The Determined Widow (The Matthew Holland Mystery Series)

by Adam Melrose

  Ava put her cup down on the table.

  ‘So, if not the hedge fund, then what?’

  Mr James took a moment. Ava could not work out whether he was still hesitant to share his findings, or whether he was enjoying the theatrics.

  ‘Simply put,’ said Mr James, ‘It’s Mr de Varley himself.’

  Bruno found himself getting a little impatient. He felt at any moment, Mr James would decide against telling them; but he felt if they could just get him started it would be fine.

  ‘Evo? What about him?’

  The journalist recoiled in horror at Bruno’s question. Ava and Bruno gave each other a confused look. What had caused such alarm?

  ‘You called him Evo. You know him personally. Why are you here, what is this? ‘Mr James slid his laptop towards him and began to get up.

  Ava reached out and put a reassuring arm on his. Making clear eye contact with him, she explained in re-assuring tones that they did not know Evo. Just that they had met him once for dinner in relation to the investigation, he said “Call me Evo.” and that neither of them talked to him much during that evening. She explained that for what it was worth, they felt he was up to something, and somehow involved in a murder.

  Mr James settled down.

  ‘Oh I wouldn’t know anything about that, but OK, sorry, I’ll continue. It is just that men like Mr de Varley; they can cause serious trouble if they see you coming for them. I have to be very careful. Truth be told this is my last big exposé. My wife has convinced me to retire; this job is not doing my health any good. Billionaires like de Varley can ruin your life in ways you can barely imagine.’

  A moment of silence ensued whilst Mr James regained his composure. This time Bruno kept quiet and waited. Mr James took a further moment to compose himself before continuing. Then he dropped his bombshell.

  ‘The problem with Evelyn de Varley is that he is a fake – He is someone else’s construct.’

  It was Ava’s turn to look surprised; she had not seen that coming.

  ‘Someone else’s construct?’ she repeated, ‘What do you mean exactly?’

  ‘Just that, he is a front man and a fake as far as being the guy who is genuinely running Chantmarle Capital.’

  This time it was Bruno and Ava that let the silence fall whilst they processed this revelation.

  ‘Whose construct is he?’ Bruno asked.

  Mr James gave a shake of his head.

  ‘That I don’t know.’

  ‘But you know he is one,’ said Ava. ‘How, if you don’t mind my asking?’

  ‘Well I am actually an economist first and a journalist second. My parents are both economists also, so I have grown up around the complex economic theories that someone in Mr de Varley’s position would be aware of. I got to interview him at length once, and when we got beyond a certain level of understanding, he clearly was out of his depth, and didn’t know what I was talking about. I changed tack and went down another route, and again he got lost beyond the basic principles of what I was talking about.’

  Mr James paused to take a drink from his cup.

  ‘It was then that I noticed he had placed his hand in an open bowl of individual sweets by his chair. I swear I saw him look like he was squashing one of the sweets, I wondered if he was just nervous. Anyway, a moment later and a PA appeared in the room, apologised and said something vital needed his attention, and he was ushered out. That was it, interview over. Once he had left the room, the woman returned and very politely, said I would need to leave, and thanked me for my understanding.’

  Mr James paused again for a moment before continuing. Bruno felt he was enjoying the opportunity to present his research to a receptive audience.

  ‘It was then that I had a lucky break. As I got up to leave, I noticed my car keys had slipped out of my pocket, they were lying on the sofa, quite far back; I knew the PA couldn’t see them. I left the room doing my best to chat to her, and make her feel important. Then, as we got to the elevator, I patted my trouser pockets, saying my keys must have dropped out. I headed back to the room. With the PA close by my side, I spotted a water cooler across the office, and began to cough as subtly as I could, and asked if I could have a glass of water. She kindly obliged. The logistics meant I would have about thirty seconds at the most to check out my theory. I moved quickly into the room and grabbed my keys, then I thrust my hand into the bowl of sweets; there was something in there, fixed to the bottom. I looked up and could see the PA heading back towards the room. Quickly, I brushed the sweets aside and there it was. A silver button with the word call engraved into it. Well, that was it, once I saw that, I knew.’

  Ava and Bruno looked at each other again. A level of slight disbelief showing on both of their faces.

  ‘You assumed that button was there so that should he get into difficulty; he could call for a PA to come and get him out of trouble,’ said Bruno.

  ‘Exactly,’ said Mr James with an air of triumph. ‘That is all though I’m afraid. Other than what I have told you, I have no proof. When I called back to follow up for the rest of the interview, they were truly kind and cooperative, but I could only ever get to see one of their senior analysts; and I am sure I was followed for a while, though that is just a gut feeling. Again, I have no proof.’

  ‘That’s alright Mr James, no proof is a concept we have got very used to on this case.’ Ava and Bruno gave each other a knowing smile.

  Mr James began to pack his things away.

  ‘Well I hope that has been of some help, I guess the drink is on you guys?’

  Bruno nodded.

  ‘Thank you for your time Mr James, I think you’ve helped us a lot. It certainly gives us a new lens to look at our investigation through.’

  Ava and Mr James walked out into the street, waiting for Bruno, whilst he paid the bill. Ava thought that Mr James seemed keen to be on his way. Once Bruno appeared, they both thanked Mr James and he headed off in the opposite direction. Bruno stopped dead in his tracks, turned and jogged after Mr James.

  ‘Sorry, one last question if that’s OK?’

  ‘OK.’ Mr James seemed even more keen to be on his way.

  ‘You mentioned that the hedge fund had made some odd investments. Can you remember what any of them were?’

  ‘Yes. There was really only one that stood out. They bought into a company that was involved with the construction of hydroelectric dams somewhere in Europe; Germany I think it was. The only thing that was odd was that they paid way over the odds for it. None of my team or anyone I spoke to about it said they could see how they would ever turn a profit on the investment.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Bruno.

  Mr James gave a nod and in no time had rounded the corner of the narrow street, and was gone. Bruno walked back to join Ava and they wandered back to the car.

  ‘What did you ask him?’

  ‘I wanted to know what the odd investments were.’

  ‘And what where they?’

  ‘Just one apparently,’ said Bruno. ‘An unprofitable investment in a company that specialises in hydroelectric dam construction in Europe; Germany he thinks, but he can’t remember for sure.’

  Before long they were heading back down the Fosse Way in traffic that was just as heavy as on the way up. They sat in silence for most of the journey, digesting and analysing what they had learned.

  ‘So the dam aspect is most interesting isn’t it? I mean it’s all about large volumes of water being moved around,’ said Bruno.

  Ava kept her eyes forward and took a moment to answer; she was considering what Bruno had just said.

  ‘Yes, it is possibly a connection to The Portal. Do you think he is developing some sort of power station there? Some sort of clean tech energy he doesn’t want anyone to know about? Perhaps the Shadow Tides are a bi-product of the process, or occur when something goes wrong?’

  Bruno scratched his chin.

  ‘Yes, I think so. That would make more sense. If they were after the tech from that
dam company, then if it helps them develop some new clean tech that will be worth billions; it suddenly becomes a sensible play.’

  ‘And where better to hide the development of such tech than in an old tunnel. Create a whole back story of folklore to explain away the strange phenomena until you are ready to unearth the tech to the world; making sure you keep a serious advantage over your competitors.’

  Bruno nodded and then looked across at Ava, ‘What do you reckon to the story about Evo being fake?’

  Ava contorted her face a little.

  ‘To be honest, it wouldn’t be the first time the CEO of a company didn’t understand fully what the geniuses below him were doing in his name. It could be his ego stops him admitting as much, especially if he was looking for a puff piece in the paper.

  Bruno agreed.

  ‘Fair point. So how do you reckon Bella is getting on with her crazy project?’

  ‘To be honest I am worried for her. We still don’t really know what we are dealing with here. I don’t trust Evo. If Eva tells him that Bella has been trying to get her to talk, there is no telling what he might do. Hopefully they will have some news for us when we get back to the Operations Room.’

  Chapter 33

  It had taken Bella, Norton and Matt a good couple of hours to get to the pub where some of the team had met Old Fred, and where Eva sometimes worked. Matt and Norton had both suggested that they took a car or a taxi, but Bella said she wanted to look like she was genuinely out for a cycle. She felt that would be more believable for getting Eva to perhaps consider talking to her, and she felt part of that was having a legitimate reason for passing; like being out on a bike ride.

  Just short of the pub, Matt and Norton had hidden their bikes and themselves in a nearby field, just on the other side of the A433. They made sure they had phone signal, and told Bella she was not to hesitate to call them if things even remotely looked like they might go wrong. Matt had further told Bella that if he did not hear from her with a test call within the next ten minutes, they would come over to the pub; because he would take it to mean there was no phone signal there, and she was not safe.

  They watched Bella cycle up to the junction, turn right along the main road and then left into the car park. Matt activated his stopwatch.

  ‘You really are taking this seriously,’ Norton said to Matt.

  ‘Yes, I really am.’

  ‘But Eva is no match for Bella physically, I don’t think there is anything to really worry about?’

  ‘No, but we don’t know who else is there. We don’t know what we are dealing with yet. We have already been caught out once with the Shadow Tide, I am not risking things again. Do you not get that someone tried to kill us, and Stimpson and his men don’t seem in the least bit concerned? They didn’t even pretend to do their job properly and interview any of us about what happened. We are clearly on our own out here, so we need to make sure we leave nothing to chance.’

  Norton wasn’t actually looking for an argument, but he knew when to leave things alone. On balance it was a good idea. Matt had pulled himself up into the squatting position. Norton could tell he was getting ready to go in. The enforced ten minutes were nearly up.

  Matt’s phone rang, he answered it and said ‘Fine.’ He then put it back in his pocket and laid down on the ground again.

  ‘She has enough signal then?’

  ‘She does for now.’ Matt’s tone conveyed he was not at all confident about this particular part of the investigation.

  Now inside the pub, Bella got herself a drink and a menu. She made her way to the small table where the door from the kitchen entered into the eating area. It would be a good vantage point from which to watch Eva at work before making a move. She just hoped Eva would be here today. What Bella had not told Matt and Norton was that she had come here without checking whether or not Eva was working today. Bella had not wanted to show her hand by enquiring, especially as she did not know who she could trust in the pub.

  As luck would have it, Bella was still looking at the menu when the diminutive, hunched figure that was Eva came through a door at the back of the pub. Eva was looking in another direction and it gave Bella a chance to lower her gaze to the menu, and not make eye contact. That would help her with the surprised look she would need to demonstrate when Eva came over.

  After a few moments Eva began to walk towards the kitchen door; Bella panicked and looked awkwardly down at the menu. She mentally kicked herself. Get a grip Bella. She told herself aggressively. You have one chance at this. Luckily Eva seemed preoccupied with something and wandered passed without even noticing Bella’s presence. This is your one chance. Bella told herself.

  Another five or so minutes passed, and Eva came out of the kitchen, again passing by without so much as even a glance in Bella’s direction. Bella’s confidence grew.

  Choosing something from the menu, she got out a tourist cycle guide and spread it out on the table. When Eva came back this time it was make or break; she would lift her head and make positive eye contact with her, and say hello. Remember to look pleasantly surprised, she told herself.

  About five minutes on, she clocked Eva heading back to the kitchens with an order from another couple on the other side of the bar.

  ‘Hello Eva.’

  Eva stopped in her tracks and looked across at Bella.

  ‘Mrs Stone – hello, how are you?’

  Bella could not see any sign of suspicion or concern on Eva’s face. Just genuine surprise.

  ‘I’m OK thanks. I decided to stay on and cycle around the area before I am due back at work. I’m not sure it was a good idea, but the exercise has done me good I think.’

  Eva smiled, ‘Are you looking for something to eat?’

  ‘I am, yes please. The bike ride has left me very hungry.’

  ‘What can I get you to eat?’ Eva pulled out her pad.

  ‘I think I will just go for Scampi and chips thank you.’

  As Eva was writing down Bella’s order and table number, Bella had a sudden inspiration as to how to try and get Eva to engage with her.

  ‘I think,’ said Bella standing up, ‘I will actually sit on that side of the table; then I can look out towards the fields, rather than into the room, what with it being such a great day weather-wise.’

  ‘Right you are Mrs Stone.’ And with that Eva was gone into the kitchen.

  Bella positioned herself on the kitchen door side of the table. Laid out her map, placed her phone near her glass, took out her keys for her flat, and positioned her debit card in just the right spot. It was to play an important part in her upcoming masterpiece, and should do more than just pay for lunch. The scene was set.

  Bella felt good about her plan, especially as fate seemed to have intervened. On the wall to Bella’s left was a mirror that from where she sat, allowed her to see through the small glass window in the kitchen door, and therefore see when Eva was coming. She tried to watch the mirror as carefully as she could; without making the angle of her head too obvious to anyone who may be watching her. The pub had lots of nooks and crannies, and it was perfectly possible someone could be watching her every move without her knowing.

  She saw Eva coming, and could tell she was carrying food. Eva came out of the swing door and Bella could see she was carrying one plate of Scampi and chips. As Eva circled around Bella to set the plate down, Bella managed to accidently on purpose knock the table with her knee just at the right moment, so that her drink spilled all over the plate of food, her map, her purse, her phone and her debit card. The look of surprise on Eva’s face at the instant and unexpected carnage told Bella she had pulled it off to look genuine.

  ‘Oh I am so sorry Eva. That is totally my fault.’

  The drink had started to run towards Bella, giving her the perfect cue to add more drama to the scene by standing up quickly. Now the pint glass that she had picked back up fell and smashed onto the plate, covering the food in shards of glass.

  ‘I am really having a bad
day.’

  Eva was standing looking on, taking a moment to register what best to do. She thought first she should just allow Bella to sort herself out before beginning the clear-up operation.

  Bella had a short window in which to execute the main part of her plan. She scooped up her things including her phone and debit card. Before giving Eva a chance to respond, Bella dropped these items into Eva’s hands. ‘Please would you hold on to these for me for a few minutes and put them somewhere safe. I need to go and wash my hands. I want to make sure I didn’t get any shards of glass on them. These items are my whole world. I don’t want to risk leaving them here unattended, though I’m sure your pub is very safe.’

  Eva found herself taking the items without really consenting to the move; and with that, Bella found her way to the ladies in order to clean up. In reality her plan was to wait for several minutes, and hide in one of the cubicles if necessary. She had watched something somewhere on TV or online, that had explained if you want to get someone to trust you, you first let them to see you trust them.

  Bella was not sure if there was anything to it, but it had sounded plausible when she had watched the video, and it was all she could think to try. Like most things in this investigation, there was little to go on, so she winged it with the only thing that came to mind.

  After what she felt was long enough without beginning to annoy Eva, Bella washed up, made sure her hands smelt of the bathroom soap, and then headed back out to the restaurant. By the time she had got back out, the table had been cleaned up, and Eva was nowhere to be seen. Bella headed towards the bar.

  The barman looked concerned.

  ‘Are you alright Miss? Is there anything I can get you?’

  ‘Just the bill, thank you.’

  She wanted to convey upset, but not overdo it.

  ‘Of course Miss, if you are sure there is nothing else.’ The barman rang up the bill.