Dubious Justice (Justice Series Book 11) by M A Comley

and go from there. I think, initially, it will be a case of pounding the pavement, armed with his photo and asking if anyone can remember seeing him just before he went missing. Let’s hope we find the guy anyway. His wedding is fast approaching. I can only imagine the expense that has entailed.”
    “Good luck. If I can be of assistance, just shout.”
    “Thanks. I’ll tell you what you can do to help right now—either lay the table or dish up dinner.”
    “I don’t mind serving up. I think I’m a little better at portion control than you are. You can go and tell Charlie the coast is clear. I asked her to give us five minutes for a chat.”
    Tony tutted and shook his head. “You mean you were dreading telling me that much, eh? When will you learn, Mrs. Warner?”
    Lorne grinned. “I know. I’m totally dumb at times.”

Chapter Seven
    Lorne arrived at work early the following morning to find AJ already tapping at his keyboard. “Did you sleep here last night?”
    He glanced up and gave her a quick smile. “Not quite. I worked until ten, went home, and came back in at six this morning.”
    “Why? Cold bed without Katy around?”
    “You know me so well. I miss her.”
    “I do, too, if it’s any consolation. Have you heard from her yet?”
    He swivelled his chair in her direction and sat back. “Yeah, her dad isn’t so good. Worse than any of them feared, I think. He’s on all kinds of machines right now. Not sure he’s responding well to the treatment or not. It’s hard for them to tell just yet.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s try and remain positive about things, eh? What are you working on?”
    “I don’t know. This and that. A lot of things all at the same time, really. I keep switching between the CCTV discs to the men’s background checks, hoping that something I’ve missed shows up. No good so far, though.”
    “Don’t be so hard on yourself, AJ. You’re doing a great job. Whoever said a copper’s job was an easy one was a born bloody liar. Nothing is ever cut and dried. You know that, hon.”
    “I know. I’m just used to spotting things that others fail to see. It’s just not working like that on this case. I might dump everything I have and start afresh. What do you think?”
    “I still think you’re being too harsh on yourself. There is such a thing as trying too hard, AJ—”
    The phone on Lorne’s desk interrupted her. She took three strides and answered it. “Hello. DS Warner. How may I help?”
    “Sorry to disturb you, ma’am. It’s control here. I thought you might like to know that a body has been found on your patch.”
    AJ had turned back to look at his computer screen. Lorne clicked her fingers to get his attention then put the phone on speaker. “I see. And where was the body found?”
    “In a car park, close to the river in Wandsworth Park.”
    “I see. Okay, we’ll get down there straight away. I take it the pathologist has been made aware of the discovery and the location?”
    “Yes, ma’am. She’s on her way down there now.”
    “Thanks. We’ll get over there ASAP, the second the rest of the team turn up for duty.”
    Lorne hung up. “I suppose I better try and contact the chief, make him aware. I have a feeling I’m going to get lumbered with babysitting him. I’d much rather have you as a partner but… them’s the breaks!” She added the last part behind her hand conspiratorially.
    “Makes sense to have me here, going through the relevant information, Lorne. Hopefully, something will spring into life soon. I’m still trying to track down one of the bosses of the deceased men to get their worksheet. I’ll focus on making that happen while you’re out and about today, if you like?”
    “Good idea. There has to be something obvious linking these crimes. I’m just hoping this scene doesn’t end up being a third victim. The second the controller mentioned the body was found in a car park, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on