Eight
Page 27
Massey laughed. “You having a soft spot is almost beyond comprehension. I doubt that you'll ever change in that respect. Have you seen his grandmother since?”
“Despite her fabrications, she's the same sweet, old dear…still believing her own fairy tale. Whenever I visit, I find her just as fascinating and interesting as before. Considering her age, she has incredible knowledge and, despite her foibles, remains extremely intelligent…totally deluded, of course. It must run in the family. Anyway, how are you now? Is the shoulder in working order again?”
He grunted. “Budgets are so tight and manpower resources are at such a premium that there's no room for slackers…needs must. Consequently, I'm back chasing criminals again.”
“What about your mate, D.C.I. Harcourt? Is she still swanning around the planet?”
“I don't know and I don't want to know. I heard that she had transferred to some rural outpost where presumably, she would be less likely to cause ripples. Her superiors severely reprimanded her for her elongated French excursion. On reflection, the Marseille escapade had quite an impact on the lives of several individuals…apart from you, Petra. You always seem to come up smelling of roses.”
“That's life, Inspector…sorry, Chief Inspector. You just have to deal with it. Whatever your fate, accept it and move on. That's my philosophy.”
Massey laughed. “Just think…if the forensic results had been positive…your destiny could have been instant fame and fortune. You may have even become part of the unfolding story if you had stayed with Alexis.”
Petra giggled into the mobile. “Well, I certainly have a good pedigree. I've been swotting up on Russian history. Those Romanovs were a pretty bad lot in their day.”
“You've definitely led a charmed and chequered life so far, despite your criminal background. Doubtless, you'll meet your future comeuppance, just as they did…hopefully, not in such a violent fashion. Anyway, apologies for the disappointing news…it's a pity that the dream is over. I was looking forward to participating in a massive celebration in eight years time.”
There we go again, thought Petra, that number eight just will not go away.
THE END
Eight
8
James R. Vance
January 2011
e-mail: james.rvance@sfr.fr
Other Novels by James R. Vance
Trilogy Series… book #3… The Courier:
In his quest to solve what originally appears to be a mundane case of misplaced baggage involving an innocent student, Detective Inspector Massey is drawn into a complex web of deceit. When a briefcase in London's Waterloo station is found to contain wads of used bank notes, the investigation escalates to a higher level of intensity.
As the mystery unravels they realise that some highly professional criminal activity is taking place. Their enquiries lead them to northern France, resulting in the discovery of cleverly executed smuggling activity. When two suspects are assassinated in St. John's Wood and Primrose Hill, a murder hunt ensues in tandem with their ongoing investigation.
Further revelations indicate the awesome possibility of a potential bio-terrorism threat, resulting in personal problems for both the inspector and his sergeant. In opposition to accepted procedures they enlist the support of the criminal fraternity to prevent the infiltration of bio-chemical components into mainland Britain. To their horror, they learn that their actions have been thwarted. Decisions, putting lives at risk, have to be made to stop the destructive forces of evil.
Trilogy Series… book #2… Killer Butterfly:
After visiting a fortune teller at a May fair, a teenage rebel sets out to fulfil her destiny of fame and fortune together with its associated materialistic lifestyle. The story centers around Petra, and the want to free herself from her perceived dysfunctional family into a world that opens her eyes to the power of her own femininity whilst striving towards her ultimate goal.
Just like this novel is part of a trilogy, the story can also be divided into 3 parts - each one symbolised by a stage in the life-cycle of a Butterfly…
Part 1. Chrysalis: Petra's future is influenced by the people who share her formative years.
Part 2. Metamorphosis: Traumatic events change Petra's life forever.
Part 3. Imago: Petra fulfils her destiny but not as she expects.
As she searches in vain for her prophesised fame she becomes the victim of the evil face of humanity.
Trilogy Series… book #1.. Animal Instinct
The discovery of the naked body of a young female on a waste disposal site, prompts an immediate police investigation into a murder and possible rape enquiry. Detective Inspector Massey is the investigating officer. Working with a close-knit team in a town containing a number of renowned criminals, he expects to bring about a speedy conclusion to the case.
Strange evidence, D.N.A. discrepancies, and other conflicting results from forensics finally lead the investigation team in an unexpected direction. Despite a preponderance of circumstantial evidence, eventually they arrest and charge a prime suspect.
Alarming revelations, which involve a splinter group of the IRA, complicate the situation. Massey uncovers past misdemeanours related to the case, which result in further distress for the victim's family and shocks for the investigating team.