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

twin teenage daughters; he was six foot, four inches
tall, of slim build, with very short bristly fair hair, giving the appearance
of being almost bald. He rarely smiled, had chiselled, well-defined features
and his presence was both noticeable and intimidating. Woody, as he was
sometimes called by his colleagues in the West Yorkshire Police, headed up the
Murder Investigation Team and was renowned for solving high-profile cases.
    He was known for being
a perfectionist with a lightning quick brain that focused on detail. He hardly
ever needed to take written notes and possessed the exceptional ability to
recall historical criminal investigations with pin-point accuracy.
    Woods’ ethos was based
on experiential learning, and his high expectations, combined with his
inability to accept that humans were fallible, formed his main weakness.
Consequently, he did not suffer fools and his reputation preceded him.
    Unusually for Woods, as
he drove into the Police HQ car park, he was running late. Damn , he
looked at his watch; and, while awkwardly trying to put on his jacket, he
sprinted over to the building. He ran up the stairs two at a time. “Morning
everyone,” he shouted as he entered the Incident Room. “What the hell’s wrong
with the traffic?” he asked no-one in particular, as he headed over to his
office.
    “Aye, the motorway’s
closed between 39 and 40,” McLean called across.
    Woods nodded an
acknowledgement, but didn’t respond. Instead he disappeared into his room and
scanned through the various messages scribbled on pieces of paper scattered
around his desk. Nothing too urgent, he thought as he grabbed his
briefcase and went back out into the room. “I’m going up to see Foster; I should’ve
been there at 9.00. Hopefully he’s been delayed too.”
    “Is this a first?”
Barnes asked sardonically. “Should I write it in the almanac?”
    “Haven’t you got work
to be getting on with?” Woods snapped as he headed for the door, catching sight
of her waving and smiling sweetly at him.
    “Aye, you’re pushing
your luck, Maria,” McLean said. “He doesn’t take kindly to being ridiculed.”
    “Oh, I don’t know; he’s
not as bad as people would have you believe.”
    “Aye, he is, you’ve
only been here a month. Don’t get on the wrong side of him, not if you’re
planning on staying around.”
     
     
    Woods knocked on Detective Chief
Inspector Malcolm Foster’s door. He listened carefully and after a few seconds
he heard Foster say, “Come in.”
    Damn, how’s he managed
to get through the traffic? He walked in and said good
morning.
    “I thought we were
supposed to be meeting at 9.00,” Foster said, glancing at his watch.
    “Sorry, it took me
thirty minutes to get across town.”
    “The motorway’s
closed.” Foster again looked at his watch, but this time purposefully.
“Nevertheless, I’ve another meeting at ten, so we need to get a move on. The
reason I wanted to see you was to ask how Barnes is fitting in.”
    Woods’ hackles rose. He’d
raced to the meeting thinking there was some important reason he’d been
summoned, only to discover it was to discuss his new detective sergeant. “It’s
difficult to say. She appears to be getting on with everyone, but they’re all
very wary and are keeping their distance.  I’ve decided to have her reporting
to me, which has ruffled a few feathers, but after our last discussion I
thought it better if she had strong leadership; someone who doesn’t tolerate
the sort of behaviour she’s been accused of in the past.”
    “That’s exactly why I
chose you. I don’t want any repetition of the fanciful accusations she’s come
out with.”
    Woods sighed; this
wasn’t news, he’d heard it all before, but Foster continued, “She’s got an
overactive imagination that will land her in serious trouble. You’re her last
chance, Greg. Any more problems and she’s out.”
    Woods rubbed his chin,
and decided to throw a spanner in the works.