The Empress Holds The Key Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 2 Gabriel Farago

‘But that’s not why I called you. It’s what we found under her body you’ll find
interesting,’ said Will, barely missing a smouldering tree trunk.
‘What is it?’ asked Jack, frowning.
‘Wait and see. We’re almost there.’
A shiver raced down Jack’s spine. Often the best stories found him in the most unlikely
places. He was wondering if he was heading for just such a place.
What was left of the body of the young woman was covered with a wet tarpaulin. A
group of dejected looking fire fighters stood next to it, staring into space – waiting.
‘The police chopper’s on its way,’ said Will. He guided Jack through the smoking ruins
of the cottage towards a brick chimney leaning precariously to one side – the only
structure still standing. The corrugated iron roof had collapsed and all the walls had burnt
to the ground.
‘That’s what we found when we moved the body,’ said Will, pointing to a small green
tin lying in the rubble next to the fireplace. ‘I think it was hidden somewhere inside the
chimney – that’s why it hasn’t buckled.’ Will cleared away the ash next to the tin with the
tip of his boot. ‘We’re supposed to leave everything just as we find it,’ he continued,
lowering his voice, ‘but, well, you know how it is ... curiosity ...’ he said, picking up the
box and opening it. ‘Here, have a look at this.’
Jack stared at a sepia photograph, slightly singed around the edges but otherwise
undamaged.
‘A bit brutal, wouldn’t you say?’ said Jack, holding up the picture. ‘He’s only a kid, for
Christ’s sake.’
Will pointed to the back of the photo. ‘Look, there’s a date here – November 1944.’
‘Anything else in the box?’ asked Jack.
‘Yep. All this weird stuff here, look.’
‘Interesting ...’