Free SHADOW OVER THE FENS a gripping crime thriller full of suspense by JOY ELLIS Page B

police officers and civilians.
    ‘They don’t need much encouragement, do they?’ yelled Dave, above the ear-splitting noise of voices and music.
    Joseph forced a grin. He had not wanted to come, but he was part of the team now and he didn’t want to let Cat or Dave down. ‘What are you having, mate?’ he asked.
    ‘I’m fine, Sarge. I’ve got a pint and that’ll do me.’ He pointed towards the bar. ‘The first drink goes on the DI’s slate. And as that doesn’t happen too often, I’d have a large one if I were you!’
    Joseph eased between the packed tables, and found that the bar was least crowded right at the far end. As he shouldered his way into the queue he decided that this kind of gathering really wasn’t his thing. He’d do the rounds, smile, speak to everyone he knew then quietly disappear.
    ‘As I stand no chance of ever reaching the bar, would you be kind enough to get me a G & T while you’re there, Joseph?’
    He spun around and saw Bryony standing behind him.
    ‘My pleasure! Although I could be some time by the look of this lot!’
    ‘I’ll be over by the door to the restaurant. It’s quieter there. Do you need a ball of string to find your way back to me?’ she asked with a smile.
    ‘Don’t worry. I came first in orienteering.’ He returned the smile, then added, ‘although I was only twelve at the time.’
    She melted into the crowd, and when Joseph had recovered from the surprise at seeing her, he wondered if she were alone, or maybe waiting for someone. Did women go to rowdy pubs alone these days? Maybe they did. He was pretty out of touch with the social scene.
    Finally, with their drinks firmly grasped in both hands, he found her.
    ‘What on earth is going on?’
    ‘The Old Bill are celebrating slinging a few more villains in the slammer.’
    Her brow wrinkled, and he thought it made her look even more attractive. ‘What?’
    ‘Arrests. We’ve made some good arrests today.’
    ‘Ah, so you are a policeman.’
    Joseph smiled sheepishly and hoped that she wouldn’t throw up her hands and run screaming from the pub. ‘’Fraid so.’
    ‘Ah, I wondered what you did for a living.’
    Relief swept over him. So she’d been thinking about him too.
    ‘Actually, we’ve met before. Before the fitness club, I mean, but I don’t think you’d remember me. You were pretty poorly.’
    It was Joseph’s turn to frown. ‘I must have been half dead not to remember you.’
    Bryony laughed. ‘You probably were! It was at the hospital a few months ago. I was visiting my brother. It was Curlew Ward, wasn’t it?’
    He nodded. ‘But I’m really sorry. You see I don’t remember much about the first few days there. I was pretty out of it.’
    ‘It’s all right. Are you fully recovered?’ She laughed again. ‘Silly question! You’d hardly be ‘slinging villains in the slammer’ if you were still incapacitated, now would you?’
    ‘Probably not, although I am very passionate about my job.’
    ‘I like passion.’ Bryony grinned broadly, picked up her drink and raised it in salute. ‘Cheers, Joseph.’
    ‘Indeed.’ He clinked his glass against hers. ‘This is too weird. You know I’d fully intended to accost you at the pool tomorrow, and ask you if you’d like to go for a drink, and voila! Here we are!’
    ‘Funny that. I had the same plan. Although I was going to give you one chance to get in first, for the sake of your male pride.’
    Joseph felt his stomach give a little lurch. ‘So I assume you would have said yes?’
    ‘Assume nothing, Joseph. It doesn’t pay.’ She looked him full in the eyes, ‘Except on this occasion.’
    ‘I’m glad to hear that, Bryony. So, how come you’re here tonight?’
    ‘Don’t ask!’ She gave him a mock frown. ‘Today has been a catalogue of disasters. Although this seems to be making up for it somewhat.’ She sipped her drink. ‘For my sins, my boss has organised myself and a work colleague to arrange a charity event. We are