Evanly Bodies - By Rhys Bowen Page 0,78

of. And her brother is in the clear at the moment. So it's quite possible those Muslim boys are guilty of nothing more than a natural suspicion of the police, and we don't want to stir up further trouble."

"So now you're telling me this whole Muslim plot idea was a load of codswallop?"

"I'm afraid so."

"You know what, Evans? You're more trouble than you are worth. I'm asking for you to be transferred out of my unit as of now."

"You do what you have to, sir. But I've only been throwing out suggestions, trying to come up with connections, not presenting you with facts. Now I'm presenting you with a fact. I'm suggesting, with respect, that you bring in Missy Rogers right away, after you've called Wingate."

"So now you're saying my first instincts were right and it was cherchez la femme after all?"

"Yes, sir. I believe you were right all along." Those were probably the hardest words he had ever had to say.

"Hmmph." Bragg gave a pleased little snort. "So do you mind telling me what has made Hercule Poirot change his mind again? What brought you back to Missy Rogers?"

"Call Wingate first, sir. We don't want a race riot around here, do we?"

"No, we bloody well don't. Let's hope I'm not too late."

Evan stood in the street and waited until the phone rang again. It seemed like another eternity while sparrows twittered in the hedge and a mother came past, pushing a pram, while a solemn two-year-old pushed a replica doll's pram beside her. At last his phone rang.

"You've got a lot to answer for, Evans," Bragg barked into the phone.

"Did you get to Wingate in time?"

"Wingate was still at the Muslim lads' house, luckily. He said he sensed they were not going to come quietly-a lot of talk about lawyers and civil rights and all that guff. He was just about to call for backup. So now we look like pansy boys, and those kids are smirking all over their faces, thanks to you."

"Look, I've said I'm sorry. And you have to admit that I did present a credible connection between the three cases. The only one we'd come up with to date."

"Only now you've got a better connection, is that it?"

"It seems that way, sir. In fact, yes, I'm sure of it."

"So do you mind telling me what great detective work you've been doing behind my back so that I don't look like a complete fool when Missy Rogers arrives?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you anything, sir. I've been sworn to secrecy."

"Sworn to secrecy? What bloody game are you playing now? Did you always go in for this kind of dramatics?"

Evan took a deep breath. "I'm afraid I can't tell you anything more at the moment, sir. I'm just asking you to trust me."

"And why the bloody hell should I trust you?"

"No reason at all, sir, but I really think I've got it right this time."

"And you can't tell me what it is?"

"Right."

"Go and boil your head, Evans. I'm too old to play games."

"I am not playing games, sir." Evan heard his own voice rising dangerously. "I've been put in a difficult position, and I've given my word not to reveal any details."

"So exactly how am I going to interview Missy Rogers if I'm completely in the dark, Evans? Or did you plan on questioning her yourself, making me look like a fool and getting the glory for yourself?"

Evan felt the blood pounding in his temples. "Let me set one thing straight, sir. I have never wanted glory. I don't want the bloody glory now. But if you bring Missy Rogers in, and then do what I'm going to suggest, I rather think she'll tell you herself."

"And she's going to do that?"

"I believe she might, if she's taken off guard."

"Taken off guard?" Bragg was beginning to sound like a parrot. "Did you always dictate like this to your old boss?"

"Only when I was sure I was right."

"So you're sure you're right now?"

"All I can say is that I have finally come up with some proof that Missy Rogers wanted her husband dead."

Bragg sighed. "I suppose I'm going to have to trust you. If it backfires, it's your head that's going to roll, I can tell you that. And if the Chief Constable hauls me onto the carpet about picking on our Muslim brothers, you can bet your life I'll let him know that it was all your idea, based on misinformation."

"I understand that, sir. You do what you