8 #MysteryCaller

BBC News @BBCNews

US police confirm they are treating the sudden death of television presenter @BryceTripleB as homicide.

‘Who is this?’ Captain Sorrell demanded as he answered Horrigan’s iPhone, which he held in his latex-gloved hand to make sure he didn’t contaminate a potentially important exhibit. Bryce had long since ditched Connor’s contact details so it was just a random phone number that flashed up on the screen.

‘It’s Connor Presley. I’m a reporter from Scotland.’

‘Well, this is Captain Sorrell of Baltimore Homicide. Call my press department. I’m trying to run an investigation here,’ the irritated detective responded.

‘So it’s true, then?’ Connor asked.

‘Yeah, it’s true, and now your time is up,’ Sorrell said abruptly, wrapping up the call.

‘Of course. But you have my number on Bryce’s phone now if I can be of help,’ Connor said, trying to keep the cop on line as long as possible.

‘Yeah, you and every other person who’s called.’

Connor detected a slight softening in the weary detective’s tone. ‘If you don’t mind me asking, why did you answer my call?’ he asked politely.

Sorrell sighed heavily. ‘Because your name didn’t flash up. Just a number. Yours and two others.’

‘Who were the others, captain?’ Connor asked, sensing he was onto something.

‘Wouldn’t I love to know. They hung up,’ Sorrell snorted.

‘Listen, I worked with Bryce back on his first paper in Scotland. So if there’s anything you need to know…’ Connor said helpfully.

‘We’ll see,’ Sorrell drawled, before the line went dead.