Condemned, R.C. Bridgestock [most romantic novels TXT] 📗

Meanwhile whilst the investigative team had been on location at Crownest, and Charley had been updating the Divisional Commander, the additional support staff who had been called upon to be attached to the mounting enquiry had been arriving in the Incident Room. Now, late as it was in the day, it was time for the first briefing.

Charley introduced herself, then her deputy, DS Mike Blake, who sat beside her, before outlining the grim discoveries. ‘Ladies and gents,’ she said, ‘our enquiries are focused on the crime scene, a detached house, called Crownest, that, as many of you will know, has a notorious, bleak past. It was being prepared for demolition prior to the investigation, ultimately to be replaced by several new homes. The house, and land, is owned by JT Developments, and has been sold by Raglan Estate Agents. Several unexplained fires over recent months, including this latest, have been reported at the property.

‘The semi-derelict property was put up for sale by the owners. There was interest from property developers JT Developments – but their plans to demolish the house and build five detached houses was turned down by the council. In recent times it was rented by a husband and wife, Brad and Brittany Dixon, with a view to purchase. I will return to them shortly. And, finally it was bought by Mr James Thomas the owner of JT Developments who were in the process of having the house demolished, by Nevermore Demolition.

‘The fire brigade were called out a few days’ ago to attend a blaze at Crownest. The house and its grounds were secured; Nevermore workmen had been on site the previous day. This fire appears to be a deliberate attempt to burn down the house, as there were several seats of fire confirmed by the fire crew in attendance. I attended the scene, and some time later, the incident was released in order for the demolition work to commence again. The owner of Nevermore is a Mr Joe Greenwood. However, shortly after, and to the annoyance of James Thomas, the owner of the property, work was forced to cease when two sets of human remains were found. Footage taken at the scene, and of the recovery of the human remains, will follow.

‘The human remains were found in two separate parts of the building. The female skeleton is thought to be over 75 years old. The evidence shows that this woman was murdered, and it is our duty to investigate her death, although it is now historical. Her remains were discovered behind a bricked-up wall in the cellar. The second body was found in a concealed tunnel, which was discovered behind the large stone fireplace in the main dining room. The tunnel is not included on the plans of the building. This male corpse, we are led to believe by pathologist reports, has only been there a matter of weeks or months at the most. We found a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

‘The majority of our enquiries will now focus on the murder of the male, for obvious reasons. However, because both bodies were discovered in the same house, we will be conducting our enquiries from the same Incident Room. The tunnel I mentioned has been found to lead to the graveyard at the nearby St Anne’s Church. So, we have at least one murderer at large with access to a firearm. Our priority is to identify who this is, and take the necessary action.

‘In respect of both corpses, we have no information as yet to their identities, and nothing was left at the scene to assist identification, so, further priority enquiries will be to establish who our victims are.

‘I mentioned the Dixons previously as the couple who were the last-known occupants of the building. My question here being, why would you rent rooms in a semi-derelict house, with a view to buying it? However, after reading the intelligence on both Brad and Brittany Dixon, it appears they are known to us for committing armed robberies and discharging firearms, so maybe they had an ulterior motive.

‘It will also be a priority to trace the pair as soon as possible. When we do, I don’t want anyone taking chances. They are known to be a violent couple who have previously spent time in prison. Firearms officers will be brought in if, and when, required to detain these two individuals.’ Charley took a deep breath.

‘That’s a summary, but let’s talk more about the human remains. The female body discovered in the cellar is a full skeleton. There are artefacts in her tomb which suggests a pagan burial. Including this…’ Charley turned to Mike who, held up a piece of paper between his finger and thumb. ‘This pagan dagger.’

‘Did it kill her?’ piped up Annie.

Mike Blake shrugged his shoulders. ‘I doubt we will ever know exactly what killed her, but the dagger stuck in her ribcage is a good start. Her remains are yet to be examined by the experts. Work is underway to ascertain how long she’s been there; the dates of the coins that covered her eyes will be of some help.’

Charley continued. ‘Pagan, for those of you who are unaware, is an umbrella term relating to people who hold religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions, and worship several gods of the Earth.’ The SIO’s tone changed. Her eyes were specifically on Wilkie Connor half-expecting his usual prejudiced remarks that she’d had cause to speak to him about recently, half-hoping he had taken heed of her warning. ‘What I don’t want anyone to do is wear blinkers on this enquiry. We will, as usual, let the evidence speak for itself, understood?’

Wilkie Connor’s mouth turned up at the corner. ‘Indeed we will, ma’am,’ he said under his breath.

‘Okay, for those who have been notified that they will be working on