Cold Revenge (2015) Read Online Free Page A

always been first choice if a ruck seemed inevitable. ‘How do we want the investigation to proceed?’
    ‘Low-key and discreet, sir.’
    ‘Exactly. You will join Fuller’s evening class and gather any relevant information that may shed light on this girl’s death.’
    ‘And he’s the prime suspect?’
    Corrigan nodded. ‘There’s forensic evidence linking him to the scene, and circumstantial evidence. He has no alibi for the time in question. But the officer in charge will fill you in better than I can.’
    Hanlon looked sceptical. ‘Won’t my turning up at his evening class at this point seem a bit suspicious?’
    ‘Not particularly,’ said Corrigan. ‘Fuller’s evening class has to be at least fifteen in number to pay for itself, or it’ll be axed. The students will be told that you were at the head of a waiting list, should a vacancy occur, which it manifestly has.’ He drank some more of his Efes Pilsen lager, the half-pint glass looking dainty in his huge hand. He beckoned the waiter for another one. He looked at Hanlon’s strong-featured, intelligent face. Nobody would question her intellectual capability and he could rest assured that she’d keep her mouth shut. Hanlon never confided in anyone, no risk of any leaks from her. ‘That happens to be true. The finance part. Times are tough. Everyone will be pleased with you for saving their class. You’re also one of the few officers we have who would look remotely credible on a philosophy course.’
    ‘Really?’ said Hanlon sceptically.
    ‘Really,’ said Corrigan. ‘They’ll think you are a militant feminist.’
    Hanlon raised her dark, curved eyebrows in surprise. Corrigan beamed at her.
    ‘Exactly, Hanlon, that’s the kind of look we want. Just the ticket. Aggressive scepticism. I knew you’d be perfect. You will be a civil service adviser on a quango for women’s equality. That’s dull enough as jobs go to stop any questions and you’re intimidating enough to block most enquiries. Queen Anne’s Gate Human Resources department will authenticate any queries about Ms Rachel Gallagher.’
    ‘That’s my name, is it?’ said Hanlon.
    ‘That’s your name,’ said Corrigan. ‘Not a million miles removed from your own surname.’
    It could be worse, thought Hanlon. And it’s not as if I’m being asked to live a part. All I need to do is be a Gallagher for a few hours a week. I can do that. Anything’s better than sitting around at home on this endless sick leave.
    ‘And you recommended me for this job, sir? May I ask why?’
    ‘It’s a murder investigation, Hanlon,’ said Corrigan. ‘I thought you’d like it. Also, I find the idea of people using their senior positions to coerce others into having sex with them against their will, as Fuller is alleged to have done, repellent, even if murder is not involved. Do you, DI Hanlon?’
    Touché, thought Hanlon. You messed with Corrigan at your peril. One moment you were facing a ponderous, slow-moving, easy-to-predict relic; the next you were lying on your back, wondering just where that punch had come from.
    He stood up and gave her a folded piece of paper. ‘That’s the name of the investigating officer, his nick and the time of your appointment.’ He looked around the restaurant with approval. ‘Very good food,’ he said. ‘You can get the bill, Hanlon. I’ll be in touch.’
    He towered above her. ‘Oh, and Hanlon, one more thing.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    ‘You’re now DCI Hanlon, acting rank until the official confirmation.’
    Good God, thought Hanlon, and I suspected I was being measured for the axe. She looked at Corrigan’s impassive face. It’s down to you, you old bastard, she thought, in a rare moment of affection.
    Corrigan saw her left eyebrow rise quizzically, as she digested the news of her promotion. He thought he would spare Hanlon the ordeal of having to express, or not express, gratitude. Both would be equally problematic for her.
    ‘I’ll be in touch,’ he