‘cambridge English Rezdors ‘eel 6 Series editor: Phip Prowse Deadly Harvest Carolyn Walker CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESSal un Mi Cope Twn. Sipe Salo Camb Ui Pee - ‘RU Edu ng Cage C2 AAU. msi [ein Coy wich Cambs oy 9 Fin pub 991 td pos ie ile xs ent ost ar sa ie Uni Kings ee Unie Cane Contents Prulogue Chapter Chapter Chapter (Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 (Chapter 13, Chapter 14 Chapter 15, Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18, Chapter 19 Going south Nothing exciting ever happens Time 10 wake up Nota prey sight The investigation begins An ordinary respectable woman The beekeeper Avhead full of boss “The good news and the bad news “The ruspeer's gota gun ‘The confession ‘nasty open wound Another all inthe night ‘An undesirable situation Something odd Gowcha! The bee Operation Wasp Astonishing evil n "7 23 29 35 4a 45 52 7 CI 69 a 7 83 89 95 101 108Characters ‘Superintendent George Ferguson: head of she South-West Police Fore. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI Jane Honeywell: she new heal of Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Detective Inspector (DD) Pete Fish Detective Sergeant (DS) Penny Kingdom. Detective Constable (DC) Tony Reilly. Detective Constable (DC) Maggie Pincombe. Police Constable (PC) Dick Plumb. ‘Womans Police Constable (WPC) Morgan. Mervin Peclo a sheep farmer. Jack Pecks Mervins brother, scientific director at Hunter Products Jo Keane: the managing director at Hunter Products. Brian Millman: a fermhand on Chittcham Farm, Susan Peck Jack Peck’ wife Rose Carter a par time teacher an sadtician, Eiisa Scot « mexnber of PAW. Pas Jame « police pathologist Ds Fahsid a dactora Pikons hospital. ‘Acronyms PAW; Project for Animal Welfare RSPCA: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelry 0 Animals ID: Official Identification (of a person) DNA: (deoxyribonticleic acid) used for genetic fingerprincing MIG: branch of the British Secret ServicePrologue “AB! she cried and sat down on the wer gras, breathing heavily. The wdden, sharp pain bad been so suprising that ‘he couldn't imagine whae had caused it, Then she saw, ‘attached sill tthe back of her band, a bee delivering ix poison into her skin, Horified, she knocked it away and watched the redness and swelling begin while the pain intensified. ‘She beard foonsepn rubber bow kicking smal stones fromm the pach so tat they roled down the bill. Looking up. se sane the face, black as thunder “Hey, you! Push of” From deep within ber came a strange, bitter laugh that she couldn’ control. know whats going on she sada breathing eavly. Tm going to the police ‘Her fingers fond the hanale of somesing an axe leaning aginst wall. She picked twp ‘She stod up, cook a few steps back on the tony path and raised the ace im font of her. She coun’ lok at that face boiling with anger. She concentrated on the black boot, but theve moved quicly ont of view. Hands grabbed the ae. She toaacbed witha strange intern ast swung away from her, ant of her hands, and then back towards her. She noticed bow this ‘monsrouslooking face seemed hypnotised now, @ robot rogrammed and unable 10 sop what was aboue to app Tae ees coat bf he bord dire nd teria Binding pain exploded inde her head. Chapter 1 Going south Ie was early spring and the sun was pouring through the window of a small flac on the firse floor of an elegant threc- storey house. Out of the window a pair of swans could be seen fying over the river which passed through the west- country market own of Filton. A woman, Jane Honeywell stood ae the window watching the swans” igh, dressed in her night-cloches. A few days ago, ftom her flac in the middle of Manchester, she had seen the sun rie berween the rows of smoke-blackened redbrick houses, up into the polluted city sky. Here the sunlight was dancing on the water and che air was dean, Pilton was a small town of some 20,000 inhabitants in the south-west of England, There were few factories which made things like clothes, shoes, chemicals and clectrical parts but, more imporeantly, Plkon was a market town where the farmers from the surrounding. arese brought their cows and sheep. to sell every. Thursday. However, these days there was not much money. in farming; especially on the small lonely hill fers. Fortunately for the local economy’ Pilton was a popular part of the world for holidays. Inthe summer, thousands of people would bring their money and their families othe local beaches. and villages, which, with their old cotages and precy gitdens, seemed 10 belong to. times past. Compared £0 the cites of the north and centre of thecountry, here it was peaceful and quiet and beautiful. The visioos would secuen home and dream of escaping 10.2 rural life of changing seasons, of digging che soi, planting snd harvesting. Av the moment, though, the woman was missing her ovboyfiicnd, and his morning cheerfulness. What was he doing right now? She could feel his absence in the ‘weight of the silence around hes, She wondered how long ie ‘would take before her new envionment would no longer Tee like a foreign country. Profesional she had done the Tighe ching, there was no question about that. But the memory of Alas expresionless fae as she had packed het suitcases filled hee witha sharp sadness. “Youire mad, Jane dating,” her modher hal complained “Why don’ you just marry him, have some kids and setle dwn like everyone else? “My cats quite enough for me ae the moment, she had joked, eariously unable co explain +o her long-suffering other that che eclationship was going nowhere, that she enjoyed her work 190 much 10 give it up for domesticiy Anyway, Alan had refused eo leave his own work and go wih he. So dhac was tha. Suddenly she became aware ofa loud hising sound and she looked round, alarmed. The milk for her coffee had boiled over and there was a steaming poo! of sticky white liquid on the cooker. She swore loudly, simulraneously noticing the time. I was nearly 8,15 a.m. “Oh, my God, 'm going ta be late! Help! Julian, you tsclss animal, where are my tights? Jane addresed this question co her cat, which was asleep on a chair by the window. Julian the eat was disgusted by his new home 8 and had already foughe with she large black cat next dee Working fst, Jane picked up a pice of roast and held ie iy her seeth. She rescued what wa lef of she mill and poured ic ino a mug, She looked briefly a the burne mess fn the cooker: she would clan ie up later. With one hand she drank the mud-coloured coffee and ate her toast while With che other she searched through several open suitcases ‘on the floor, trying finda pai of tights Jalan, T muse gx organised,’ she cold the cat, a ples of slothes fell our onto the foot. Julian took no notice, In filieen minutes she was ready. She locked up the at and went rapidly down the stairs, Outside i¢ was chilly despite the spring sun. There was a song wind coming, in ff the sea from the south-west and she wished she had managed wo ind her winter cou, ‘When she finally spotted her slver-prey Mazda sports fer, which she had lefe in a public ear park round che omnes, she was unpleasandly surprised to se that around the door handle there were sceatch marks and the door was linlocked, Someone ha claey forced it open, "Oh no, 1 donit believe it! The bastards” she groaned, Inside the car, there was a black hole near the steering Wheel and some wires were hanging loose from where the Indio case player had once been, “I thought Ile this kindof thing behind, Obviously " she muttered angrily, geting in and starting. the Tc rook her more than wwenty minutes to drive the four kilometres co her new place of work: che town in which she had come to live apparently had serious traffic problemsShe sar in the long queue of cars, nose 0 tal a8 they approached 2 roundabout, and a wave of newes began in hhet stomach, made worse by she face tha she knew she would have eo watch out for what her former boss had fered the Minosauss, the people to whom a woman in a ferior manigement positon was + foreign, unwelcome creature, The dinosaurs would be watching every move she ‘made and would lose no ime in puting her v the ces ‘Arriving finally at her destination she glanced at her watch: it was almost 9.00. Hlurredly she parked her car and then walked as calmly as she could manage up t0 the ‘main entrance to the duil grey stone building shar was Pilton Police Station, She pushed her hair back out of her eyes, pled her jacket down and opened che door “Well, here goes. Good luck, Jane Honeywell said 0 theses abe stepped insie, Chapter 2 Nothing exciting ever happens "Good morning. madam, can T help you! said the police ‘eonseable at the reception desk, looking at Jane carefully ‘Who war thie woman? He did nor remember having teen hor before. She was tll and her fice was prety with short ‘ark nas sicady cut, The sharp lines of her dark sie, together with the white silk blouse and loweheeled black. oss, gave her a businesslike appearance. Was she a lawyer, hhew to the atea, come to visit one of the bad boys arrested In the night for stealing 2 car? The policeman guessed, accurately, chat she wasin her ealy hiries “Good morning, Constable, Yes Jane said, holding up an identification card, ‘'m Detective Chisf Inspector Jane Honeywell and, a6 I expect you know, I'm beginning work hhere today as head of the Ciiminal Investigation Deparement. And your name is... ? ‘Oh, er. yen, malar. Tm Police Constable Dick Plumb, ma'am.’ FC Phimb stammered, looking confured, He had heard rumour that the now head of CID was poing ta be a woman but, as he had not taken ie all hat feriously he had forgowen aboucit. ‘Wha’s the matte, Constable Plumby Is there a iptoblem2” Jane thought she knew what the problem was, ‘Have you never seen a DCI wearing 4 skit before?” “Yes... . 1. no, ma’am. No problem, no problem at all'said Constable Plumb hueredly,“tn that case.’ Jane sad ‘do you think you could tll che Superintendent that Tim here, pleas? "Yes, malam, of course, said PC Plumb, ‘TF you'd like so go through that door and sie down, Tl as him to come down. ‘Unsure whether t0 open the door for her ~ maybe she wouldn't like it ~ he remained behind his desk and picked up the internal phone. ‘Strange that PC Plumb didat sem «0 be expecting me, she rellecte as she waited. “Didn't they communicate with exch oder properly in this place?” ‘All chings considered, Jane Honeywell was glad she had come het. Ic had all happened very quickly, She had seen the DCT jab in Pilton advertised: a new eype of place from swhar she was used ro, but ic would be useful exporicne, ‘specially if she wanted to reach the very top. Her boss had encouraged her co go for the accestary promotion, even though she was peshaps alte oo young «be a Detective Chief Inspector. ‘Come on, Jane,’ he had peritaded her, ‘We need some more bright women at the top in the police force and youve got what it kes, I Know it. And the boys repece you “Oh yeah? Ha a’ She had been doubei. “Go on, they'll love you. Go for it? Uncorvinced, she nevertheless prepared for the interview, discovering thac the area for which Tilton Police Seation served as the Divisional Headquariers was huge, as ie included che surrounding countryside and several other market towns besides Pilton. Much of the police work, she guessed, would probably involve alot of tine driving from village ro village. 2 ‘Afierwards she had joked with Superintendenc George Ferguson, the Piton Divisional Head, ‘No doubt the guys snake sure they go pasta nie country pub in the middle of nowhere a laneheime! ‘Oh yes’ George had agreed with a smile, clealy liking her blune sense of humour. “They can certainly fll up the hours doing very litle, if chey pur their minds coi Then, co her surprise, her promotion had gone through and she had been offered the Pilon job. And now, finally here she was, ina place, she imagined, which was light years away from the northem city ways with which she had fron up, ‘Hello, there! A tall, grey-haived man in his fies appeuted at the foot of a flight of sairs and held out a hand. Welcome Pilon, Jae’ “Thank you, sit? Jane replied wich a amile, giving George Fergusons hand a fim shake. “Come on then, come ard meet the gang, I'll show you ound and then leave you to get setled. You'l find several repors on your desk waiting for your tention. They set off up the stairs and George opened the door inco 2 toom fall of emputers and strange faces ~ mostly, though not quice all, male, Everyone stopped work and turned t0 look st Jane as she came in. All ofa suden the tom was quiee except forthe sound of the computes "TW like you all wo mect DCI Jane Honeywell! George Announced. ‘As you know, she will be saking over the tunning ofthis department as from coda.” “Good morning, everyone,’ Jane addressed her new folleigues. ‘Wel, I'm delighted to be here. I hope well all fet along together. As the day goes on, I'l be alking to 3cach of you. Pin a hands-on kind of manager so I doa stay in my alice with the daor always closed.” ‘There wae silence, and nobody moved. After a short pause, a woman’ voice murmured, “Nice to meet you, mmalan, welcome to Pion.’ From somewhere in the room, Jane could just hear « soft Faugh, She thought she caught the words ‘Hands on whae”, though she could nor be sure. “AIL right’ she soiled. ‘PI be seeing you all liter.” As she and George went out, behind her several people started talking at once. “They've a good crowd relly’ Superintendent Ferguson, told her. ‘Dont take them too seriously "No, si said Jane. wont’ ‘Once they see they can trust you. youll have no trouble,’ George continued. ‘You've come to us from a big ciey bus life moves slowly down here. People are used to the way things are and they don’ like change, as I'm sure you'll appreciate After « cour of she building, they were back where they hhad started, in the corridor outside the CLD office, which could be abserved through some internal windows. Some ‘of the occupants had noticed her presence and stared lunsmiling as she and George went into her new office. "Well, this is where you'll be, George said. ‘TI come back lie later andl we'll go through a few bits and pieces expect you'll Find swe do things differendly down here. George disappeared and, with a sease of rie Jane sat clown at her desk. She was still in a sweac from having to hurry toarrive on time. She needed to try to relax. She tusned and looked behind her through che external windows. Beyond the houses there were rolling hills and “ jcen fields, and berween the hills and the covn, the river ‘wound its way out t0 the Atlantic Ocean, only a few filometres in the distance. Away from the coast, the land tose sharply up so the hills which formed a national park. Here sheep fed on the cough grax of open mocrland and bil farmers worked hard for a living ‘Could be worse, I suppose,’ she stid to herself She had juse begun to read chrough a long report on the recent wave of small crimes when she was interrupted by a knock at the door and a young woman in her ewenties came in with a teay of coffee, Jane remembered her face from the CID office. ‘Hello, she said. ‘Youare. «2 “Detective Constable Maggie Pincombe, ma'am. “Pleased to meet you, Maggie.’ Jane smiled. Then, after a moment, she asked, Juse out of interest; how many women sce there inthis station?” ‘Well.’ Maggie thought for a moment. “Let me see. Not many eelly, Theres one ar rwo new constables who have just started on the beat, which makes half'a dozen there, plus few in Traffic. Only men in Special Operations and Dogs. Bur there's me and Dewctive Sergeant Penny Kingdom in CID, she ished chesflly WP sald Jane, “wes chat Penay T saw over by the ‘window in the office talking co someone” ‘Yes, thar was her,’ said Maggie. “With DI Pere Fish. He's bbeen in charge tll you got here, He applied for promotion to DCT, you know. Didn't get it, though. Really? Jane said. Yes’ Maggie went on. ‘If you ean get Pete Fi side, you won't have any trouble. on your 1s“Thanks for the tip.’ Jane smiled. with mote confidence than she fer. "Oh Maggle, T've juse remembered. Someone broke into my car last night and stole my player I'l need an incident repore form.’ ‘Oh no, that's bad hick.’ Maggie was sympathetic. “Thore’s a lor of car crime round here. [es been on the inezease forthe las sx months." ridio casseree "So I see from this reports” Jane sae ‘That's what we sperid most of our time on,’ Maggie (old het, ‘Plus che occasional house break-in, Nothing, really exciting ever happens.” Laer, back in her flat, Jane stared hopelessly at the chaos ‘on the floor in the siting room: she was too exhausted 10 ddo anything about it tonight. She picked up a cloch and started to ruby atthe burnt milk on the cooker, ‘What if she had made a dreadful mistake? Would she really be able co win the trust of her mew colleagues? Should she just pick up her suitcases and go back co Manchester? Juse chen the phone rang, ‘Hello, love. Well, how was your frst day? Did you get on allright? The northern accent was unmistakable “Oh hello, Mum,’ Jane said, weakly, “Yes, thanks, fine. Everything’ fine” I was comforting, afer all, to talk to a familiar voice. ‘Afuer speaking t0 her mother for a while, she fele more cheerful, Tomorrow was another day and she had to continue her chate with each of the members of her team Especially Pete Fish, who had somehow managed to avoid hor coday 6 Chapter 3. Time to wake up A week lates on Monday evening at about 11 pam. Jane was sitting in her fat, a glass of wine in her hand, and Julian the cat curled up on the sofa next to her. The suitcases had gone from the siting room and were piled in her bedroom, and most, though not quite all, of their ‘contents were now in cupboards and drawers, I had been the fist lat she had looked at when she had come down for her interview and she had liked it immediately because of ies river view. Unfornunately, she hhad been in such a rush that she bad not really noticed chat the yellow flowery wallpaper was nor co her taste. Never mind, redecorating would give her something to do outside work. ‘Work. Ie had become clear after a few days thae the department needed a shake-up. Unlike Manchester, where the police force struggled hard to contain violent crimes and drug-related offences, her new colleagues seemed to take a more relaxed approach. When she enquired about the steadily increasing number of car thefts and house breaksins. Jane was informed har these crimes were probably being carried out by just one oF two people — most likely in-comers to the area from the north, they had said pointedly "You Know i&e five per cont of the population hac ‘commits ninety-five per cent of the crime?" DC Tony "Reilly old her “Wall, sound here ies one per cont Fes just acter of working through the usual suspects. Easy" ‘Despice the apparent simplicity ofthe action needed. the crimes had remained uncolved for too long, Jane thought. So, while mindful of George Ferguson's waraing about making changes, she decided shat her department needed to tay a different approach. Earlier todey she had asked Detective Inspector Pete Fish to come into her office. She knew she ough ro discuss her ideas with him, despite the far that, in their fist meeting, hhe had not been especially communicative. “Yes, ma‘am, what can I do for you2" he had asked this ‘morning, as he leane againse the door of her office, a large man with broad shoulders and 2 slightly overweight stomach. He sai malem in ant American accent fora joke, san! he was grinning in a way that was annoying. He had looked pleased with himeelf, a iFhe knew something that she didn, Juse then she phone by her elbow rang, bringing het back to the present. Yes” she sud, ‘Sorry to disturb you, malam,’ said a voice she thought was PC Plumb, "but a body has been found.” “What? Good griefl Who said nothing ever happened around. here? OK, Tm on my way. Give me the details. Jane felt herself switching into familiar routine, one that she had imagined she would not have (0 use very often in this rural location. “Ie at Chitdeham Farma, up on the moor, You take the main road out of Pilvon and first left after Yarde Gate Cross, Ifyouve got a map, youll se i" PC Plumb tol her. “ Don's worry, Ill Gnd it. Tell che rest of them to. gor out there, will you?" “The Fi... I mean . .. DI Fish is already out there, He was on duey this evening. He said co call you ‘Nice of him, Jane thought. She could just imagine his grinning fice Outside, the usual south-west wind was whistling. through che quicr streets and rain hammered on the roofs of the houses and parked cars. Jane found her ear and, with hher map open on the seat next to her, she sec off a lite anxiously for the moor. She would nor have chosen this particular nighe to go driving around in the dark in an unknown part of the counuyside. ‘While she tried ro concentrate on the task of finding her ‘oy, her thoughes kept slipping back w her earlier conversation with Pete Fish, 'OK, Pee she had said ‘Come in and shut the door” Standing in front of her desk, she had noticed thar she was avtall as he was. 'AII these stolen cars,’ she had begun, looking him aah nh ee "We ely shld do oeting sour 'L think we're doing all we can, maam,’ Pete Fish replied. He stopped talking in his American accent and yasined slightly Ym afraid 1 dont agree, Pete,” Jane cold him bluntly, ‘Lets see, What do you usually dot You find someone who you know has commiued one of the crimes. Then you Petsuade him to admic thie he has done another Sfteen ssimilae jobs. Which is Fine. e makes life cary for everyone, 19But then how do you explait the fact thatthe nate for these "lee capa, se wad onthe ct tha its criminals from up north. They come in on our rice new motorway, take @ car and drive it out of the area a fast as they can, Then it goes onto the rational computer and there's nothing more for us todo. “Oh come on, that’s pathetic. Do you just sit here and wait for it happer® Jane said. ‘How abou serting up a few road checkpoints? Or some observation port?” “There are nor enough people co do all that Pete said. "And why noe Well’ Pete said, ‘as you'll know, we've got a “ato tolerance” scheme on street crime operating at the ‘moment. All the drunks, thieves and undesirables that get arrested. .. well, ehey have to be transported to prison, 10 coure.. ‘Thar uses up a lot of vehicles and staff? "Zero tolerance schemes don't work,’ Jane pointed out, TThe bad guys just move elsewhere, “Possibly: Pete's reply had been short, almost rude, “Lee's get things straight right from the beginning, Pete’ Jane had said, realising thae she ad to get tough. "You may nor lke the face that Pma your boss, but Pan here t0 sty, 90 youll have to get used to it. I'll discuss zero colerance wih Superintendent Ferguson. In the meantime, I'm going 0 ddsaw up plans for a major crack-down on car erime and burglaries. Ie seems to me that life isa bit quier round her, In fact, it’s so quiet I think you're all asleep. Well it’ time to wake up nov. “Yes, maam Pete had not looked happy: ‘Bur quiee honestly, I chink il bea waste of time.’ 20 Well, I'l be the judge of cha, thank you." Jane turned vay t continue working Pw went ou, shutting the door loudly. Jane could see though the intemal windows that he was talking co some ‘af the other men in the CID office. From time to time they Woke cowards her room, laughing. Now, thinking abous this incident ax che was driving tlong in the dark and the ran, Jane would have preferred sor w have to face Peteand the others tonight. She had not rsiculaly wanted ro come into conflict with the men she Tena fae te work th 0 soon aerating ber Joh [And now there was 2 serious crime to deal wth, she could nor aor vo make any mistakes. (Ob hell! Was that Yaede Cross Gate? She would have 0 walk back tothe signpost. She stopped the car and, taking a corch, walked back te where she thought she had seen a tlgnpost. She reached she crossroads and found that the Perr eee linea oe a ad fillen off and the echer pointed back t where she had sme from. Annoyed, she went back ro her caz and sid Fre, though she cold make no vnc of She would Just have 10 carry on une there was another sign. About and Arce kilometres further on dhere was a fe « fall house on the comer where there was a light in an lupstirs window. She decided co knock a the door. “Yim sory to bother you she said to the elderly man who looked nervously ound che half-open door. Bur I'm looking for Chicdlebam Farm’ She showed him her police idenity care He looked carefully et, semed sata, and mumbled something ina strong local accent. Bue with the high wind aand his strange accent Jane could hardly make out what he ‘was seylog. She undentood, however, thar she was going in the righ dvestion "Thanks. Pm sorty to have gor you out of bed’ she said and se off again, ‘To her sli, the eld man was Fight. After a couple of ‘minutes there were blue Rashing light: ahead, and drawing nearer she coud se sveral police eas, thei yellow sips slowing in the dark. A black and white sheepdog appeared barking loudly as she drove down a narrow lane leading to 4 large farmhouse, she parked and walkel towards a uniformed officer, bebind whom a group of people were talking excited. One of the figures moved away From the group and approached her. Ie was Deteotve Inspector Pete Fish, Chapter 4 Nora pretty sight Evening, maam, Nice night t0 be ous, ist ie! Pete remarked. ‘Gor your boots on? Ie a bie wet! ‘Don't wor, Ibe allright! She followed Pete inca field and they climbed a slighe hill The wind and rain and wet gras at her feer were cold. She held her coae tight sround her ard shivered, YYou found the place all right, then?” Pee asked pleasandly, making conversation “Oh yes, no problem. {knocked ara house buck and woke up an old man. Coulda’ understind 4 word he said bue I got the general idea,’ Jane replied, equaly polite "The local accent strong, lea 2" “Youll get used 10 it’ Pete was obviously smiling in the dark ‘They approached a large eae atthe top ofthe hl The tent was brightly lt by powerful lamps and they could see shadows of people moving around the scene of the cme Pee gave Jane some plastic slippers wo put oer her shoes and they wentinto the rent and through acitl of ed tape, Inside, several Scene-of-Crime Officers (SOCOs), dressed in white coverll suits were roving around an oft picloup cruck, busily collecting fingerprints, flaing the scene with a video camera, and looking with great care through the covered ara for hats, bres, blond, anyshing which might provide vital cues. mile oc wo 2exe introduced Jane roa woman holding 2 torch. “This is Dr Pat James, che pahologis.’ How do. you do2* Jane ssid, shaking hands, vaguely aware that she was pleased to find another woman in a largely male woe “Wane co have a look? fe’ nota prety sight’ Pac James said, pointing her powerful torch inco the back of the pileup tack where a woman in her early fortes lay on her back as if she had just fallen asleep. Behind che womans head some bags of animal fed were piled on cop of each other, half-covered by a rubber sheet. She was wearing boots, thick tousers and a hey jacket, as ifshe had been ‘out walking, perhaps across the moor. In death, her face tad collapsed inwards like a balloon feom which the ait had escaped, bue there was not much blood — just some on the top of her head, where someone had made an ugly ‘wound and probably broken her skull "Who is she? Jane turned to Pete “Rose Cater: From South Heasly. ‘That's a village just ‘outside Plton,’ he explained. ‘We gor an ID from the cards it her walle, “So who found her” Jane asked. ‘A local lad, apparently.’ Pete answered, “Brian Millan. He helps the farmer during lambing time. As 1 expect you know, lambs are born a all vimes of the day or night and the sheep have co be checked regularly. “Thank you far tha explanation, Jane musenused ‘Notat all, Anyway, Brian's bit simple, according to the farmer. The farmer's Metvin Peck, by the ways He farms the place om his own, apart from dhe help that Brian gives » him. Look ac shar...’ Pete pointed ara large wooden box ‘on the ground close co the pick-up. Bur Jane had already started to walk cowards the box, which had legs and a sloping roof. ‘What isi” she asked. Er. isa beehive,’ Pete sad, with some amusement. Haven't you ever seen one before” ‘Not like that” Jane said sharply: "Whats ic doing there?” ‘ewas on top ofthe rubber sheet that covered the body: Pete replied. He grinned with boyish enthusiasm. “Is like something out of a detective novel. “The beekeeper murderer”, You know, the murderer's “signacure”, ‘Well, perhaps,’ Jane replied, a liele stl, “More likely the beehive was the nearest heavy abject hold the sheet down, 1¢3 ery windy, you know. Come on, we need t talk to the farmer and ehis boy Ti the Farmhouse Kitchen, the Farmer, Mervin Peck, was Sieing ina brown armchair that was so old the insides were falling out. Two uniformed police constables were standing With their backs to a large, old-fashioned cooker. A young ‘mat of around seventeen or cightcen was scated on a wooden chair, resting an elbow on a big square table on which stood several empey mugs half a bore of mile and 1 bag of sugar. Nobody was speaking Although fe was warm enough inside, che impression was ‘of a house given the minimum of attention. There were no cortaing at the windows, and the ancient, woen carpet was caked with mud. Spiders’ webs hung.ie dark comers. The once-white walls and ceiling were dusty and yellow with the stain of tobacco smoke, Obviously the needs of the 2farm and ies animals came before those af housework and hhome decoration, “Good evening, sin’ Jane said vo the firmer, ‘Tm DCT Jane Honeywal, Tim afaid we have © ask you a few questions. "Yes" said Mervin Pedk in a dull voice. ‘Go ahead “Wall, can you tell us what happened, pleae®she asked guied!y. “Tyas asleep.’ Mervin began, as if he was unaccustomed to speiking. ‘Gone to bed early. Lambing time, see? Next thing | know is the bey there, Brian, he's pulling at me, shouting some nonsense about the police. Couldnt tunderstand what he was on about. Anyway, [had to getup, {g0 ouside with him, Took me up into the Bld with the truck in? ‘It your pick-up crack, then, sit? Pace intertupted. "ls thae where you normally hep ie? “Ofien leave iin the field overnighe if’ gor feed in the back. Saves time in the morning “Wha time was thin Jane as ‘About 9.30. Couldne understand whie he wanted «0 1 started to shout at him. Hes not quite all there, you know. Never know hac hell do. next sometimes. Mervin touched the side of his head with his forefinger. ‘We got ro the pick-up and he pointed at che bach, At the beehive First I thought he just wanted 10 show me the beshive and T though, terifc, wakes me up just for thin Then f realised he wanted me to look under the sheet. Plled ie back and there was a pair of fer sticking out. [wll you. i gave me a fright, Aine never seen a dead body before. | mean, I seen plenty of dead animals, but not a human 26 boeing. ‘Tiied pushing che fet, juse in ease it was an old tramp of someone, having. 4 sleep. But hey didn move They looked like a woman's fect, que sival, you Kew, neae-looking. ‘Anyway, Brian sid held wanted another bucket and came out Here wo gee one from the pick-up, I said we'd boewer get the police and he said could he dial 999, like they doon TV Did you have a looke ae che woman’ face” Jane asked hie. "You're eight, itis a woman.” 'No. Didalt want 10,’ Mervin said flatly. ‘Do you have any idea who she might be?" ‘None atall,’ he replied, ‘Don\t know who she i oF how she gor chete. Thetes only ie lives hete and no-one comes up here except Brian and my brother, He keeps his bees out in one of the fields” Her name's Rose Cartes,’ Pete sid, Never heard of her said Mervin, ‘Will beon TV? asked Brian, Maybe, son. You did wel,” Pete told him. “Well done. Brian looked pleased. ‘Did you see anyone here day. Brian? Jane ase "es, I saw Mr Peck Biian ssemed surprised by the question, ‘No, I mean, anyone else” Jane std. Brian scemed +o become suddenly sy. He looked a the Hoor. ‘What time did you come to work today, Brian jane tried again, Brian looked a Mervin, Hee no good a tllng the rime." Mervin explained. He sears work a about five in the afternoon. Does 5 pn, to 5 am. Lives just up the road with his grandcher, old Mr 2Millman,” He must have been the old man T spoke to, Jane thoughe. ‘Outside a vehicle could be heard arriving, Jane stood up and went out of the house to watch the body, now contained in a body bag, being loaded into the back of the tunderaker’ car and taken away to the mortuary for a post- From behind her Pete murmured, ‘Well this i your fese major incidene, malar.’ ‘Pm aware of chat, thank you, Fish,’ Jane said shagply, wane an incident room set up immediately, wth everyone in the department involved. We may need to callin some help from che ocher departments. I wane everyone there at 8 a.m, On the doe’ Chapter 5 The investigation begins The next morning, the CID office was cect wich excitement. Whea Jane anived just before 8 am. people wore gathered rogether in small groups, or else rushing around with pier of paper and answering endlesy ringing phones. You'd think there had never heen a good murder before, Jone thought ro herself as Pete walked in through the openoffice door "Good morning, maam,’ he said, all smiles despite his tater tied appearance. He needed a shave and there were dark shadows below his eyes Ta appreciate iif you would knock before you come in, Pet; Jane said. ‘Even if you have been up all nighe. ‘Soi, malam,' he said. ‘Can you come into CID now? We've had © bock a news conference for 9.30 a8 the local media have somehow gor hold of the story already OK, well talk wo the team fst, then Tl del with the pss ane said ‘Lets go In the crowded CID office, people had found sexs ahetcver they could, on chairs and cables. Everyone watched Jane expectancy as she walked aver to a large ‘whiteboard at one end of the untidy room. Talle us through what we've gor s0 far, will you, Pete? she instructed him OK, well, besides the ID on the body. nor a lor as yer “The postmortem results should be in around midday. Meeck says he lft his pick-up che fel at about 4.30 p.m. yesterday, before the lad arrived, And he give us his brocher’s name and address: a Mr Jack Peck. Lives at 23 ford. Terrace, Pilon, Martied, no chiklen. Works at Hunter Products in Pilon.” “What about the SOCOs They get anything?” Dewetive Sergeant Penny Kingclom spoke up. “Some fingerprints off the pickup cruceand the bechive, ‘which theyte running a compurer check om now Pete said “Plus quite alee of bits and pieces we ean run DNA checks Right, chen, Jane said. “We need w get as much background as we can. Did Rese Carter work? Wha were herftiends? What do the neighbours know sbouther? When ‘was the kst time she was seen and where? Whae was she doing before she died and why? You know che stu Fhope." Jane watched ax Pete wrote on the whicehoard all che ‘questions thar she had just listed. ‘Just so we don’t forget anything” he sid. Ste looked 2 him with raised eyebrows ‘Isa while since any of ws have had to do this, ou know, he eid, defencvely ‘Mm, T can see chat) Jane said. ‘Anyway, when I've spoken 19 the joumaliss, Tm off to Chitleham Farm again, Ld like to look around in daylight: ‘Shall | come along to" Pee asked. ‘No, I like you to stay and look after things here Jane replied. Didnit he think she could hancle Mr Peck, or what "Would you tke a driven justin case?” in case whae? Oh allright, I suppose I might gt lose in the depths of the countryside and you might never see me 30 spsin Jane std acidly In fact it would probably be sicker to hase someone wih her who knew the war Tony, you ceme with me, plese Dons forge your bose or aladwihn gin’ ASnave oflaughee sounded in the room, Av Chileham Farm, DC Tony Reily parked the police ct while Jane gor our and walked up 10 the uniformed Policeman standing guard outside che frmhouse. There tes no sign ofthe blackand white sheepdog today. "Mr Pecks out in the fis, tam," the policeman tld Jon. Inside the house was deathly quiet and the large farm kichen did no lok any beter in daylight than it had 2 indnighe,IFanything, was even more dey and unc Oh the thet abowe the cooker dite wee oine phone i dhacy ames of sheepdogs and prize sheep. Among them was a photo of a small group of people: Mervin looking tout ten yeirs younger. And the other: were presamabs smother and father ard brother? ’As Jane sat eudyiog. the phetos, the door “opened seddeniy and Mersin came in ‘Can help you" he aid in an unfriendly voice ‘Oh, lo, | was heels night Jane sai. "etheps you dexter mi? ‘Whe do you wane?™ “Tike «look rouad abit if you dont mind si "Do I have a dices? Marvin growled “Why ise vyomar have ro lie down and de my ruck? [ell ou, is tot funny. Gor enough r do! a"Ti afraid eomehody killed he.” Jane id ‘Ob,’ he sad. "Did they? ‘Can you tell me what you did during the day vyeserday? Jane aed him. ‘No dlferenc from any other day. Went into Buston for afew bits and pieces from the agricultural supplies shop in the moming. Spent the afternoon cleaning sheep's fect, feeding the animals, checking the lambs. As usual. ‘Was anyone else here?” [haven't got an alibi, i that's whar you mean Mervin stared out of the dusty window. Jane watched his large, work-roughened hands, which were playing sith a piece of yellow sting and some small eubber bands. His Face mas eeddened by the wine and rain, his hair greying land uncidy, He was probably in his forrie bur he could have been flty, she though, She had not understood Ihofre thar farming was sich a hard life. She became aware thet he was uncomfortable in her presence. But then he ‘must have realised he was a suspect. 1s that your brother Jack? Jane asked, pointing co the family photo on the shel Yes, replied Mervin. “How offen do you see him” ‘Couple of times month, usually. He comes out at ‘weekends to se to his bees, Ies his hobby. ‘Whar’ his job exactly?’ Jane asked ‘Ob, the company makes agricultural products, Bur, ce mv noe exactly sure what itis Jack does? tell you the auth, "Would you mind showing me around? Jane adked Leaving Tony Reilly a¢ the house, Jane and Mersin swolleed down dhe muddy lane to the farmyard 2 labeing or cage oe ste a ee brighter GL AN ae se er ce woah cour palig ind ines n Bie Se ror lig nin ihe eee tr Amie ees dey was ne fra kayo et er ee "Chat wong wit shaun showed above th nite Ben eo her yep thee anna lok ek Oh, jut gor some oro incon’ Mein spe He seit Tne pointed cide 2 tal baling op he oer Side of the yard "Wain thresh ng ‘fe orphan ams asthe ban epee Jane wasted to go back to the murer ke, 36 hey walled up the Bll © the pice. fom this high pont there was goed view ovr the mk Far, and inser fields Jone coud see lis inning and jumping wil ther mothers fal pecfly on the fch gras Ey nr an gm one ib woull le aout. & ve oad i her head an aner andthe la would go oan Rowards her. ‘ * Looking around Jane nod in the diane a fll fonsining wemy oro of heme wewden bei the Jesse he nih bony cpu. 3“Those mus be your bother’ bees she sad "Ye,? Mervin said, “He rents thar feld off me, Buc ies ‘noc worth i far as Pm concemed. Those bloody bees of his are dangerous. Go near them and theyll come after ‘you, quick anything’ He rubbed his arm. Something about the place made Jane uncomfortable Perhaps it was the idea char somewhere in this beautiful iceure postard scene a killer was hiding. Pechaps ie was fomehing about Mervin ima. She could nor decide i the wes telling che ruth. (On the way back to the house she sad, “There be 2 team coming out shorly 0 search the area for evidence.” “juseas long as they shut che gates’ Mervin growled. “That photo 1 was looking ac ~ Td like co borrow it please, For our records.” "Al right! said Mervin in an unfiendly voice, “if you Chapter 6 An ordinary respectable woman Back at the police starion, Jane was eating a cheese sndwich in her office when Pete walked in, holding some Papers. ‘Ab, yout her.’ he sid. ‘Ger anything use “Tye already asked you once to knock before you come in Janesaid shorly, “Sorry! There was a bef silence. Then Jane said, ‘We'll have to go and see the brother Inter. Bur. .' She frowned ‘What Gor some ideas aleady?” ‘No. No, ie just that firm gave me the creeps. That Mervin never looks mein the eye when he ealks ... Idon'e trust him "Hee might just be shy. A lot of farmers are. They spend. their days with their animals s0 they forger how to tlle properly. They lose the power of speech,’ Pete explained. He grinned suddenly. ‘Especially when cheyreealking eo an tcactive young woman.” Jane ghted ar him. "You don'e need to make comments ke that, hank you.’ she sid Maybe nor, but ies fic. She had just opened her mouth to make a suitable sponse when there was knnek at the office door and DS nny Kingdom came in with the postmortem resuls “Thank you. Penny? Jane said, glancing through the Breport. “Wel, cause of death was a severe blow to the head with some kind of blunc instrument. Pure and simple. Ne suggestion of any kind of sexual atick. Nothing in the blood. Nothing cle at all. An osheewise healthy individual Time of death was sometime dusing the afternoon, berween six and twelve hours before Mervirs 999 call. & recent insec: bite, around the same sor of time, on the eft hand, Probably @ bee or wasp sting. Why cant they ever be more specif "Must have been a bess’ Pete sid, “Tee too early in the year for wasps.” “Lmeane the time of death, actually’ Jane said. Was the guy being deliberately simple ‘What else? Aha! ‘They found some bits of skin under the fingernails, We'll need a DNA test dome on dose. Thacs abour i Anyway, do you hhave some mare information, Pete?” “Well,” he began, ‘as we know, Rose Career lived in South Heasley’ He paused, looking through his nots. "Yes, and. . «7 Jane sid impatiently ‘Just a minute, hold on, Ab, here we are, She taught mutha and stacetcs par-vime at dhe secondary school in Burton, I'l visit the school this afternoon, and I'll also go ct w South Heasley. Take some people to look round he house. See what else we can ind. At the moment, it looks, as if she wis an ordinary, respectable sort of woman. Buy who knows? Maybe she had a scree lif” ‘Maybe, Pete. Anything more from forensics. Penny? ‘only thar so far there’ no march on the national database fr the fingerprins, Penny replied. ‘So no-one we know the O; of ou ge ake i photo with you. As well as all this, Pve gor to write 36 there anyway co check his hao” Pere sounded ‘unconvinced hinsell “Bar I rol you. he di leave the factory all afremoa, Jane sid, ‘ve we sr? Pete asked “Mare or less but Ln going to chede the closed creat "TV videos at home tonighe, neo be absolucdy cen” “Want any help? Pete offered. Jane looked ae bins noticing that his resistance rowards her hed softened. She wondered why lore think so, shank She valued her privacy fa any case chere was a lage pile of washingeap in dhe sah, and the bathroom needed cessing, and Lost nights dinner things were sill on the sitting coom table "Bu if you need something w do, you cou! see if you «an get some names (of enimal rights proups operating a the ace "Yes, n'a,’ Tete sid with an ironic sil Back at her fa, Jane ssene stright tn the fridge. Av ae had hough, there war nothing 1 out for dinner, She tie the feo. A fiozen lasagne, The would do, She put iin the microwave, poured he wine aad seed down in front of che TV co wale several hours of video ln of the ear parks and exits and entrances at Huneer Prodacts Led. ‘The film ran silenily on and on for what fale lke 3 lifcime. Jane found herself ehinking dhae Hunter Products seemed te be very security contious, What were they wwortied about? Industal spi? She was beginning to fel sleepy when suddenly she choughe she could see « figure fa Large glass of red Rigja » who looked like Jac Peck walking aos the ear park, The person was getting into P registration MG sportscar. She played the frm agin, e» be aire. There vas ae doube sdzoue it Ie was desinively him, The cime on the video said 17.40, OF cones! Why leadae she choughe of that before? “The Pocks had two cat, So, iFack Peck bad used his wife ear st Monday to go (© wos, his wite could have taken bis can ds Escore esate, And the car had been sen ouside Rose's consage on Movdby afiewoon «-« hot night Jane spe badly: Once she woke, sweating, sad alle she hal been drsamning, She had been running through fekks and streams, climbing over fgite and hadger, On a road a anovorie stopped and she 01 imo the cat, He yas Pese ‘Ave you allright” he asked "Noy she annwered, "have ro get away from the sans ‘She looked ou of the back window and sa; Following the ‘ox, asivall blzck dood which seemed 0 be geting Lrger J up with thorn, The clowd aimed ou to be a swarm of bees, She woke up when bees started tnd larger 2 i es spppearing inside the eatChapter 9 The good news and the bad news AC 830. the ext moming, Jone wis siting in Saperintendene Geoege Fespson's alice. OF the nee things she needed to discuss with him, reporting on the Rose ‘Carrer case would bes she thought, a fairy cay ask, HE think we have shies posse suspsctn’ Jane wld George: “Theses the faamer Messin Rocky sho lives om ‘Chitulebiun Foro and tad play of opporniny, bar no ‘obvious motive. “Then ther’ Jack Pec, his brother and his wife Susan, ‘They both ave libs. ue 1 have the fécting ‘one of them sshiding someting.” "What abou forensic evidence?” Geange asked "NGell, thar vd provide the ey. Fh, if oe could ge some DNA samples, some hair or sin, FE none of the ssupects will give susaples willinghy well cher Tavs 00 unake some aces or do someshing abit cevee “TL eave i in your hanes an,” George smiled at het ‘The second marcer was alittle more tricky in order ea have sufficient staff and money for Operation Wasp, ane needed to get George's spyoement 1 2 teduction in the 80 tolerance sti The thing i, sie? Jane explained, slot of ear crime and burglaries are commieeed by people from out of row, Ti Tike to ey an experiment for 4 month oF ew with some just 10 see wha se fe can reluce the ear erie ane! burglies” foad Locks and observation teams happen Well, OK then, Give fea ery for evo montag! Gaorge Ba: remember, the public like vero tolerance —it gets the drunks off the siees for one thing. ‘Age het mestiby with Geosge, Jan sex off for 23 Mot “Terace, The green MG spoas car was outside the bose Scan Peek came fo the front dor and Foed slighdly when she sa wh er visitor was, im sorry te dur you, madam, bu | nced to speak a ssid reluctantly you fora momen lane sid, “Cam | come iy please!” Sun Pack tuned wordy anal walked boel into her icien. She svicchod off the riche and looked at Jano expectant ‘On Tueslay, you whl as you were out shopping. the previous afternoon,” Jane beg, sat right *Wheve did you gn? ee, and maybe one oF wo other Hs the ape pees. “Where exactly?” “doi remambee Thad one oF 090 cally make. Why" ‘Did you ave yar husband’ eno do hese ding” Jove asked het "Yes. alvays ase it shen Ego to the supermake, You. Jone isi. get anc in the MG, Jane cook breath, “Mev Peck, chy did you visit Rose Carter lit Monday? Theres ae_peine denying i’ she iced as Susan Peck seemed abous 1 provest "You were cen by the ovighbours” This was noc completly rue but Jgwas worth cing fe worked, Susan Peck sac owen suddenly, her head in her astdsand her shoulders shaking. She appeared co be weeping. seundlesly. ‘OK. She looked op. tears welling, up inher eyes. suppose have €© cell you. F went t see Rose Career bhscause I was ire sie may husband as having, an affsir with hor Theyve brown exch arher for year, and shorty alice she moved down here a couple of years ayn. Jack boccame very... | done know, diztane towards me. He: scomed to be apeding «lor of time at her house, working, ‘50 he st But her perfume wos on his clothes . «At is point, the tears started 10 cum freely down her reddened checks “Pax sony, Susan Fock sid after a Tks, managing «@ recover her seeonwol. “Look, 1 didit Kill Row. We jest talked for a bit. She told me tac she fad laely rmade a decision to stop the sdavionship. ‘Then she roce ofF on het bike saying, she had something co do, She axel 19 cycle everywhers, I believe ‘What cme wat rhie” Jone enquieed, ‘Ahour 3 pao chine” Did Rese gine a evton for breaking off the relationship swith your husbend?” Jane asked. “No. Susan Peck ssi. ‘She wouldee sy? AB she said nervously ‘Docs dhs make me a post? “Well, Mrs Peak, so Fir it looks as iT yout ware he hist person w ste Rese alive” Jane pointed out. ‘However if you agree co provide a DNA sample, we could take you off the lise “Oh. Susan Peck looked akumed. ‘We just take a siraple of your silva, [snot painful, C1 send someone round ther?” 3 pas, 6 Sosa ese nodded. ‘All sighs, she murmured Jane Honiywell’s team of detcsives was all presone when she walled inco the CID office a tele while lates “Wall, would you ike the good ama? she asked thea, Ms Peck has aged 0 wee usa DNA sample? "What che bal news thax” Tony Reilly asked "The bad news is that we sil have nothing that seal any uss Jane sti. "Nothing chat ads up wo anything, Jack Peeks alibi seems» stand up. and 1 dont realy think Swan Peck’ likely snppece” Jane a down heavily at one fof the desks, “OK, wha’ going co gy and ger 2 DNA ‘empl from Mervin Peele. They were saved from Inving 1 volumteer by the telephone, "Detective Chief Inspector Honeywell! Jane sel ince the phome. ‘What ean I do for you” “Ohya female wee said, There was short passe. ‘Um tay name is Elsa Scott I knew Rese Carter. I don't nove whedher it imporeag, but | chink L may Kaew why she was out on thar firm where they Found her” "Yes" ane sad, "Please go on." "Wall, Rose belonged to our organisation, PAW, Project for Ania Welfee list Score exphinedl, Her oie sas cqvit stn gene and with ‘nd whe dha exactly?" Jane kad, “Wall” samme the reply, mainly: we go around looking for cuss of animals being badly erento and reporting them. We do a lot oF the legwotk for the RSPCA end... or salivele coraplicxted .. "The plessane voice hesitate. Jus tll me about Rese, chen, Jane sadeOK, lisa continued. ‘Bach member in the branch is responsible for a particular ara. What you do & you go sound the farms int your area checking up thatthe Fam i looking after his animate propery: Chitlelismy Fism was in Rose’ area and she went there about a month ago. She that she ws worried ahour some of the sheep there and thar perhaps she shox gy back sometime. ‘Thea I sow her lace day and she said she was gping co go out co Chiedehom Bam for another lok Maybe the fmer found her and...” Again the voice paused ‘Me Scart’ ae Jane, ‘I have w go out to Chitlsham Fm in about half an hour anyay, Woukl you like wo come witty ne? You could show me extetly Why your group issn concerned about the animals ox Mervin Pecks Fe, “OF course, shawever you wang,’ Hina Scot eeplied June puc the phone dawn sed tamed to hse eran, “OK, she said “TI have yo 2¢ persuading Mervin Peck 1 supplya DINA sample while [in atthe Bm, Aad Pete, ca You anganite thy DNA ees: for Mes Peck, please?” sported aftr bo 6 Chapter 10. The suspects gor a gun “Hire long Id Rose been a member of your group?” Jane askel Elist as hey deove towards Chitdebam ara, ‘Well, now long actully. Since about le Oewober, 1 think. Laser ber sea party and we got talling, Thee one day sbe just walked in and said she wanted o be involved Tell me moze about PAW?” Jane said ‘Well. Bia began, Fee hesivaey. "Are you one ofthese groups which employ whael would call “doubstal methods”? ‘You mea illegal? Sometimes, | suppose wee + He aggressive,” Elisa said things thax go on. These ars puppy fms wher ‘You wouldn’ belisve some of the they keep Fiude'dogs in cages in buileings far away from anywhere with no food or drink or daylight. We dont wain anyone wis coming so we can eatch them doing things to animals which they should. Jane looked quickly fron the reall «9 His with some sauprise. ‘The soft voice bad suddenly lke swith the passion Hele by someone for whom che and completely justified dhe mans “You mean that you brcak in?” Je shed, “Er. wall | skint sayso to yo suppose. but yes. we do i we think we have to” “Lido hear that’ Jane told hee ‘So is it possible that the farster at Chitelekam Farm bad never seem Rose Cancer before the sermon she ws Killed? 3Yes, i's quite Bkely. We prefer to go in and oue without being eon.” Jane swundered how Elise had keame her skills ia this kind of work Twas in the army” Elia said, snqwering Jane’ choughts, ‘Brielly. Ae Chritleham Farm, the vas no sign of the sheepdog, Jae decided Mervin mst be eu in the fields somewhere ‘All right." he sid to Elsa. “Lets sce iF we cat ind out veh was bodaering Rose about che sic. ‘Will, we welt miss it WF there's anything wrong.” Eli said, “The sheep'll ook cerible. Phin, Wool hanging. off They may have wounds on chem, oF they may be lying own and not gecup when yaw go near ther.” ‘They passed the stall wooden building in which Mervin had said there were arphan lambs, ‘Less havea quick look in eve while we'te passing, Jane sid, opening the dost “Un. 1 eine this might be whit Rose was aes? she decked. list Jooked over Jane's shoulder ae drew her breath in sharply. “Oh my goodness’ she said pushing past Jane. ‘The five or sx sheep inside did not mine or rane dheir heads as she approsched rhem. ‘hey sete Wing on the fuse, sil breathing but almost lifeless, The sir vie thick wich an evil nmi of enells chemicals and dincaved sh, These are seriously sick animals. 1 done know what's ‘wrong with them bur they shoaldnt be here. They could have 2 disease whieh should be reported to. the euthoritier ... Elias voi hie Jane turned ancl feud herself louking into the harel of dic aay as she suddenly slaneed a a poine fa showgun, Ie vas ined dirsely ae her and Mervin Peck was che one aiming it, He did vot look as if he was juss out fornaftemoon's gameshooung. "You have ne right « he in here. Ger ou T know ny rights, you should have a search warrant to came in here, nosing acoand,’ he growed, Tew afraid youre wrong there, Mr Peck? Jane said calmly. “This isa crime scene, and yout are obstructing a police officer” She Fle in her ba and staied to call, Mervin curned and ran outside, cowards an old car parked in the yard, Jane followed but stopped wher Mervin pointed she gua ther again, Donit move or (Il shoot, he shouted. She bad no ‘option but ro watel ash Surprisingly. the engine buese into fife and he drove quickly aneayrap the hin. Flisis who faad ben cxamiaing che sick animals more closely, seappeared iv the yard. ‘Come ony Jane shouted: in going afer him They ran co Janes carand jumped in found er mobile phone climbed into the aiciont vebide. Ac the sop of the lane they sow Mervin turn left dawn rouxd shat ku towards Baston. TT know a short cu.’ Elisa si ‘can oat hia of "We need some help.’ Jane said, holdiag the steering whe with one band while uying co operate her mobile phone with she other. The ditch, “Wa Youu waich the road. ‘While Flisa held che mobile phone, Jane scteamed into ic above the noize of the car engine: “L need assistance “Go down this lane. We In outs Hise cried. “Give me that thing. Ill do ie 39urgently: Donte ask me to explain, jae gee some arose cas ‘out here fase The suspect’ gota gun,’ She weld thom were they were aad switched off the phone, ‘The lane was jure wide enough for one exe. On each sks vas a high bank with a thick hedge on top and, a its hase, aditch. The lane twisted and earned, ap an dew hil, and i was impasibie w know whthct oF there was a vehicle coming in the ocher diteetion, Jane cou he co drive a only 30 ph, Ac every bend inde rol she just hope f the bse ‘Withoue warding, the line suddenly open ox Forther dan 2 Raw metres head and wat czoseuals. Before Jane relive! what wis happening in eon of chotn, Te avoid hing Mervin’ vehi, she had co brake sham The wheels cf the Mards hit the stony edge of the lane an the car eurmed chrough niery degrees, slid sideways and came w a woaplete stop with ene front biel inthe dich Mervin’ car shot acres the oad js The bottom of the engine was resting on the sod surlace while dhe other front whee! spun usclesly inthe ae “he you all right? Jane asked Lisa, Bsn nodded. Jane thon cured off the engine and eiused, "Bloody hell!” She 208 ct to examine the car AS she stared in frusraion a the river of oll owing out from undeincath the sound of police sirens suddenly filled the aie: They seemed to he approsching fern all dictions, inchling, Buston, where Mervin was now cade Jane realised tha dere wis strong likelihond that a leas ne esr would meet Mervin head on, consing dhe other way Just then 2 police ear appeared on the mad that Mervin had come along, ite ble light ashing. and the siren sounding. Jane weaved ie denen and jumped in as ie slowed, “Quick she shouted. Hes gone down there” Ave forthor down che road chey eamel a corner and anne actos Mervin’ cat, Ie was posidoned ar an angle ‘ars the marten lac. its nose huried in the high bank. ‘Wall, wll” June remarked 1 her deliver: "Looks Hike they've gor him, Black marks on the sures of che roa showed re the car had sid to a sop, By the side of parked police car a uniformed police gunman was holding a gun simed at Mervin cat As Jane watched, Mervin ge our his shaking, hands held oChapter 11 The confission Detective Chief Inspector Jane Honeywell walked into the interview vom sand fel: suddenly ceri thay she our Rowe Cart, ‘There was something about the look of the mascuke shoulders, de way the large rough hanes played con the table, and the deadness in the unfocussed eyes ‘which snc blankly rewards the Roo ets followed her ig and siood behind hier a she cook » chair and iced Mervin Peck, who was accompanied by 3 lawyer wa the able was the one resp iy invarview is being tape eoorded xe repented the required words as she bad dove so many mes before “Lain fneerviewing «would you plese sty your Fall tnante?” She looked at Mervin an waited. Evenly Mervin mutterod at the fleas, Donald Peck.” ‘Then Jane stad the time antl date and finished by saying, “This incerview mey be given in evidence iF your ‘Mersin cise it broughe co wal, You do not have to say anythieg. Bur ie may harm your defence if you do nox mention when questioned something whick yoo Laver sely on in court, Anything which you do ay may be given in evidence As she spoks, Jane was watching Mervin closely. He ooked pale, and svest appeaied on his nose-and forehead ‘She began her questions, ‘Mr Peck, when you were arvested earlier, you nofised to explain why you threatened ime wily a gan. Would you care co ell mie now?” Mervin dik Jame wed again, “Mr Ped Tthinke your may have some information concerning the death of Rose Carter!” Again there was ao answer. Instead Merin suddenly gripped his sespon 8 ifn pain Mr Peek, youite in with thiestening a police afficor We will then be in a postion eo collect « DNA sample fiom you, which we ean compare wich samples we have taken from the sere of the fous trouble. You will be charged time, I there it peniive match, chen you will also be charged with her murder, (would save everyone a Tot oF time and trouble if you would all us wbae we need 10, enow nove ‘Marvin fooked ae his solicitor, who noddea “AIT righs, PII rll you whar yon want’ Mewvin's voice like hoots walking aver moorland stones. "L have this temper, Someriaoe ir gets the better of me Ie sas about 4.20 in the afternoon. Tas in the shed doing, sounded rough Wene round the side of she building and she seas here fooling at her hae ane rsbing it. She must've been stung bby a bee or something, Hen ta seport me for not lnoking after my sheep properly. Told ‘co get off my land, She just laughed! ar me T went know, she said she was going towards her and she picked up an old ase that was Iving round, She mustive though 1 was going co do something to her, | ried eo pull the axe away from het. She was soreaming at me and 1 went wikl. My arm was bad, see‘The aca thing HBnow Pl yor she ox fons hee and hither swith the side of i She fell inmedinely and was quiet. Heda'e meane e9 hic hers Just seine ¢o lose control somehow an acciderts really it was. Didnt mean «0 doi... The wonde died ave “Go on, Melek, Jane sold hima. nit remember to clea Mervin continued. Krew the boy was coming soon s0 1d have te hide het. Thought of che pick-up suck, which Tal let in che top fet eles Cried her up there and covered hoe wieh + eapaalin, Ad I pet an ofl beehive on the ep thae was Ing abou in the field. Ys sop the repalin. blowing, off ex? Ws going 0 fon the moor tale her ap t0 hve there's am old ti ai fates afer dark.” ‘Seat wat by this time pouting down Mervin’ ash coloured face. He ashe for some water and disale it ‘rapidly, Jane hecime awate oF a stange, unplessane smell "And seat eid yous do afer chee?" asked hr, ‘he hoy arived andl we had a lo ed, with the eves laasbing and al, Laver F weat bick inthe house for something teat anda bit of 2 stan, but Fmt have Faller slep. The next ting I now is she boy is palling a ry atm sing I had to gp ouside with him, ‘Mir Peck, would you please speak up? Now, are you cerain you had never seen Rese Gari bofore? Jane she. "Nan! Mervin sic. Bu | now who she i moe? He laughecl in a cracked, broken fashion. ‘She's may brothers Fancy woman, thats bat. He phosed me the day afer they took her away and is was en the local ness, He was 4 ‘upses because i was his glen hae hal been found on ny fam, Told him he shuld be grate ‘What do you icin, Mr Ped? Ginuel? Mervin Jeol canfsed fora moment. “L meen... 1 mean, my brotes gor 8 wif. Hy noe cighe to eaery On ‘ith other women, i "he sammere 1 tess youe cht, Mr eek, Jane sai, “Tell mes i ie seid, why diet yo cll the police” “Daal nwo. I paicked, con thin rage, My aren wis giving me erouble, zee and Ti hon up all qe nigh before wich che sheep: S'pose U ubeshy char no-one had se me, no-one wal know Ses easier «© gee rd of the body low trouble. “Whereis esse none” “Ac the bottom ofthe hole where Lehiow dead onnbs and in of thing" Mervin fl slot. He gripped bis acon ani give 2 groan of pain, Jane realised suddenly chae dhe ‘vse was probably qui il, His eyes were ovr-bright and. tae ws plainly feverish. He stared pt he and she sew in his eyes the same expression at she had seen in his sick shceps She sida! know if it wes the look of eroubled canstiende or of fever. Or both ir Peck, are you ecg al igh" ‘Now as ie happens. Care card this pain in may stom much Fagen” he whispered. Mersiis lawyer glanced at Jane and epensd his mouth bur she spoke Rist "Al sghe dhe, wed beter seu fr abit soa doctor can take a look a you she si “Apel, that was all rather sang,” Jane romorked co Hee “Fale hile lave, afer de peice doctor had examined Mi Peck. The doctor confarned that he was indeed! not well 6enough to be questioned and aranged for him to be admitted co the loeal hospital ‘Whar do you mean?” Pere ached “Wl, het obviously quivill for one thing, Bur char’ noe sehar lL mess, rally” Jane said. From what he sys he hasan tuncentallale romper and he'll ee siolenees ad he's quite prepared eo eheow a dead person into hole like enc ef his sheep. Yer he disapproves of his brother having, an allie “The man basa rhe evised sense of righ snd vraag ‘Lien,’ Pee said, ‘Farmers work with animals. Theyre tied violence. Naute is vole. Upon the meer on his ‘nm al the rime. Only ekg ffom time 1 time wth bboy whos simple, noc secing another human being for ‘days, ino surprising that things get out of proportion.” ‘suppore yout sigh.’ Jane sacl sent. “Bur til think there's something nor quite sight about all dis, Ie scems ‘id chat he ic her on the head simply bere he bse is renmper. ‘We don't need ro worry about diat’ Pete suid. ‘We've got she confission on ape, Hes old us where to find the murder vcapon. As soon as he’s recovered we ean charge finn and ill yo co court with to problem Th con, Jers go atl cobrate fu che pub. I'l buy you whatever you sant” "Wall, dhs some offer” Jone laughed T mean, wharewer yout want 19 drinks” Pote sid, going a Tiede ved "We havent charged him yet, lan ita Tle woo ealy 10 ic. Come sare celebradg? ahe einasled. ‘Never mind abour thar, Come on, le’s go and rele row, We desrve ie? ws "Tye got e got my cae se” Jone said "You dont nesd to worgy about thay, siher. 1’ aleeady in the gurge for our mechanics co look an’ Pete smiled Jane looked 2t him in some surprise. How shoughefl oF him eo have arranged rho Fr her: le seac well afer Go'leck when Jane ondened a ted wine i the pub and found sable, Pate followed behind her with & baige glass of er Fr. Pave began as they sat down, "This cate, maaan Ws kind of hand For me ro say this bur Fin impressed with tho way youve hand i, You Kost, wes beping for your job myself. sv L wasnt cea plesedl when they gave i 16 someone cle, especialy. Fypecially wha Jane sl, knowing what he woul sy. She cowl read hion like 2 book, "Well, you know wee a bir old-fashioned around hare ‘And "Ancl well, | guess I shoulda say chis Kind of thing these days, bue I really didi think ie was 2 womans job. But, tum, | can sce Fas aweong, Prejudiced «There was pause in the comesion, “Wheres a good place 10 get a car sero!” Jane said swan He smiled at hes showing a mow of ever white we, “Wall, as ic happens 1 knows someone with a shop. I you raced advice 00 stereos, you can ely on me...” He was sleacy elicvod tobe aking abou fue sabjoce. Jie look a him closely for the first time sinoe they had had theisdierenes of opinion Inst Monday moming,‘He was quite amracies tall. He hac nice smile and a plesenar face, thoagh he somehow reminded her of a reptile. Pethps ic ye she slighty houyy eyelids, Ak he could do with losing abit of weight *You mast be jokio son tey on a nan-eting. crocodile she excel, “Rely on youd Ras ‘Dore you meat person-eating? Ob, ba hay very amusing” Jone pallal 4 ive st him, ‘Any ‘on Operation Wisp: aul Checkpoints, watching ca paths i amorrow” Jane gave hal wy thi boven you be ave going wo be sarin the be 1 ll you abo Jui den her bile phone rang. Ie was Maggie Pineownbe “The hwspita’s just phoned,’ she sad ‘Apparently, Mervin feck’ quite pooily, Hk contin has worsened "TH go anal see Him befre gp home suid Jane aad fling avout tis: 1 ceane with you! Pew ofered, Dowit worry janesid. You goon home and rela “OK, bc Il dive 10 the hospi fret Done forgets youe witbou a cat Agtin Pete Alished iy casming, sail Allright, shen. ‘Paks: elie. Chapter 12. A nasty open wound “Ob, come on.’ Jane said to Pete afer hey had ehey pled ‘up ontside she main entrance w Pilon Hospital, a lage ny, unatimuive building on the corhera edge of the texan You mighe well nae in ow youl here." “They waitsd a che reception desk inside while the receptionist wi to Gnd Mervin, bork ageing that dey hoted hospi, and especially their smell. Apprrendy, Mervin insta a observatinn ward. They tk the HF 10 the top Hoor snd wont through suing door into a wan weed for pasate whose illncics wore lll being investigase. Tonight dhere were vay Few occupants anc Pete and Jane passed several empty bays of alfa dazen beds ‘ech as they walked dow the sient comrdar, Sonne way beyond the our? desk, 8 yoorg ‘was reading a newspaper ina space just off dl "Mtr Peck? Jane asked In there” The WWPC points 9 deo, Jane eppene the door co dae single toom and looked in, Mervin, Peck formal police cortider seemed to be sleep. A long. rubs was attched 29 his goed an and he oer was resting ox che besos, easily bandage Jane closed the door again qui, Trot the other end of the coridor young man in 2 white cose appeared, the sound af his shoss on the polished rahi. Can ors exaggerate by ae silence Hlelle, im Dr Thlp you” 0"Wage the matter with him? Pote enquired, nodding bie head cowards Mervin ck’ door We're ner sire yo replied he doctor. "He hes a nay ‘open sound on his arm. He wld us a bee ceang him originally and the wound never heals simpy got wore and worse, We're s bit concemed shat he might heve blood ‘poisoning, He’ soning high fever” ‘No wonder be looked a biesick even Jae remarked. “Yen is along dime since I've seca wounkl que lke this’ Dr Fabid went on. "The ls time yas wher 1 vas in West Abfica just alter { quuliied 2s a doctor and 1 got ‘eanght up in the mille a war. My own opinion is thar be might have gas gangrone, Whats that” asked Jane Well, gangrene basically meane thae part of the body eg” Dr Fohid explained. "Hit there fe pain ad then che pase of che body surns black snd chore’ oft a bad easel, In the cose of gos gangrene, ies caused by a panicle eype of bacteria. Quite nasty ‘Oh’ Jane suid, surprised ‘So whats che Well, usually you ave co wear the alfecedl pase by canting, ie off, whieh means he might Tose his aor. Cy aliaid Mr Peck was cather upset ween we rod him about thas Anyway’ Dr Fuhid vent on, we've dane some blood teas, We'll have he results in 2 day oF tea, Meare, hopefully we can keep hie stable (On thsie way oa ofthe hosp, Janeand Pete ese met bya familie gue ‘Good evening, Inapecuns! Jock Peck smiled sci, “I hear you'te holding my brother. Where is he, please? Te ike co see bien, “Chief speccor, scaly Jane responded. “Tan ataid ‘hac’ noe posible, Mr Peck. We sill zed to question him, And ar prez he tool to sce anyone anys Jack Peck looked thoughelal. Aer @ moment, he sic, ‘Wall as his brothet, surly I have right «9 enquire about his heal? Who abel Leak on? “Hes in the eave of Dr Fakid, Ask at cecepsion. They should beable find bina for you Jane old hi. Jane spent Friday dealing with routine: mamers at the seaion. and completing her plans snd briefing the CID Apartment for Operation Wasp. The orher departments involved would he inforined of she plane on Munday so thar she apstation could begin the fllowing week. As rae Mervin was concerned, shey eould do nothing more ancl he reconered and could be chasged, se she put dae cate to the back of her mind ane wont home forthe weskend. ‘On Saeueday the weather was gey and wet —a gow day todo some decorating. She pur on ce oldest jeans im order vo do some scious cleaning sixl paining, “Together with ‘ooking, this was one of the few ways which se was able Lave, she sould go 10 the supermarket and buy the ingredients For one of her favourite mets, Thal spinach sou floes by hot prs curty. ‘She stoacl by her siting wom windows looking our cross the iver. The gently Howing ware eellcted che ion grey of the clouds above ie, and ite smooth surace broken by teal splashes of xin. The rvans hed Fong gon probably guarding sheir neice romesihere, Jane thought Instead, secu Hosted and dived, eve sad ties echoing,in he damp le water ‘The evening ve one of shose times shat Jane treasured ‘She was happy widh er own company anh alone, vas able to arrange her tine a she sone. Se pe some music 09, prepared her food and sealed down on the sa wich Jalan the eat for a Sacutday evening’ ‘TY entertainment, She didn fen watch “TV. ‘Tonight, howsews, she Flr ke ayply siting and looking ot whntescr wats ony ohatenee would ke er jaw diferent wld From the ene in ‘whit she spore most of her waking hour. ‘As it happened, he fist programe she sas a game show in which young men and women Ind te ancuct tae chey foughe over pits of cubbish on questions amd wore tonarded wich the holiday of chele iran, Afr di there was a popular desctive series, This she could not beat ~ ic ves t00 rach lke week, aed anyway dhe TY swites newer pot everaay life in 8 police ‘sation exer ight. So she changed channels and find till looking a serious documentary progeamune about sudden outbreaks of previously unknown diseases. ‘The ‘seen shaved picnues oF an unnanied country somewhere Jn che dovsloping weld. "Thore were acenss typical of remote places in Alii: womens msking Ar ane small frucinsted children seating wp atthe canoras. “In 19760 the voice wold tes, ‘Bhola Fever suddenly append inthe Suelan and in Zaiee: This disease ic killer, having a dexth sate of around cighty per cont. The sists sole from Deadaches, fever and incemal Weeding arc usally cies ates about eight day. The piciste changed ev a ckooup of a moxgnive Injecting ies long necdle-ikerenigu imo human skin. Rie Valley Fever? che voice cheerfully corwinued, “i ancaer ‘inpleasin disease, which causes bleeding and brain Beee Ic is exced by mosquitoes. At one tim ie was found in areas around the Sahara deere and ws msinly nied co slomewic animale such as ently eheop ard goats Basin 197. Ge people dial of cis disease in Egypt. Tn seems likey chat thete snow « new variety oF the original disease hich affects bumans and which shieacts © spread 0 ‘hr areas i the Middle East al even beyond” The wice wont on and Jane found herself beoming sleepy. She reached forthe TV semnote conte. "Bedetime, se rol Jolin. She looked gain ar the seren briedy. Now is tubes of "We dontt know how or why thee discases suddenly appsar vith such fatal conseqversen) one of the scientists vas explaining. “Bur ar preaont there ae noone undue per cent ective cues.” ‘he came Kruel music an pices of wa plas. or this retson. the scientist went on, these ills ate ideally sited for bilogicel waeire Jone presed the semote contol She Fad enough 9 think about without worrying about che posible Uoscrction of the world by biological wate, She would leave that xo somone ever deal wih,Chapter 13. Another call in the might Acaround hee ack on Sunday moming the edephone tang nest ro Jane's bed, At fist she thought is was hor rms clock going of and she shrew ou aa in over sich it off Then she reais ha i was the phone ard picked up the rseiver, "Yeo? she meme hal alec ‘Sorry tn wake you, miami Pete here ‘And? "We've just ad a call fran the hespital Mervin Peek is dead "Whae Ok my God. Jone vine wide avake now OK, PI ethene a sna Va, heres na need Noy I come immedi [Lace yout in aroand hall an ho Sen! a cat for mg wil you? ‘When Jone avived ae the hospital she found Pete talking to the young woman police cansable who had heen or gud ouside Mervin’ room. “The WDC seemed clase co Tin sorry, Un 50 sorry she kepr ow eopsaing, “This ic WRC Moran,” Pete explained “She's just receaily joined dhe police, Quy just finished college” He rolled his eves vomards the ceiling, “Tell dhe DCE what happened,” Pete asked the consble "Well, malam,” WPC Morgan began. “Everything was Fine, fe was jus line afer midnight. Th been in 00 sue Me Pec and Tw evading « book ouside his coon. And then this doctor came along and told me these was a phone cal for me atthe desk. I stood up: ane szarted to valle wvands the nurses” de andthe next thing 1 know is someone bas grabbed me from behind aad pur something which smelled like 4 chemical over my fick. 1 pase om and did't wake up Gill x aurse shook ine awake sce ohile ago, "What dil the deco Loe ike! Pete aed Unn . shoulderJenggh blonde hair and ghases, Aboat thi, 1 say. Quite ell, bur Ps sting down ‘How do you know she war a doctor? Jane asked her she kad Fike one, She was wearing a white coat andall? WPC Morgan looked riseable. Had you seen he bse? "No inary Leo think 30" Av this point Dr Fahid and a cauple af nurses appeared. *“Vhicietetrble” De Fab said. He was plainly very upset Jue tell me anyding you ca dink of, even iF yt cae think of @ reason why it might be imporan, Jane roll hin. ‘Well | saw Me Teck at shou thm olekock yesterday afternoon, He was stable end quige comfortable and he scomed ( have calc dowatloe Thal. Dr Fuh tured 1 the psc a his sid, ‘One of che nurses spoke. ‘Someone ctme to dhe dea ask abour him av shout five odeck, A man, Tall, stare Touking. 1 shoughe they might he related or something, “Probably his brothes’ Dt Fahid innerrupted. T spoke co him downsaitson Thurs night suse ad jurecy the numse went on, “Ita him Me Peck was 2 lid Beer and chen he went ‘Any eke yor” Je hod ‘Only his ower on Friday the muse sid. Sorwho was the cos Mi Pec alive? Jane enqaire The other mires spoke, gse hits hie medicine 2 around te ofloce when Fcame on dug He wemed OK thn, He was qc, anyway looked ina abou midhighe aun ews alec” ‘An was you who ehscovered ta Mersin was dead She modded uniyppily “Ys, eame along tae his emmperaure and bod prosure a around hale pos evo anu 1 notcal cht te WPC hve seme to be adeep 0 T ted to wake her ap. She was sing the cat but she locket Ike se wa about fll he wot wake up a Bro eared 1 think shar something might he verong. ‘Aco bie she came cound bu she ve ery chal ane conieed, and she sted mumbling someting about a {ocr anda phone cal {lef her there while | wea in v0 check Mr Peck but «he sss dead. 1 got Or Fahd up bet immodintaly apd we clad the police “Have yt hal Took at him Dr Fai Jane ord ‘Yes Dr Fahd epic ‘did s quick caminuion 1 rotied dat he ws blue awound the mouth, which «an efien mean that someone has been suffocated, but there were ign of eugae, hich ia ide od “OK, Jane sid, coming c Pets. ‘T wane the pose smorcem done a 300m ax pone. Tell hem 10 phone the results thou to us asa mater of urgency. Ane! get on resoanel ere and find our who this Blonde female decor Chapter 14 Av undesirable situation This tall rather unfortunate Jan.” George Fergasin wis saying, looking serious as she sient in is office on Monuday morning, “Though iiklly expressed, Georges disapproval sung and Jane cvied to offer a defence. “L agros, sin, ive an ‘extrenely undesirable sieuation and im desperately somry thar i happened. The srouble js the seurity’s noe very good se the hospital. I cumns out tha there isa service lite righ nest © Mr Pect’s room, for example, Aly Im aftaid the WPC on dry was rather inexperienced, be well do fur beer w sored ie sure you wll Jase,’ oorge respon Jan went down eo CID where she Jou het sat looking depressed. ‘What the héls going on, mam? DC ‘Tony Reilly asker. Iesomeone eying to ame ur lo ike ios” “Looks like” Jane replied bluntly drain plan of che oar. "OK, Now listen up, evervone she began, “Whoever ‘murdered Mesvin Peck in hi hospital bot knew excel what they were doing, This was very carefally planned ‘opztation. WPC Mozgan ws attacked from behind, here, jnse by the passage leading 1@ Mr Peck’ room, a6 she stated «0 walk down che corridor wards the nurses desk, Notice chat there is 4 service lft which opens » top floor of dhe hospital she whimmediately onto the conrider just boyond the Sue room whore Mr Pode se. IU likely that the ateacker eesped that sey amy) DCM bout did he blonde caetor conse from dae citeetion abo, “Bycuse me, 1d Pincombe spoke wp. fro the i? SWWPC Morgan docsnt think so. She chinks the woman came down tte cortider from che curses desk,” Jane replied, She continued, “malo Burl sare that Mervins death is somehow connected with the death of Rose Carter hough I dost know how: Meanwhile, wete dealing with + cold-bloceled killer hers, someone nasty enough «9 Kil & And someone sate cnonugh to gc in and out oF the hospital notice ‘As she finished speaking, a call came shioug hospital. Pee Hoven! briefly ane dhe ele dhe tan, “They have no Blonde women doctors on thie sal? ac the sick the miele oF the night without being h From the thought they night not, somehow Jane sid. Tight lets brsinstorm this’ She wrote othe bead che names oF all she people who had hid any eonnacsion wich the Rose Caner ease, The detectives stare hopelessly ar the lise of people, wondering which of ther had che epportnity. means. or motive, oF whether, in fet. sie oF them hse anyching to do with Merviis murder aa ‘Come on. then.” Jane urged hor stafk “Whar abour possible mouives” “Revenge” DS Penny Kingdom suggestd, a fe willy. “Tor Rose's death?” "Who did you harein mind, Pent Jane said ‘Well, 1 don't know, Jack Peck? We know Rove and he svete lovers,” Penny rep "Bue would Jack Lull his brother?” DC “Tony Reilly asked ‘Well, i does soem rather vale” Jane agrsod. “And anyway 28 far as know the killer Femme” What about PAW? Pethaps one of them wanted revenge?” DC Maggie Flacombe suggested. “Thar woman, ist Scout ‘Well, | suppose thoes jus possible, They would certainly have the necessity skills co cary ie ot, from all accourns’ Jane replied Te ebul abo have been done For ne an insape person, ut dhe chanoss of ta a ik che Killer probably hal very sud reasons’ There was «Jong silence SOK" Jone said finaly.“ the paperwork, all the scxument: we've got, everything, ‘Chock and double check. Look (oe anything which might be worth following wp.” The team see co work widh renewed ehsiaem. They hed now had swe mysterious deaths in just ner a wesk; and compared to the naval business of tying 10 exe car rosso at all b e very slim. Fh 1 everyone 19 ge dough thiewes and bul this was exciting. Jane went t¢ her own office © do some thinking, getting A phstic mug of watery entice from a machine on the way Maybe Founy’s sugpestion hae nor been so fantistic: Jack Peck vas cemainly an odd charscer and sotnetimes ‘extremes of emotion could lie hidden under the surface i people who digised dir flings a he did, Bue was Jacks Peck really so desperate that he would artange the murder cof his oven brother! fier al, he had visite the hospital ac efJeasc ice, appavendly concerned about bis brother's welfce, On the ocher hand, he muse hase Imowe roughly sere Mervin wos, which might posstly indica his invohvement in che crime Aeall came through from the pathologist. ‘Would your Jike some eaty resis oF the posimartem ou Mr Peel?" De Pacamesengoieed “Ohs,hllo, Pa, Wall, yes. as a fof death was cerainy sulfvcaion, as they dhougit at the bop “What do you mean, ono cause? Is there another cause? & anything Jane said hop terol ict” Pat fames sid, ‘One case “The infection om his arm? ‘Wall shae was certainly very serious, bu it had nothing. to co with his death, No, but we di find a eather unusual sulstauce ia hs blood, ketamine hydrochloride’ Pat James told her "Whae’ shat” Ketamine hymochloride is a powerful daug which is vesually sed by yes for animes, cither ag an ansesthetie oF to kill daca’ Pat James replied. “IF you warned co masidee someone, you vould give them an injection of his seu IF Mr Pece was asleep anyway, an injecion wouldn'r have ‘woken him. ‘Bac why the suffocation? Jane asked ‘Probably 10 make sure he really was dead, “Thanks, Pat, you've done a geear job.’ Jane pur the phone down. Thoughes were burting round her head like fies. She went back into the CID office and seared at the list of mameson dhe whiteboard, "What's going on?” Pee asked, a he 20 adisphy on 4 computer screen. Jane repeated the information the pathologist had given bee “Well” he said choughehill, “Hunter Produces. make avis vaccines, dort chap? Perhips they use aninial in thei research? “Of course! Pete. you're builiznt! Jane gave him a broad soul “They might need 0 use a drag like kerning Iyydrochloride in. thie rescirch lbaratories. So. anyone whe worked there would be able tm get hold af some "Such 4s Jo Keane,” Hote si. “Or nck Beck «Jane suggested, “Or even Susan Peck,’ Tete finshed let seucence jase as the phone rang. leas Dr Fahd Wher ean Te for you, Dr Fai? Jes “Ah. 1 chought chat you may be interested 0 know that ive have now gor the resules of Mr Fecks blond ese: back from the lnboratury, the doctor said. "You remember we sent them off ast week when he Fis came in "Yer Ido, Ang?” Well. 1 was tight! De Fahid soueitad pleased. with himself He scems thar somehow Me Peck had managed get himself infeeied with Chri spuiaom and Chatrdinan weld "What do chey moan? asked Jane, almost spologerc that she did't know these echnical rms Well, these are wo of the bacteria which cause gas sgangreve? explained Dr Rabid, “However, is a litle svange, an infection of this sort int a place like chis Noumally gangrene is associated with war areas, you kaon, where people may have uncrsatad wounds in very ditty plies”“So hw could he have picked it af?” Jane asked quietly. For some reason, as she bad listened to him, his words hal sent a chill down her spive. ‘He fasntt bow neat a way, 39 far as know: "We don't now.) Dr Fibid replied. ‘it is quite mysterious, He his 0 other ems or damage to his skin where the disease could have enteted apart fiom his bee sting So we have 10 assume it has something co do with that, On the other hand; although farms are or cl places, chi scemea very unlikely explanation. So. to par it simply, | hive absolutely no iden how he could have become infecied “Thanks, Dr Fabia’ Jane saidl and pur the phoue down though fall. "Whats the marten” asked Pore, whe had beew listening, dlosely ca this conversation, ‘You look as if you've seen a hos. Lone kes? said made me go 4) feu Lineed 10 go ont to Chittleham Fasm again, Fa like you co keep an eye on things here: Someone needs £0 ‘contact Mervins lawyer al find par whac he and Mervin. talked about hist Friday. And also go and. sce Elisa Seoee at the PAW off night?” ine answered slowly, ‘Just something he 0 cold. Pets, would you oxder Adk her whac she was doing on Saturday Chapter 15 Something odd (©uc ay Chitelcham Farm the sun was shining on the yellow ltfoulily ancl other spring lowers that fined the lanos and fields. In the distance Jane could hear the familiar sound of sheep bleating, andl 1 centhusiaynt. Spring. She had never really seen spring so close up. You could almost feel everything groying, see the gras moving up wards the lighs, watch as the sticky brawn buds on reget and hedges opened out inte fieh nuby birds wore singing with geen leaves. “This astonishing, sense af bursting our as {Quite unknown in the city, No wonder iewas called ‘spring? ~ ic was suc a sudder and lange movement ina lite, Le was breathaaling, Inside Mervin. Poek’s farmbouse, nothing had change since the lise rime Jane had heen in there. She din'e know precisdy what she was looking for just hat she would know ic when she founel ie She wondered from room 19 room, noticing yer again the faded fabrics, the mess ab dln Upstairs it felt strange looking into Mervin's bedroom, ‘The bed was tuiade, rhe sheets piled in an untidy heap. le wat almoscas if he hae only just gar net oF it I another ‘oom upstais Jane spotted a large desk eovered in perk, Mewvin did nor scom 4 have been a pewon who wis arganised about his personal affies, There were bills, paid and unpaid, mixed! yp with lerters ex the ‘ptt sek,She had play of time: She went co the window and Found that the room oxerlonked the lane where her driver, PC Dick Plumb. tad parked the ‘Dicky she called out, opening the window ‘Ten going c0 bea while Right you are, matun down wich his newspaper She closed the window again and ser 1 work, Aller about half an hour, she hash sored the papers into ‘categories, For no particular couon, she examined the leavers firs. "Thete was nothing of any obvious intowsc offers from insurance corspanies anal building societies £0 ‘ake our savings plans. Next she looked dough the bills which ere mainly for axiom food, fee mae, ar tyres ol and petrol, No ves hills she noticad, surprising herself, She was beginning co ¢hink like areal county woman, IP the man had sick anionals, why didn't be shouted back and sealed cell vet in? Finally, Jane looked at the bank statements. At fist she noticed nothing, Icwas only on checking theough a second time that she saw ie Mervin appeared «a have £30,200 in his current account, which these days was a lite ed Most people pat amounts of that size into saving She siucicd the sheets careflly. They went back only ‘ovo months but during that perind there had been re paymenis of £6,000 into Mervin Peck’ account. Perhaps more statements somewhere cle? She trial & there wo rusty old filing cabiner and was rewarded by 2 kage brown envelope consaining shat looked like alll Mervin’ bank -seatemonts Forte lace five yeas ss She wok the sheets of puper from the envelope and began 10 sort chem into the correct onder. It did ake long (© find owt that during the previous October. November and Decentber, Mervin had rxeived three more payments of £6,000, making 9 total af £30000. These payments fora seruggfing ill farmer. She wos Ihave 10 ade Mervin bunk for the soutce of these a Suddenly Jane became aware of aloud, insistent buzzing, sound, she kind made by a large Alying insect. Looking around anxiously, she saw that a bee had somehow found jes way inv the 1000. ul yas now cay 60 get et En ies clesperation it threw itself against the glass of the closed window and then, terning, came fying, towards her like a miliary jet on a bombing mission. Shivers wemt up and down her spine and the hair on the back of her neck stoud up. Where on earth had the monstrous thing, cone feome She jumped sileways ae the bee buazied angrily pase her hreiel anc! turned to fly at her again. She gathered op the bank statement andl ran fiom the avon, shutting the door Iochind her with s bang, Ae she did so, she wondered why uch small creatures always made her pani, ‘Then she remtemnbercel Mervin recent wos about his bother’ bees ~ “Those bloenly bees of his ate dangerous!” — and fele less ashamed of herself Then it came w her iv flash. Why haul she seen ie before? Bee stings. Both of the murder victims had been rung, OF course, it could jut be a coincidence, But, equally, perhaps nos: "Seana ghost, mala?’ Dick Plunby cheetily remarked as she arsived breathless at the 7 This was the second timetoday shat somsone Id aiid his wm hes She muse look nore tired hs she weasel ‘es, [think U just did she replied. “Lets go. Uve gor ‘what Team foe. chink.” Back a¢ the office, Jane fang Mervin’ bank and requesred the source of the huge payincnes, The woman at the hankesaid hep would gor back laer in the day with the information, She pu down che recelver and drummed het fingers on the dedk, Why in there hi-tech days of ‘computers and electronics, couldnt they fal che answer 0 ple question quickly? There was 4 knoe: at the door and Pets exene in. jane had by now given ap crying to ger him to vat for her pest "Weve been busy here, ma'am.” he announced grandly m gla to hear it Ler have it then.” ight, wll, che fe thing ia thav when Mervi’s lawyer saw him on Friday, Mervin asked the soicior to give Jack lester, He posted i¢ tough Jack's ewer box ow Fray night of hie way home. He docsrt know what the [eter sai “The second thing is lat weve gor a for alibis confirmed. Hist Soot stayed with a friend on Saturday hight, avd che flene! canfinmead so sie’ off the suspect fist Jacke aun Susan Peck say they were bosh a home all the time, so either they were in it gether, or neither of dhe was, Jach aloes going eo the hospial ar about five o'doct fom Saguday, however. Jo Keane says she sas ae 3 estnranc with friends on Satunlay evening snd got home round tnd, The gestauvant has confirmed she was here” Ineeesting. Jane said thoaghefally. “Lise. if you were a farmer and you had a kat of veey sick sheep, would you call ina ver? ‘OF course, You would have 10. You can only tHeae relatively minor problems yoursel, Mose farmers have lage vets bills anyway. Animal gor sick all the time, Why? Tete locked puzzied, Hm? ‘What are you thinking aout" Pete asked 3 the phone stared cing. “Detective Chie! Inspector Howsywell’ Jane sid into the receiver "Ye? Oh... Really... Oh, Hsee. Right Thanks very much, You've beon very helpful. 1 wonder if you could por that in veriting, for me? TI Goulbye ane smiled with xxisfaccion, “Pha wae Mervin’s bank? she informed Pere. “Mey have just confirmed that be reecived five payments of £6,000 frum a company called Huneer Produers Led. Not only thar, bu the arrangements were made by a Mr Jack Peck.” "Wow" Pete locke impressed, theo frowned slightly. Yes, but sp what? Jane laughed, Tiny noe sure exactly, But 1 ink theres something very od goings. “What do you mean? 4 don’ Jaow. I dowe knon' Jane amwercd, ‘Buc ie something so important that people are being lle because of io, jus as Perc eyes widened "You mean its nox «simple cuss as dark family secret, ora lover seeking revenge, thst kine! of thing?” No odd nit buy the revenge idea? Jane fondhetself saying, She hadalt realised she was 0 sure sbour thas, ‘No. I'm sure theres something els, much bigger, “You mean round here? In sleepy okd Paton!” “Maybe,” Jane ssid. Anyray, wed beter pay another visit to Hater Products, done you think? Oh, by the way. who’ looking ater Mervins sheep at dhe moment?” “Old Mr Millan and the boy, as ras I know. ‘Well, coukl you ask the RSPCA to go up there? I cant imagine how the old man and his simple grandson ca possi manage to deal with al Mr Peck’: animals on their ‘own, also chin ie might besafer for them if chey dda” 86 Chapter 16 Gorcha! Jane woke cavlicr than uaval, She had had another wleeil hight, her mind in 2 state of chios and confusion. She knew dhat probably what she needled to know ss there Already ike looking for shells among stones on a beach, it was doubelessIying tight under her nose. ‘The previous evening, for example, she had spene some time susdying Rose Carers diay again. Somewhere in i, shhe was positive chore must be something she ad missed, something. thie might point 1 a sommaion between slements which Il noe sat now se Again she Founel d stared atthe entey we 3.00 Sudidely it seauck her hac the leuers ane numbers had boon written in hus dito, bur the exchimation mates vee in heavy pene, as if they fad been added Teter. A tiny, subtle poins, porhaps, but evul it be signi {ioe connect e Thursday before Rose had died and ‘Anyways why Jad Rose steppe hes relationship with Jack, as Swan eck had said? Jane wondesed what sor of petson Rose wvas, What kind of wornan would have sm af wih Jack Peck, a mared man, aman who seemed so cckd and ‘She had buen once ro Rose Carer cottage. Maybe she shovld go bade and ake a closer look. She called she sution t'wk them c send «eae round, Coistble Dick ryTlumb appeared won after and they set off for South Heavy, Rose Carts house was gyi of the ates, a picture posceal cocage with roses growing up the shite wall and around che front doo, In fone, a well-vared-for garden vas filled with ase of planes. Looking ac che prety house with iis dark windows anul cuviains drawn tuck, Jane facled thar ie Looked sad and lifeless comichow. Ie was odd how buildings could sometimes give ofF a sense thar something tunpleasine had happened co the people connected with them, A black eat appetted and wound itself ound Fane's legs, miaowing wih pleasure to sce someone. Hello, puss. Youre a friendly cat arerit you?" Jane stroked the shiny black fu He's missing his owner, Pm afraid” A woman's voice ‘aun fiom bebind Jane and she turnaround Does... lid he belong co Miss Carter?” Jane asked “Pi afeaid so, though we've been looking after i since... you know said the woman 1 should incroduce mysef Jane said, showing her police ve come to have a locke round Miss Carters house “Please to meee you Pl show yout rand if yon lke, By the way. my Mary Brady Inside the house it since stale and a Fite damp, The atmosphere was sll: nothing had moved in. there foe a while co distueb the sir, not singe the SOCOs had bsen in a week age. Nevertheless, Mary Brady seemed to take some pleasure in guiding Jane cound the house. Ie seemed to be the house of an educated, intelligent woman. Inthe sting room, which vas painted a rich deep pinks crowded bookshelves covered ehive ofthe wal, and Chinese carpets in bright colours lay on the highly polished worden Boer. The well-designed kitchen contained a large square cooker Iypical of the houses in the region. The cooker was cold row bue when warm i wold have hsated the whole house “U’sa lovely house, nei? This was where she worked, Mary Brady sui, opening the door 3 small room with mone bookheves, 3 workbench on one side and 2 desk against the opposice vall, There was a computer en che y arranged workbench, and most 10 it were some Fis ney nd some boxes containing diss, ‘On top of the des, which was piled high wih notebooks and papess, Jane noticed a phorograph and beat 1 study it, Rose ~ it muse have been a young Rose — was smiling atthe camera, Around her shoulders yas tbe arm of ber companion, «ral scriows-looking man: Jack Teck, ako much younger. Perhaps Jack han always boen such 3 coll fish? Tiaring so Mary Brady, Jane ssid, "Has anyone been ‘here that you know of since Rose died? ‘You man apast feom the police? Well, as iv happens, thc man camea day or two ago. Yes, Sunday.’ She pointed to the phoro on he das, "He used to vist hor a lots as 1 told your colleagues the other day. [said hello co him and hie said he had 10 collect something oF his from Rose's house. He was quite quick aa he must've gor whar he wanted, “Look” Jane sid," ging to have to check the Fle on Ros’ computer so Limay bes few mines.” ‘Oh, fins, [Ml leave you in peace, then, replied and went back to ber garden, Mary Bealy *"hack core Jo Keane replied T suppose then you must curry ous experimenss on animals? “Yes, that’s crue’ Jo Keane said. “Infact chat’ the reason why we have such eight security. Othe companies similar 0 ours have had x lor of rouble with animal rights protesers, We don't want anyone 10 break ia and fie all the animals — the mice, abbite and as on, Ie woud be lisasions. ‘Oh well, no, of course, You canie be too carefal, can you?’ Pewe commented chectfaly ‘Would it be possible ep have @ quick word with Jade Peck before we lee” Jane asked. “Tnn conibly sores but he out of the olfise at the ‘moment, Hell be in tomorrows if youd like co call back? cowry, dens wl ery again! Jane said, “Mighe L just use she Ices’ on my way’ ou” “Of course,’ Jo Keane st Inside the bale wk and showell her where v9 go. like everywhere else ia che she suddenly nociced « bee crawling sleepily up the wall, For che second time in rwonry-Four hewns the hair en the back of her neck fe cleetric and she Had to work vo ventral he fear. Why dll there seem to be bees everywhere she ent? Looking up again ac the camer wid tad moved ies vwatcatul sia acrass to the other side of the rooms, Jane quickly found x handkerchief and teapped he bee inside ie Te buzzed perherically. roo sleepy so procest mich as she ploced 1c carefully inside bor bag, She would send the bee 96 iP 1 one of the Govemmenes faeisic ldborcaries, coger withthe Foppy dies fom Rose's cotage. eas someone would beable o wake sense ofall, The camera wa beginning; o swing back again rowan Jane. Quicly she lookal i the nor, wade a8 9 ast her hair and thes lef the ro ou Fete said, ‘Well, that wastie very productive, No, it wasnt, We really need to get insite that Factory ind what they up t0. Wee going to have co get & warrant, but Tim not sure cht’ ime now. ° Jane pease. “Aryreys lek whae I Found! in dc lacs’ loo’ She showed Pete her haatherchi trom imide which 2 weak Using sun ws coming. “Winton cath... ? Rete bagi Teno idea Je said Back at the sion Jane shu hers in her ofc. She seeded co make a phone ell ia prt “Hello, Elis, Jane here agin” she said, “Tin oping he able help me with another ile ob Feng Whos she tald Bla what she Id ia ont there as Jong silence, Bue as Jane ha guesed, lisa ws more than vaing help out No sonner had she put eke phone dow than another call came shioagh He vas Susan Pec, yuncing 0 tlk to hor confidentially, Je aratiged a meting in «pub not far foam Sass house for at evening, and dn get back co ice fe wel afer en, Ax soon asthe pened the door the phone rang, Iewas Pee ‘Guess elie, mam! he aneaneed, “There been an anvil eights breakin a Hunter Products. They sanieowJane siitched on the computer and star at the lise of files displaycd on the screen. “1 cre ges nothing. that seemed! wort looking at. Had Jack come 1 collect Rose's Unbnished work? Is, sere was i? She remembered an wick: always check dustbins, Quickly she found the ‘recycle bin’ where deleted files were stored, Listed there were wo fis called HP Sansensie and HPVRGfValleych. Something shout the words in the filenames struck hes as familie. rhosigh she cold not For the aerient tink why: £7 shown, siely chat must andl for Hunter Product? ‘They hael bey ddeted two days belie ‘She red Rave. “Gotcha! she exckimed, HARGValley wsened our co conrain pages and pages of ‘umbers and mathematical signs, ae norhing else. She tuied H7\Sanoo ane! found a similae set of daa. ‘Talcing & dean floppy se, she copied both che files and put the dise an her bag, grinning (0 herself. IF Jack Peck had been tying 10 destroy tose two files, he had por done it propery, She shut doxen the computes, wene out of the heme and fund Mary Brady atending co her planes in her garde. “Thanks for showing me the house," Je said, TH be off “Not all’ Mary Brady said. Velo hope ee person who ddd this awful thing to Rese goss to prison fora Hong cine She was mach loved azeuad here, yot know: We were al shocked 10 hear about it: As Jane sat in the eae on the way back «9 Pilon, she remembered where she had seen the word Samson before. se In Rows diary, seiton a week before she had scom Jack Peek for che as rime, had beer the words: ‘What exactly is Samson? Ask J Hor seeange, Could ir be dhat Rose did eally know shat iewarshe wor working on foe Honcer Produce? And what about Rift Valley? Why was that name familia? Sae dhoughe had fora bit and Gall gave up. Te svoild come te her beer "Then something, Pete had sil las night stared Hosting ‘round in her mind As soon as she amived in her office, Jane dilled the rmmber for PAW. “DCL Howeywell here. Is that Elis ‘Scott? she said co the friendly familie voice on the other cd. "Yes, if Blisn fore. How con 1 hdp? Any more car chases? Else ugha satis ‘No, sorry to dssppoine you!" Jane gene nwo he phone. “Bue can you tell me exactly whar happened sehen Rose came into the PAW office the Friday before she ed? ‘Sure, She just came in and cold me she wis woing to go ‘6c « Chidelaen Faro again in the nent Fer days Did she say why?” Jane ask Just that she was gulte cencemed about che animals thee” “Nothing che” 'No. alcouigh she di seem a bic depressed, when J think abou in Elisa si shoughi fall. “Thanks, Elie,’ Jane said “Thats very hell “Iv i” Elisa sounded surprised. “I hope so. You know 1 {01 the RSPCA oat 1» Jook ac dose sheep. They were int serch eetgor through the seeutiey xterm ‘watchman and let out ll the dnimals, Did they really? Good heavens. Jane sid ‘Yes Pete went on, ‘We ltl an anonymous phone call cee) There vas a pause, Then he sammersd, “You d . Sea didni 00? DDidot what?’ Jane askea “‘Dide wha Oh. ef. 5 aauhing, Ws ied op the lg ve we got Operation Wasp going, ane i® AIL dese Irealcins ...' Thore war a nosiccable groan at the other end of the line. “Come and pick me up in about ten iinutes will you? Jane cold bien Ouvside the south-west wind had stopped! blowing for fences and the clear night sky was as black as cost and owed with silvery stats, a8 Jane and Petes off for Huacer Products Life has not exactly been quiet since you arrived down, heey has is ma'am?” Pee remarked. “Tivo murders fase a week, and now 3 major break-in heres I suppose it just a cenincidence”” The question hung in the air. Je smiled, ‘es goad to keep bin done yous think? ‘Come on, lev go in and soe ahae this place i all about sail Jane, thinking, thac ac last icy wee able « look around the inside ofthe fctory The fist room they tied at fall of TVs, wires, video recorders, red and green flashing lights. Pere gave a low ‘whistle, The equipmens was the best rhat woney eau bay for the purpose of spying on fsitors, factory employes and their activities, anything and everything inside and ‘iside the building, lane and Pete stood in front of the hank of serena stor in silence: ln some of the rooms the piceares showed what looked like lange meta concainers ~ similar to those tused for making beet, ax Rete said afterwards ~ connected toceach ether by a netwurk of lege pipes. In one oF owe of the rooms, boxes that looked ike siall animal cages were piled fiom Moor 1 esiling.thovgle it wes imposible 10 see shat was inside them, Thoy lefe che sccuriy conte! tom and found themselves next inthe animal vaccine research scusion where the roms were filed with miwoscopes, bottles, white gloves and other pieses of equipment. ane examined the ow minutes her eves fall on a large bottle labelled: “Kevalar~ cumtents: ketamine hydrochloride. ‘aad acl the SC would your she cold Pees. ooking fither round the room, she saw a filing cabinet and rapidly opened the drawers. She was in lack, ‘Ac the front of one of de drawers there asa file named Samson, She pulled out the fle aid glanoed though he olenel, os of bottles catelly, Mer 5 co check this for fingerprints, ‘papers: Among them yeas a Istier foo an African We lnk foresee recriving the Samson supplies in the next tuouth, $1 illion bas boon pid into your acconort i Sineerbaed ae agieed. The balance is ca be paid on receipt of the goede Jane pur the Feter in her pocks Suddenly she became aware of a soft movemenc behind hhorand almost screamed when she turned round the room was fll of exeatures ~ rabbits, mice and ras, jumping and ”running around, exploring. their new-found freedom, Behind theanimuls, Pere was grinning inthe doorway, ‘Where the hell did they conte from” jane yelled. sil ying 16 round chem all up, poor things. Came and sce what Ive Fane” Jane followed him downto 4 wary they had seen on the security cameras ~ the ome Fineel with sonll cages. Jane peered into a cage fron seich an onl buicing sound scomed co be coming, “Mesquives? she qustied “Vreckon Pee replied, in his droll Texan aecent, which Jane te unsueeessfally co ignore: “Then she remembered ~ Rife Valk. Tha had becn the snare of that wis disease on the TY she other night, ‘The fone carried by mosquitoes. nv a strange kind of slow motion, the te nature of the work being done at Hunter Prodiucs began © dawa on het, and she realised with sichesing horror that she needed to.ac very fast, 100 Chapter 18 Operation Wasp ‘OK, Povey Jane sal urgently. Listen very carefully. les vitally importane tha we get this sight Udon have time to explain sight noe. Youll jus have to crust ane. UM explain fon the way bick co che staan,” Pate looked at her in surprise impressed by she sudden note of seriousness in her Yes, alam’ he sad, dropping his Texan accent now, as they wale back eo the et “Fire, the factory has to be sealed oll: Nowone, repeat o-one, is co be alloweal in. We nea to set up wad blocks ‘on all the roads ove of Pilton, What we have to do is Bind Jo Keane and Jack Peek, bafore they have 4 ehunce w leave Vikion, We ean get Operation Wasp up and running righe row, with whitever stall weve got available, You arrange that. "Ute wane you to go 10 Jack Peck’ house and if hes there, ares hin” "What far” Pete asked. his eyes wide with astonishment, “The murder of his brosher’ Jone replied, matter of fed "Buc... Fshoughe ie was supposed wo be a woman who didie’ eas, ina way? ‘Bat wy? Whats ieall sou? ‘Case go into it now! Jane said, “TI eel you lates, Anyway, [also want you 19 send someone round Jo vo“The poweriul police Yolvo roared along the country road, is sien sereaming, Somehow Jane did nor care about anything thar might be in her path. ‘The only thoughe in ther head! was 10 reach the disappearing MG. As the lights of the village dew carer she thougit she was gaining ground. She remembered that the village sroets were ‘extremely narrow coming it from this side and there was 2 square, Jack Peck would o tow down theough the village, She called Tete on her mobile phone. “Pete, wisere are you Jock Pock'’s making a run for it, Hes goe WIC Morgan, “Tim becween Buxton and South Healey” Petes vice sounded fant in dhe speaker, “OK. 1 ean sce the til lights nom, Vm catching them up. He knows ftv ali bias and he goings much too Fae through the village, Oh my God, he's jase braked Jane broke offs she could sce the MG begin sles Ie ‘ame roa sudden stop, crashing. agains x stone wl Pece, get here as Fast as yout can, And turn yon seer righe corner just belote dhe vill Around the square in the mille of South Headey lights came on in several upstaits windows and sstonished faces of villagers appeared, staring at the scene below cher, In the dim glow of the steclights; Jane noriced small black shape lying sill on the ground near Jack Pock’s cat, cat, He mas have hits eat She hoped, irvelewanely, shat it was not Rose's cat 4s she moved cautiously towards the MG, the door opened and Jack gor out, holding a gun poined at someone inside the eax Then WPC Morgan climbed out. vos Jack grabbed her and, holding her in fron of inn vith his band over her mouth, shouted, “She gets ie pou come any closet” “OK. TM stop here? Jane said. ‘Where’ Jo" SL don’: know, Fone ear,’ he ssid desperately. ‘I need your ear. You let me go oF IT shoot this young lady here: Jane could see that WPC Morgan was rigid with fear and near co collapse, but Jane needed ro play fr time, “A right, Mr Peck, You win. Boe hefone | make the call, juse cel me his, why dic! you murder your own. brothee* "Move away from your cas” Jack Peck screamed, Jane moved away from het car. Peek approached holding the young WAC In front of ‘Adopted brother’ he corrected her, as if chs somehow mace it bette, “Mervin was fat anyway ‘OK, bute why kill hin Jane insted. Jack adjusced. is Folkd on WPC Morgan, He was beginning 10 ger nervous ‘Mervin sent me a Ketice ftom espital ... Me was wall the authorities what had been going on at his farm winless Fdid something © get him oat of the ness he was” ‘Did Jo ell you co doi? ‘No. No-one tells me what a9 do.” Jack Peck sounded amioyed, "We did i¢ cogetber ..° Jack was beside the police car now. Fogether I hd a feling Jo was the “blonde doctor" siweatening Jack Pec eid ansier, ‘Arent you lover? asked Jane to stall for vime, ‘You and Ms Keane? Just then she sve a movement on tbe other wsside of dhe square bebind Jack: de was Pote. edging quietly closer. Jack Peck walked around the cur and saw the keys weren' i the ignition “Where are the key?" he screamed. “Answer my question first? ‘We were, once upon a time, Now si just business paruers, Nov, the keys! “What kind of business si, Mr Beck, which means thar ‘40 people, Rose avd your brother; aye v0 ic?” “Chie” inspector Honeywell, you'te not stupich IF you ‘ood o make sever millon dolls, youd do the same. “OK, maybe I would Jane said. A few mote seconds and Pace would be close enough. So thats why the sheep were side, then, because you were tating ou che Rife Valley sinus on chem? “You're smart, Chief Inspector, PL give you that. Now, would you give me those lye please” he sa in a how voice che gun sill poineed at WPC Morgatis head, Keep going, keep going, Jane cold herself, She hdd up. the keys. "So Mervin war in itr, then? she continue No, He didnt know what it was we were really doing, he wa just supposed co keep visivors away, He did i for the money. Unfortunately, he always had 2 sertble rermpe” ‘So whar was the Sasnon project? Wei perfected a way of using bees to deliver stings shar yous’ Jack Peck said. He added proudly, Te was ry oan invention Then everything happened a once, fame threw the heys fon the grouad iv front of Jack and Jack vained the gum 10% away fiom WPC Morgan for a split second, which gre Pete Fish enough cme co wake hiv move. He came up rapidly behind Jack, grabbed his arms avd bel hem up bochind his back. The gui fll From his hands and. asi hie the ground, 9 buller wns fre harmless inco the ai. Jacke tutered a cay of anger and frustacion. “Jack Peek, you are under aerest” Jane annonineed going vickly up to him and puting a pair of handeutls on bin, “You darie have fe say sunyching, bur it may haem your defence i AAs she finished ceading him bi Magic Pincombe drove up i sights, Tony Relly and police car with Jo Keane ive back wn, ‘We found her driving out of town with her bags packed. and phan ticker wo Argoncing “Wall, sid Jane, guinning wih satisfaction, “Operation Wasp has sung. sil Tony Reilly 07Chaprer 19 Astonishing evil aged cays people imagine when they think of spinggime, one of those days which penple wai forall winter. Only good things can happen on days like this, ene thought, as she stood outside Hancer Pixley, [The sust vas rising ino a eae Me sy, promising 9 day so sainuy and warn shat the exly amorning vist woud soon Fife like steamy off dhe fields. Inv the beatuy of dhe early ‘morning all human cruelty and horror and evil seemed somehow impossible, jst a acupidl joke, bad dream, Chief Superintendenc George Ferguson sas standing beside her, having just arrived. They wore arching several sen in white suits — 3 Army special us from London removing the contents of rhe Hunter Produets tactory and pacing shemy ine whive vam, aban ike co seake you up be night co explain, See these howe?” jane said « George, with a slighty sccrtive si. “There insect eages, widh monitoss thei. ‘Sor ‘You ever heard of Ebols Fever? Rift Valley Fever? No! George sid. What on cath are you talking, "Wy pure coincidence, Jane anor, T saw somethin about them on TV che ochoe night. ‘They're especially tunpleasant viruses whieh have caused epidemics in fica Last night, when we were ealled oat co the brsalcin here «well, suddenly realised sehac Hunter Produces were ‘ap to [contacted MG in London and they said they had ‘been watching this campany for some time. Until now ihey've had no firm evidence 1 go on! So what ame hey up 19? George asked, looking catremely confused. “Will, akvough Haneer Produes do make agrieularal cies, thas just 4 cover, Theie ‘nin business biological warfare and in particular, the ‘ase of inexts as carries of deadly diseases, What more, they were about 9 espa thet pray ileal w 3 chemicals and animal country which hss a eather violent ruler ‘Anyway, MIG will now have all the proof they neod. suppose,’ Googe said, that none ofthis is ao be made public? “M16 would like i to remain top seeret, yes. "The genera public cannot ponsioly be allewed co get che slightest sbispor af ahae this company was doing, Anyway, its more tha likely thas no-one except the managing ditector and the scicotife direeror ~ Jo Keane and ack Peck, that ig ~ knew what the company realy did The other employees probably chagh they wore making vaccines” Jane, tn proud of yon,’ George std IF you'll excuse me sit, Ive gue 2 ananer cde 40 wrap up! She smiled. "We nee to ensure chae the people in charge of this business go t prison fora tong whi ‘Well, comie om then, malam, Pee said afer Jane and be had inverviewed fuck Peek and Jo Keane and then changed them with murder and conspiracy. However did you workKeane’ house bing her in as well, Well just have to hope thar ehey haven't decided 1odisappsatalvady "Bar woulda they want ro came hers, ea look at dhe damage to sheir fcto0y? Pee aed. "Well, iF Tn sight, hey wont beahes, They ll want v0 gee righ avay as fasta hey posibly can’ Jane wpe ‘As soon a they aurived back 2¢ Pilon Polis Setion, Jane placed anv urgent caf» MUG in London. She Id just Finished when Pere came back w0 say tha he: fad se up me toad blocks, and that he vas now going to pick up Jack Peck. ‘Tony Reilly and Maggie wore going to ger Jo Keane. A fey momenis alter Ree hal disappeared, a police constable on dy at the Lctosy ean Ob a, ene wh Jane asked hen pessimitcally, Whar vould have gone wrong So quickly? The constable informed her lise 190 peopl man ane! yeas, al apsved se dea: ke co fe inside, He had cold dherm no-one wis to be allowed in the fictony-and shey hal heme ther ange ‘What did they de? Jane asked hin."Have they gone?” "Yes, natam. They wene off ja something of a huey” “Did you ger se ear rgissraton? "Yee, ma'am. An MG spore: ca, P agistraion, “Good lad Jane told him. She went quickly wo the rio reom wo send ous an order to all the road blocks 10 sop the MG if jt sppeated and arese dhe ascupans on sighs No sooner ad she had finished thie anocher message “FC Did Plumb speaking, mefam. ('m on the South Healey road out of Pilon. Tin afaid we've gon a sighily 1m avlevand sitwavion Were’ PC Plumb voice sounded "What snuaion, Dik?” Er... wal, we stopped a eran who then pulled our a fun. He ken WRC Morgaty the new'oflices, He says hres ging to shoot her iF we dont fee him chrough. 1 ppowame its Me Peck” OK, Hay on my vay. Try and keep him aking will you? Whatever happ She picked yp the oieraphons to send oue anexher doi Ie han dive of, you hear?” rnoay imme dnd Mock wi 0 ead re Sent ay ra Then sing phoned Pete Hn and NMagge aml oll thaw to coat ae sod fons Sou Taye axe hen vn oe ur und Vn hee a secu oe PC Pur ad {UC Mogan a ben stationed Ariing the roa ck klfny bewesn. South Lie Din Joe wt brid wn the gh of hr cn ut Pn sting on the gone Tein eit hisx ling bs he Bod cee te ping down xe, {Sk nse Ron ran winds Where a esol he? “in Ck ats ja sure wont Ba hs ot SEC Moran tant Psk dg Be in and vache eye ed wep Hn, Thee go ihr way" Die Pans paved es ey. Thc ne mateo he how fe aighs ig tov he ogg lige Sut Healy She might Jee esblowadh tan hyic all our? How did you know ie was Jaek chat murdered Mervin? Female inition? ‘Ne, Pete Jane replied wich gente irony in her voice “Ie yeas actually something you stil the other night, About visher Jack and Susan Pevk boul being in it eoyerher or wot tall | realise dat there could have been «wo. people at rhe spies WPC: Morgan was antacked from behind, 30 someone ese could have eome from out of the service lilt while she so-called doctor kept her xcupi Then | saw Susan Peck last night, Irscems Jack had made her promise nor 1o ell anyone that he ws one of the house until well afeer milnight om Saeardey night, She tive know what hed been doing, but when he came in she noticed shat he stl, He probably jase sme: of some chemical, but she was eonvineed bed! byew with another ‘woman, She wasn't going « provide his with an alibi just s he could be with someone eles. That, che eld ine, was iad. She witha th him. Shes hod ene and she going to divorce 1 el sorry for thar wouran,” Pee remarked, ‘She wasnt dhe only one to sulle,” ane porinted ou, He seems to have hal no conscience at all. He exploited Rose Canter quite heutlesy, and Mervin hecarne a a gneve, ‘guinea pig lor his vil espetimenrs Thete’s something | dot underssand,’ Peee said, “fick aust have known about Rose’ iewerest in anita rights, Westie rather dangerous tively her i his rseateh? ‘Youre tight” Jane replied. “He admigeed ic was a stupid mistake. He and Rose knew each ether fom collage dys 9 he helped her cura bit when she fire moved here by her some work, Mer a while dey seated to have an 10 aii and. then when they needed someone wo 40 the sutisisl won on Rit Valley someone ouride dhe fet Th gave tt her He though se woul! jsc accept ihe Cold er that they werent using anienals For exponen Jemoeninete hee cuced kas brs vile Appanit te Iie he was deveopeng yaecins for diseases in A “Then con ihe ‘Thursday before she died, she got bi aalmie hae he did test some of his prodaces on tina They had a big argaimene about isn she sid he waned rothing, ore te da with him. Anyway. she must have fuesed tha some of the experimen anlials were Hepes Chicdetien Farm? " the team listened in shocked silence, Despite her delight an the succes ouconve Jane now began «o fe sera Sometimes het work revealed aspecis of human nue thee she fond hasd 19 cope with, Pople were expible of stoning cil Surprisingly, this had ene ou be as tfue in this sleepy country place, where families broughe their dildcen for holidays, where psople came © «ope the presanres oF hig iy hf twas in acy enviroment Shell w emiad opel he work se a helped © eeover some ofthe bad chings 2 preweat mone oF them eeuring. Tete? she'sidy standing up, “m going home. Te been upall aighe, Vn eshausted” 1M deve you shal? he asked Nes, plans, she answered Siting in Petes car outside Ker Rat, she suddenly sid moe wan. 1o be alone just tows Ske needed company. barman ccpany, Julian the cat was not sulficient, And she Fl ike cooking nShe wok «coin out other bag and drew i up in the aie ‘Wha are you doing” Pete asked at she coverad the coin wie her hand. Heats, she wonld ask him, salle che vwoukla's She unoovered he coin, leas head "Do you fiver a curry? she sid 1