Chapter 13: Snakes and LaddersIt was a fifteen-minute walk from the police station to the Red Herring—Hook, Linke, and Sinker, but only a six minute sprint. Simon wasn’t even out of breath when he arrived at the pub a little after five.
Conolly must have seen him approach, for before Simon had reached the door it opened, and the massive man greeted him. He moved sluggishly, like one too tired to bother, and he wore faded sweatpants.
“Forgot to take the bins out yesterday, didn’t I. But I figure, it’s just as well. I prolly wouldn’ta found the purse otherwise. I’d just have thrown it all out blind and good riddance. Here it is.”
Simon had followed Conolly inside, where it reeked of alcohol still and of the absence of people. On top of the bar lay an understated brown leather purse, not u
