”
    Rouleau felt the tightening in his chest that would soon have him sucking in air like a fish. He worked to control his breathing. He checked the rear-view and glanced toward his father. Henri was now staring straight ahead, his elbow resting on the armrest, bearing his weight. The pain in Rouleau’s chest eased. “I’ll try to make it, Dad. I just can’t guarantee anything with the woman missing.”
    â€œWell, I’ll be there a couple of weeks. Offer stands.”
    â€œI’ll come to Ottawa if I have time.”
    â€œCan I count on that, Son?”
    â€œAll I can do is promise you that I will try.”

Chapter Five
    T he team was waiting for Rouleau in the small meeting room when he arrived fifteen minutes late. Someone had brought in doughnuts and everyone had a mug of coffee. He selected a Boston cream from the nearly empty box and sat in the chair at the head of the table they’d left vacant for him.
    â€œCaught in traffic?” Gundersund asked, smile tugging at his lips. Even on the worst days, Kingston roads were not an issue this time of the morning.
    â€œI see you’ve managed to fill in the time without me,” Rouleau said before biting into the doughnut. He chewed and then asked, “Any word on the missing woman and child?”
    â€œNothing,” Gundersund said. “Stonechild called this morning and spoke with the husband, Ivo Delaney.”
    Rouleau saw Stonechild fix her eyes on Gundersund. He knew what she was thinking. Gundersund would be wise to let her speak for herself. “Delaney didn’t hear from his wife overnight?” Rouleau deliberately turned to face Stonechild.
    She stared back. “Nothing. He was up all night.”
    Zack Woodhouse was sitting across from Stonechild, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his potbelly. “Or at least that’s what he told you. He probably