I can’t disagree with him because the same thoughts have been going through my head. ‘I know,’ I say. ‘I’ll check with DS Blackford. I want to be sure they are still following up leads.’
‘I’ve been thinking of hiring a private detective,’ Donald says.
‘Right, enough!’ says Julia firmly, scraping back a chair. ‘We’re going to have a nice lunch with no more talk on the subject.’
I lower my head.I should have made her get into my car.
Joel and I stay until four, then say our goodbyes and head back, laden with a box of leftover quiche.
As we drive home, I find myself thinking of Stuart King. I’ve tried to get the newspaper pictures of his huge body and greasy hair out of my mind. The thought of Jo being locked up with that monster makes me want to vomit. Without her body, we don’t know if he raped her.If only they’d find her body. The feeling of nausea suddenly turns into a tight pain across my chest. I brake sharply, open the door and throw up.
I’m breathing hard when I close the car door.
‘Sorry, love,’ I say, turning to Joel.
‘Okay,’ he smiles.
My heart lurches.
‘Do you understand about Mummy, Joel?’
He nods.
Oh God, don’t let me throw up again.
‘Did Daddy tell you?’
But he’s not listening now. His head is buried in another drawing.
I restart the engine and continue our journey. I deliberately drive home via Wootton and along Millwall Lane. AFor Salesign stands in the driveway.
I decide to phone Josie. I can’t demand that the police carry on looking for Jo’s body, but surely I can ask what’s happening with the investigation?
Chapter Fifty-Two
Josie
Ihang up from my call with Gil and make myself a coffee before heading to the evidence room.
‘I need to check something regarding the Neal case,’ I tell the clerk.
He taps on his computer keyboard. ‘That case is closed. Do you have clearance?’
Shit. ‘I’ll get it,’ I say.
Burrow isn’t exactly helpful when I call him.
‘We’ve discussed this, Josie.’
‘I know,’ I say, ‘There’re just a few things niggling me. It’s just for my own peace of mind.’
He sighs.
‘The case is closed.’
‘I’m not trying to reopen it,’ I assure him.
‘Fine. I’ll phone through and give you clearance, but then let it go, Josie’
