Czech Mate Read Free

one lurking or hiding. We’re having to let the kids go home, but we’ll take statements from the organizers and helpers tonight. They’re waiting in the main hall.’
    At that point the paramedics prepared to leave with their stretcher. There was general movement to clear a way for them. It was then that Tom recognized Charles Clarkson, the doctor SIB had crossed swords with on a case back in April. He gave Tom a frowning nod in response to his greeting.
    â€˜You’re mighty quick off the mark, Mr Black.’
    Stiffening at the underlying suggestion that he was some kind of ambulance-chaser, Tom said, ‘My three girls are here for the party. The eldest called asking us to collect them. They’re upset.’
    â€˜Understandable. My boys found Kevin and raised the alarm.’ He managed a semi-apologetic smile. ‘It looked worse than it is. They all see so much violence on TV, kids see drama everywhere. Goodnight.’ He clattered down the stairs leaving the two police officers with raised eyebrows. Clarkson’s brusque manner was well known, but he was a first rate doctor.
    Sergeant Maddox said, ‘I guess we’ll be handing this one on to you, sir.’
    Tom gave a sour smile. ‘A gift to welcome us to our new headquarters.’
    Weary and aching after his heavy day he went down to the hall where the party had been held. The floor was strewn with paper plates and cups, coloured streamers, paper hats, squashed biscuits and sponge cake, overturned chairs and burst balloons. Here and there lay a forgotten fairy wand, a space gun, a wooden sword, a paste tiara and one pair of tiny pink ballet shoes.
    â€˜ Dad! ’ A shepherdess, a ghost and a Roman centurion ran to him, followed by Nora.
    â€˜There’s nothing to worry about,’ he told them comfortingly. ‘Kevin has gone to hospital. He’s going to be OK.’
    Eight-year-old Beth, the most clingy of the trio, buried her face in his waist. ‘The Clarkson boys said he was all bloody and dead .’
    Tom put his arm around her. ‘Major Clarkson has just told me Kevin was merely unconscious. He’s a doctor, his boys aren’t.’ Glancing at Maggie, who looked very pale, he said, ‘You were right to call me. Well done, sweetheart.’
    â€˜Are you going to find out who did it and why?’ asked Gina, the practical one.
    â€˜Right now I’m going to leave Sergeant Maddox and his men to do the essential work, while I go home and wolf down the lovely dinner I left uneaten on the kitchen table. Come on!’
    Nora shepherded the girls to the kitchen for warm drinks while Tom telephoned Max to give him a run-down of the situation. By that time Maggie, Gina and Beth were happy to go to bed. Thinking longingly of his meal and a quiet time with Nora before they went to bed together for the first time in two weeks, Tom kissed his daughters and gave each a reassuring hug.
    Beth looked up at him tearfully. ‘I wish I’d never gone to that horrid party.’
    â€˜I know, pet, but it’s all over now.’
    â€˜They were about to start the parade to decide who should win the prizes for the best costumes when those stupid Clarkson boys rushed in and told awful lies. Now I’ll never know if I won, will I?’
    Tom glanced across at Nora. The resilience of youth!
    Max slept badly, then woke initially unable to work out where he was. The clock radio beside the bed showed 06:45. It was still dark outside the window. He sat up and disentangled his legs from the duvet he had grappled with during the night. There had been a double bed in his room at Frau Hahn’s rambling house, so the duvet had rarely ended on the floor. Last night he had once even landed there himself. Single beds were not designed for large, restless men like him.
    He made a mug of tea when he really wanted coffee, but the tea bags were in sight. The coffee could be anywhere. Sitting in a chair