Read CXVI The Beginning of the End (Book 1): A Gripping Murder Mystery and Suspense Thriller (CXVI BOOK 1) for Free Online

he’s not married?”
    “Tracey, he’s not. He works for the Foreign Office,
something to do with the Diplomatic Service. It’s all covered by the Official
Secrets Act, and so he can’t tell me exactly what he does.”
    “Wow, a Secret Agent?”
    “Well, that’s what I think, but he won’t admit to
it, which makes me even more convinced. Anyhow, because he’s away so much it’s
driving me crazy; when he’s here it’s heaven, but as soon as he walks out of
the door it’s hell. He stayed the weekend and we had a fantastic time and then
he flew out of the country on Monday. I’m already hitting the bottle trying to
numb the pain.”
    “Surely he keeps in touch. You can Skype from
anywhere these days.”
    “We had a bit of a heart to heart when he arrived on
Friday, and he’s promised he will this time, but I’m getting fed up of feeling
like this; it’s torturing me. The only time the pain goes away is when I’m
sleeping. As soon as I wake it’s there, just like a dagger in the heart.
Perhaps it would be better if I could go to sleep and not wake. . .”
    “You scare me when you say things like that. Maybe
it’s time to move on; look for someone else.”
    “Yes, but that’s easier said than done.”
    “Pauline, you could have any man you wanted, just
look at what you’ve got to offer; you’re beautiful, intelligent, sophisticated,
you’ve wealth beyond most people’s dreams.”
    “I don’t want someone who only wants me for the
money; I need someone to love me, care for me, appreciate me, and most of all
make me happy. All the money in the world doesn’t buy that. I just wish I could
shake off this depression; it’s like a dark cloud that follows me around.”
    “Have you considered counselling? Some professional
support might help.”
    She hesitated. That’s not a bad idea. “Could
you recommend anyone?”
    “Not really, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find
some expensive clinic the celebs use.”
    “Mmm…” she was thinking again. “I’ll start looking
in the morning; I can’t fight this alone anymore.”
     
    Friday 30 th March.
     
    Detective Inspector Higgson’s
investigation into the death of Abdul Hussain concluded that suicide was the
most probable cause. There was clear evidence of difficulties in Hussain’s
private life and of work-related pressures. On the night of his death he’d left
home just after nine o’clock intending to pick his son up in Slaithwaite. But
on the way something caused him to deviate and instead drive up to Scammonden
Dam and park in the car park where he and a work colleague — Mrs Julie Noble — 
regularly ate lunch together. His phone had then been switched off between 9.21
and 11.12 p.m. A suicide note in the form of an e-mail had been composed and
sent to Julie Noble at 11.16 p.m., with the phone being once again turned off
one minute later. The suicide note ended with roman numerals, indicating the
time; a usual ruse of Hussain’s, reinforced by Mrs Noble and other work
colleagues. After sending the e-mail it was presumed Hussain had got out of the
vehicle, leaving his keys and taking an 18mm rope. He then set the car alight
with an accelerant - the remains of a plastic petrol can had been recovered
from the burnt-out wreck. Either splashes from the accelerant or sparks from
the fire caused two small burn marks on Hussain’s neck. It then took him around
thirty-five minutes to walk the two and a half miles around the dam up to the
bridge, where he tied the rope to the balustrade railings and hanged himself.
Only Hussain’s fingerprints were discovered on the handrail where the rope was
secured and the west-bound traffic camera at Junction 23 of the M62 motorway had
not recorded any activity on the bridge that night as it was a new moon and in
complete darkness.
    Higgson’s report was finalised and ready for the
coroner.
     
     

Chapter 3
    Wednesday 16 th May.
     
    Detective Superintendent Greg Woods was
forty-nine, married, with