Free Who is Sarah Lawson: A Captivating Psychological Thriller by K.J. Rabane

“It’s not one of ours, so must be yours.” Handing it to Richie, he replied, “We moved down from Birmingham, a few months ago, to be nearer my sister.”
    They had reached the back gate.
    “Lucky man. Thanks again for letting me disturb your Saturday morning. I expect your kids keep you busy at the weekends?”
    The question remained unanswered as the man closed and bolted the gate leaving Richie and Bruce standing on the path. Walking towards the road, he looked back at the house and saw Lawson standing at the window watching him.

Chapter 17
     
    On Monday morning having had the rest of the weekend to think over the case, Richie took the stairs to his office two at a time.
    ‘Kak dela’
    Sandy was obviously progressing.
    “Spasiba, horošo. A u vas?” he replied.
    She removed the IPod’s earpiece, and gasped, “You speak Russian?”
    He could see her initial hope fading, as he walked to the water dispenser and commented, “That’s the lot I’m afraid.”
    Watching the air bubbles in the bottle glugging into a polystyrene cup he held an empty one up to Sandy.
    “No thanks. Was Bruce a good surveillance dog?”
    “Excellent. But I think the time has come for you to do some field work of your own, Miss Smith.”
    Sandy leaned forward. “About time, I thought you’d never ask.”
    “First, tell me, do any of your brother’s children go to the school on Milton Road?”
    “Yes, Chloe. She’s in the second year reception class and longing for the summer holidays to start.”
    “And when will that be.”
    “Next month around the 24 th , I think. Dan’s taking the family to Crete.”
    “Very nice.”
    “What do I have to do?” Her eagerness made him smile.
    “Nothing too strenuous I assure you. Just arrange with Dan that you’ll take and pick up Chloe from school, until further notice.”
    “You’re serious?”
    He nodded.
    “Jane will be pleased; she’s got enough to do breast feeding baby Adam morning, noon and night. He’s going to be a whopper.”
    “Your job will be to get to know Hannah Lawson. Her photo should be on file. She has two children, a boy Chloe’s age and his older sister; she drives a yellow car, you can’t miss it. Put your best socialising skills into operation - get her to invite you back for coffee - you know the kind of thing.”
    “I’ll certainly do my best.”
    “I’ve no doubt you will, Miss Smith.”
    “When do I start?”
    Richie handed her the phone. “No time like the present. Give your sister-in-law the good news.”
     
    The photo of Hannah Lawson was not a good one. He’d taken it from a distance but he believed that it was clear enough for Sandy’s purposes. He wondered idly if there were any photos at number thirty-four, which would hold a clue to this mess. He picked up the phone on his desk and rang his client’s mobile.  “If you have a spare moment perhaps you’d call in at the office later this morning, Miss Shaw,” he said.
    It was nearly lunchtime and Sandy had gone to pick up her niece from school. Richie’s belly was screaming for food when his client arrived.
    “Is there any news?” she asked eagerly.
    “Nothing concrete, I’m afraid.” He looked at his watch. “I wonder if you’d like to join me for lunch and we can discuss what I have in mind. I skipped breakfast and I’m suffering.”
    “Fine,” she replied , following him out into the street and towards the Sweet Pea café.
    “The food here is good. Grab a table near the window and I’ll pick up a menu.” Richie walked to the counter and removed one from the top of the pile.
    They each ordered the smoked salmon salad, Richie with a portion of chips on the side and whilst they waited for its arrival he made a suggestion, “How confident do you feel about searching number thirty-four?”
    “Searching?”
    The waitress arrived with their food. He waited until she’d moved away before continuing,  “Perhaps you had a photograph album somewhere in the house? It might