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

“To be honest, she’s got the
makings of a good detective; if you keep her busy she produces some excellent
work, you just need to push her to get the best results. I think. . .” He
stopped mid-sentence allowing Foster to answer the telephone. He could only
hear half of the conversation, but got the gist of it.
    Foster replaced the
receiver. “Did you know Paul Mateland at the Motorway Unit?”
    Woods nodded. “I
wouldn’t say he was on my Christmas card list.”
    “He was killed last
night on the motorway. Someone threw a drain cover off the footbridge between
39 and 40; it smashed straight through his windscreen.”
    Woods frowned. “If I’m
not mistaken, that bridge is covered with a steel cage to prevent that sort of
thing.”
    “They must have thrown
it off the top then. Will you get out there now? The Accident Investigation
Team is on site; you’ll need to speak to Sergeant Mick Greenwood.”
    “That’s ironic;
Mateland’s team investigating their leader’s demise.”
    “I’ll need you to head
up the investigation; the Chief Constable will want a speedy conclusion.”
    He stood up. “Okay, I’m
on my way.”
     
     
    When Woods returned to the Incident Room
he looked around. Where is she now?
    “Aye, she’s in the
canteen, if you’re looking for Maria,” McLean said.
    Woods sighed. He put
his briefcase in the office and came back out. “Mateland from Traffic was
killed last night.”
    “What happened?” McLean
asked, looking aghast.
    Woods gave the
detective inspector a quick update and then made for the door. “I’m heading out
there now, that is, if I can find madam.”
    “Aye, good luck,”
McLean said quietly to himself.
    Woods bumped into
Barnes on the staircase; she was carrying a sandwich, “You’ll have to eat that
in the car,” he said brushing past her. “Come on we haven’t got all day.”
    “Where’re we going?”
    “Motorway footbridge
between 39 and 40. I’m thinking of throwing you off. Do you know how to get to
it on foot?”
    “Y… yes,” she replied,
running after him.
    He glanced over his
shoulder and noticed her scowling. “It was a joke, Maria. You’ll need to get
used to my sense of humour.”
    She caught up with him
as they reached the car park, “A joke is a story, anecdote or wordplay that’s
intended to amuse. I didn’t think your comment was very amusing - did you?”
    “No, Maria, you’re
absolutely right. It wasn’t.” He shook his head slowly and sighed, “I’ll try
harder next time. So how do we get to the bridge on foot?”
    “It’s easier if we go
in your car.”
    “Yes, Maria, I can
appreciate that. I wasn’t intending walking there, I just didn’t think you
could actually drive right up to it.”
    They arrived at his
car.
    “Oh… I see, well yes
you can. I go out running that way on an evening. Why are we going there?”
    “Inspector Mateland
from the Traffic Unit was killed last night. Someone threw a drain cover off
the bridge.”
    She stood motionless.
    “Come on, get in,” he
gestured, opening the car.
    She climbed in the
passenger seat and fastened the seat belt. “I wonder if this has anything to do
with PC Wright,” she said.
    “Why do you say that?”
    “He’s having an affair
with Mateland’s wife.”
    Woods hesitated. “Are
you sure, or is this gossip you’ve heard in the canteen?”
    She scrunched up her
nose and appeared wounded. “No, it’s a fact. I’ve seen them both together up by
that very bridge.” There was absolutely no doubt in her words.
    Woods rolled his eyes.
“How do you know Mateland’s wife?”
    “I don’t, but I know
John Wright; he works in Mateland’s team.”
    “Yes, but how do you
know he’s scr...” Woods hesitated, “having an affair with Mateland’s wife?”
    “A few weeks ago I was
out running up by the bridge and I saw two cars there; John Wright and a woman
were sitting in one of them, obviously up to no good. Wright clearly recognised
me because he looked away