CRIME ON THE FENS a gripping detective thriller full of suspense by JOY ELLIS Page A

denying that, but they never went in for violence for violence sake. They were damn clever criminals, and anyone who managed to stick a conviction on one of them was pretty well thought of.’
    ‘And I’ve no doubt you’ve had your moments with the Leonard family?’
    ‘Off and on over the years we’ve had the odd run in, but I thought you should know what kind of man Archie is before you draw any conclusions about him.’
    ‘Okay, I’ll bear that in mind. So, any idea why he’s here?’
    ‘None whatsoever, but I do know he won’t be behind the violence on the Carborough. That’s not his way, and he has family and friends living there.’
    ‘Right.’ Joseph flashed her an intrigued smile. ‘Let’s go see what the man wants, shall we?’

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    If Joseph had had any preconceptions as to what the godfather was like, they would have been blown away the moment he entered the interview room.
    Archie Leonard sat at the desk, sipping black coffee. Three other empty beakers were lined up on the table in front of him. Joseph smiled inwardly at the understated indication to the inspector as to exactly how long the man had been waiting.
    Joseph did a quick appraisal, and noted a man who would have looked totally at home in a courtroom, but not in the dock. Archie Leonard would have been the one dressed in a red robe and wearing a curled wig. He was straight-backed, good-looking in a greying, distinguished way, and had piercing, intelligent bright blue eyes.
    Nikki strode into the room and straight up to Leonard.
    ‘Archie! How are you?’
    Joseph remained close to the door and silently observed the greeting. He hadn’t been in Greenborough long, but DI Galena was giving this high ranking criminal, the warmest smile he’d seen her stony face produce since he’d met her. And just as surprising, the feeling was clearly reciprocated. Leonard had clasped her outstretched hand in a two-handed grip and was pumping her hand up and down with obvious warmth. There was history here and Joseph wondered what the hell it was.
    When Leonard finally let her go, he sat back down, and drew in a deep breath. His gaze then whipped round to Joseph.
    ‘And you are?’
    The voice was deep, and although Joseph wasn’t sure, he thought it held the slightest hint of an accent. He waited for moment, then realised that his boss wasn’t going to introduce him. ‘My name is Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter. I’m temporarily assigned to work with DI Galena, sir.’
    ‘Ah, Joseph A good name. My eldest boy is called Joseph, isn’t he, Nikki?’ There was an almost conspiratorial lift of a thick grey eyebrow.
    The DI chose to ignore whatever that implied and simply nodded. ‘But you haven’t come here to discuss the family, have you, Archie?’
    ‘Actually I have.’
    There was a long silence, then she said, ‘Look, I know that you’d rather eat broken glass than walk in here voluntarily, so it has to be serious. What has happened?’
    The man seemed to shrink, as he said, ‘Lisa Jane’s missing.’
    ‘Your brother Frank’s daughter? The pretty one with the long, dark hair?’
    ‘ All our girls are pretty.’ He looked at the DI reproachfully, ‘but yes, the long dark hair. My lovely Lisa Jane.’
    ‘How long has she been gone?’ She was clearly shocked.
    ‘Two days. She was going to a new club with her friends, but she never arrived.’
    ‘For God’s sake, Archie! Why didn’t you come to me sooner?’
    The man looked excruciatingly tired. ‘ You know how we do things, Nikki. The family wanted to sort it.’
    ‘I know you never involve the Old Bill, but Hell-fire, man, this is Lisa Jane we’re talking about.’ She swung round and looked Joseph straight in the eyes. ‘Lisa Jane Leonard. Nineteen years old. Beautiful. Dark brunette, brown eyes.’
    ‘Small scar below her left ear, and a tattoo of a butterfly on her right shoulder blade,’ added Archie painfully.
    ‘Right. So sit, Joseph, and get down what