No Tears for the Lost Read online

  Riley wondered if this was Weller’s way of giving official clearance on the story. For some reason she trusted him. For a policeman, he seemed straight and uncomplicated. ‘As long as I get approval to publish.’

  He shrugged. ‘Don’t see why not. Somebody has to. As long as I get my photo in there for the grandkids, of course.’ He grinned wickedly and waited for her answer.

  ‘I’ll email it to you.’

  He nodded and walked to the door. ‘We found the guns you mentioned, by the way. The automatic is a MAC10 – a nasty little weapon. It doesn’t shoot, it sprays. We’ll need your fingerprints, just to eliminate you. Good job you mentioned them when you did, otherwise my superiors might have their suspicions about your involvement. Take care, now.’

  One day, Palmer called and left a parcel for her, then drove away again. She took it off the doorstep and opened it. And smiled.

  It contained an identical new jacket and a blue cotton shirt, to replace the ones spoiled at Colebrooke. There was also a note.

  I know all about favourite jackets. FP.

  John Mitcheson came and went at intervals. He had invested in a new car to replace the Land Cruiser, which he claimed had been mysteriously stolen the day after the firefight at Colebrooke, and was unlikely ever to be recovered. She didn’t believe a word of it, but decided it was probably a good thing.

  They ate out occasionally and stayed in sometimes, which didn’t please the cat. It would sit and stare at Mitcheson, and he tried to out-stare it back. The two of them stayed like that for a long time.

  The cat usually won.

  Gradually, Mitcheson’s visits became fewer as work intruded. She missed him at first, wanting the nearness and strength of his presence. Then she realised that his absences were growing longer… and the missing became less. She began to recognise that something intangible had changed between them. She wasn’t sure if it was Mitcheson or herself.

  Neither was she sure what to do about it.

  But it gave her a chance to think about the events of the past weeks, and what lay ahead. It helped being able to write it down. In doing so, the shadows and stark images began to recede, like fog slowly dispersing.

  When she sent the file to Weller and received a brief ‘OK’, it was with a feeling of relief.

  The last thing she did was to send an email to Tristram/Jacob, telling him it was all over.

  She received a one-word reply:

  Justice.

  END

  The next book in the series: NO KISS FOR THE DEVIL

  When a young woman’s body is found dumped in the Essex countryside, Riley Gavin recognises her as a former girlfriend of Frank Palmer. For ex-Military investigator Palmer, accustomed to death in all its forms, this is not something he can leave to the police. This was the brutal murder of someone he was once close to.

  And he knows of only one way to deal with it: find the killers.

  Riley, meanwhile, is preparing a profile of controversial international business mogul, ‘Kim’ Al-Bashir. She soon realises that her investigations are bringing her uncomfortably close to members of the Russian mafia, who will stop at nothing to destroy Bashir… and anyone who happens to get in their way.

  And that’s when Riley and Palmer find they have both stumbled onto something truly deadly…

  PRAISE FOR ADRIAN MAGSON’S WRITING

  NO PEACE FOR THE WICKED (Gavin & Palmer 1)

  "...a real page turner... a slick, accomplished writer..."

  Reviewing The Evidence

  NO HELP FOR THE DYING (Gavin & Palmer 2)

  “Gritty and fast-paced detecting of the traditional kind, with a welcome injection of realism.”

  Maxim Jakubowski – The Guardian

  NO SLEEP FOR THE DEAD (Gavin & Palmer 3)

  "As with all Riley Gavin & Frank Palmer stories, action packed from start to finish...touches of humour...guaranteed to keep you reading.

  Monsters & Critics

  NO TEARS FOR THE LOST (Gavin & Palmer 4)

  "This intelligent crime novel... should garner this British author a larger following in the U.S. The crisp writing and fresh characters make this stand out from the mystery pack."

  Publishers Weekly (US)

  NO KISS FOR THE DEVIL (Gavin & Palmer 5)

  "... a gem of a writer. Magson has a unique voice and his characters are unforgettable. If you've not read him before, you need to start right now."

  Crimespree Magazine

  "With plenty of crisp dialogue and tense moments, the plot hurtles forward at a furious clip. A strong choice for all mystery collections."

  American Library Association - Booklist Magazine

  DEATH ON THE MARAIS (Insp. Lucas Rocco 1)

  "...this book captures perfectly the rural atmosphere of France... Littered with characters and oodles of charm, this is a brilliant debut, a great read and terrific fun. Excellent!"

  Books Monthly

  DEATH ON THE RIVE NORD (Insp. Lucas Rocco 2)

  “Adrian Magson is a classic crime star in the making.”

  Daily Mail – London

  “…a darker and subtler novel than Death on the Marais… The novel is ingeniously plotted and works up to an unexpected climax… A thoroughly enjoyable read from an accomplished crime writer… “

  Historical Novel Society

  "France’s answer to Jack Reacher – tall, dark, broad and dedicated to right wrongs. C’est magnifique’!"

  Crime Squad.com - Author of the Month.

  DEATH ON THE PONT NOIR (Insp. Lucas Rocco 3)

  “A series that deserves wider recognition.”

  http://www.crimefictionlover.com

  "Rocco is every bit as strong as Martin Walker's Bruno Courreges... with an authentic sense of place. I'm extremely glad this is a series and will certainly be back for the next."

  Linda Wilson - Reviewing the Evidence.com

  “…a rapid storytelling pace and intriguing collections of characters. The colorful French backdrop and Magson’s attention to the details of the country’s political history are welcome bonuses.”

  J. Kingston Pierce - The Rap Sheet

  RED STATION (Harry Tate 1)

  “The nail-biting suspense, high-octane action, and keep-’em-guessing plot set this book apart from the usual spy thriller, but it’s smart, tough, fearless, quick-thinking superspook Harry Tate who puts it in a whole other league. Superb!”

  Booklist (American Library Association)

  “This is an assured polished piece of writing. Magson lays down the ominous sense of betrayal carefully as anything you’d expect to read in a Fleming or le Carre. So I can’t wait until the next Harry Tate thriller.”

  Shots Magazine

  TRACERS (Harry Tate 2)

  Starred review! “With high-octane action, steadily building tension, and a plot packed with twists, Magson’s second Harry Tate novel suggests the best of Ken Follett or Robert Ludlum but with a touch more substance.”

  Booklist Online (American Library Association)

  “... if you enjoy a well-written, uncomplicated plot free of foul language and gratuitous sex, this is for you. Snog Marry Avoid? Definitely snog. (Harry's) a man I'd like to get to know better."

  The Sun.

  DECEPTION (Harry Tate 3)

  “Well constructed and exciting, with plenty of strong dialogue and plot twists to keep the reader guessing, and probably guessing wrong.”

  Kirkus Reviews

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