Holy Death

 Detective Inspector Carl West sat at his desk with his hands wrapped around a cup of hot coffee. His head hurt. He wished he’d exercised a little more restraint during the previous night’s celebration of Harry Fuller’s promotion to detective sergeant, and hoped he’d only have to manage a quiet day of paperwork in the office. Detective Constable Lisa Templar was due to join them tomorrow to replenish the ranks of his diminished team and, despite his headache, he was determined to have things ready for her. 

He took a sip of his coffee and started work. He’d only managed to log on to his computer when the telephone on his desk rang. He listened as Operations gave him the details, and then went out into the squad room where, like Carl, DS Harry Fuller was nursing both a cup of coffee and a hangover.

‘You look like death warmed up, Harry.’

‘You don’t look much better, Boss. Hope we’re having a quiet one.’

Carl shook his head and immediately regretted it.

‘Our luck’s just expired. That was Operations. That fire at Gladesview House last night is looking like arson, and they’ve discovered a body in the ashes. Mike Jonas is already there. Grab your coat, we need to go take a look. I’ll drive. You don’t look like you’re up to it.’

‘Thanks, Boss.’