Free Three Steps to Hell by Mike Holman Page A

through envy than from an investigative point of view.
    He asked, “Where would his car have been the morning he left?”
    “Just out in the drive next to mine, he loves his car but never puts it in the garage.”
    “Just before we leave can we have a look at his desk in the other office over in the barns?”
    “Tom, there’s really no need. I have things to be getting on with, I am an intelligent woman and have looked through anything that might give a clue as to his whereabouts. It’s mainly me that uses that office and I know everything that’s in there, I have checked the computer, files and everything and I’m really feeling a little tired and upset now. I have given you an immense amount of information Tom, both private and business. Surely you do not need anything else for now. In his absence I have to keep businesses running. I really must get on.”
    Tom sensed her agitation with the suggestion of further probing and had more than enough to start essential enquires.
    “Okay Mrs Peterson, I’m sorry if these questions have upset you. I’m sure we will find him, that he’ll be okay and that there has been some logical reason why he hasn’t been in touch.”
    Mrs Peterson looked visibly tired and upset. She stared down at Jasper lying on the the floor and said, “I’m so worried that he’s had a car accident and is lying unconscious in his car in a ditch somewhere. He always drove so fast. When he bought the Aston Martin I was convinced he would kill himself.” Mrs Peterson started to gently cry, tears welling in her eyes.
    “Tom, I need to be on my own now.”
    Tom imagined how it would feel to hold her close to cuddle and reassure her, to feel the warmth of her body, the gorgeous smell of her perfume. Sweetface brought him back to the present.
    “Nice to have met you Mrs Peterson, try to get some rest, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
    “We’ll let ourselves out. I promise we will do everything we can to find him for you,” Tom added.
    “I will circulate all the information we have as soon as I get back to the office.”
    After a few more reassuring words both Detectives said goodbye, walked through the hall, out onto the shingle drive and got into the car to return to Brampton.
    “Strange one isn’t it Sarge?” said Sweetface.
    “Certainly is Dave.”
    “I reckon he’s cleared the bank account and taken his money and Aston Martin off somewhere with a young blonde. Monaco or somewhere, probably in some yacht bonking like fucking rabbits.”
    Tom laughed, “Dave, why is it that everything that happens in life has to revolve around sex and young blonde chicks?”
    “What else is there in life Sargie, you’re not getting enough, that’s the problem” laughed Sweetface.
    “Hey, talking of sex Sarge, you’ve really got the hots for that Maria Peterson haven’t you? Mind you I can see why, she is one tasty woman. Too old for me though, I like them younger and firmer, about mid twenties for me.”
    “What are you on about Sweetface?”
    “You can’t hide it from me, I saw the look on your face when she shook your hand, you looked like a love sick puppy. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you like that. I reckon she was a bit taken with you as well Sarge. In fact perhaps more than a bit. I reckon it was lust at first sight for both of you.”
    “Hey Sweetface, I should be so lucky. A woman like that fancy me? I don’t think so. Anyway, I was totally professional at all times,” remarked Tom.
    “Yeh, when your eyes popped back in your head and you got that love sick facial look under control. She is a pretty amazing looking woman though and what a figure! You wait till I tell the lads in the office that Sargie is in love at last.”
    “Shut up Dave you’ll be getting me all embarrassed, I don’t think! Do me a favour and call the office and see if there are any messages will you.”
    “Do you want me to get on to Interflora for you to send twelve red roses and lots of