‘Mercifully, no,’ Manolis replied. ‘Have you?’

Kerr shook her head solemnly.

‘Look, the way Molly died is absolutely important, I’ll give you that,’ Manolis continued. ‘Clearly stonings are a form of punishment in some cultures. But I can hardly go up to the detention centre and arrest everybody based on that reasoning. And, as I said, given the number of addicts in town, it could just as easily have been some random, drug-fuelled attack. Meth gives its users insane strength and hyper-aggression, a wicked combination. So I want to make that clear, and I want you to make that clear to everyone you speak with if it helps keep the peace. This is not a witch hunt. Is that understood?’

The constables nodded slowly.

Sparrow exhaled and scratched the back of his head. ‘I still reckon we’re wasting our time. She wasn’t beaten or stabbed. She was fucking stoned to death. Am I the only one who thinks that’s a big deal…?’

‘It is significant, I acknowledged that,’ said Manolis. ‘But experience has taught me to not jump to conclusions. Now, I’m led to believe that Molly may’ve been involved with a number of men. More suspects make our job more difficult. And adding to that, we can’t enter the detention centre easily.’

Kerr thought a moment. ‘We can request entry if we’re investigating a crime. But we can’t just go up there making wild accusations.’

‘That wasn’t my intention,’ Manolis said, proffering his notes. ‘We need something firm, a lead. So, with all that in mind, here’s my plan…’

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

MANOLIS CHARGED a disgruntled Sparrow with the task of chasing down Molly’s phone records and supposed suitor, Joe Shrewsbury. Her workplace, home, computer and the morgue would all come later. The school was closed for a second day anyway, the children having been offered counselling for the loss of their teacher. In the meantime, Manolis would accompany Kerr to meet with seventy-six-year-old Ida Jones before her gin took effect.

Before Manolis left, he offered Sparrow an olive branch in the form of a cigarette. It was freshly rolled, thick and straight, one of his finest. He was genuinely disappointed to give it away but thoroughly wanted the young constable to have it. Sparrow stared at it for a long time before snatching his cap and trudging off. Manolis watched Sparrow walk away, the unwanted gift still hanging from his fingers.

‘Ida’s actually a friend of my mum,’ Kerr told Manolis as they prepared to leave.

‘They’re of the same vintage?’

‘Roughly. Same level of intolerance.’

‘Were you looking after her yesterday?’

She exhaled, exposing her heavy heart. ‘It’s not easy.’

‘You live with her?’ Manolis was careful not to mention Kerr’s fiancé.

‘She lives with me.’