Ice Cold Blood

by David W. Millar

  ---oOo---

  Dear Euan

  How are you? I have not heard from you since we had that altercation over my views on homeopathic medicine where your mother tried to belittle my beliefs and hurt my feelings. I do want to make it clear that it was very difficult for me at the time. I realise now that I might have overreacted to the situation and made things very hard for you. It was not my intention to make you choose between your mother and me. I just wanted some support from the person I considered my partner. Despite what you might think, I can see things from another perspective and if you are willing, perhaps we could meet for lunch soon in Edinburgh, or maybe I could come through to Glasgow? I didn’t return your earlier calls because I needed some time to think and work out what was going on between us. However, that was over three weeks ago, so maybe it’s time to build some bridges. (You should be good at that – pathetic joke!)

  I realise you are not your mother, much more open to reason and happy to consider other points of view. I have a holistic approach to life where the whole is always greater than the sum of the parts. Maybe you are the yin to my yang, I don’t know but I think it is worth finding out. As Socrates said, the unexplored life is a life not worth living!

  I miss our climbs together where we are one with the wonderful wilderness that exists in Scotland. Winter is fast approaching and with any luck there will be lots of snow this year for climbing and skiing. I am getting ahead of myself for you may have decided you don’t want to see me again.

  I discussed the matter with my mother who immediately took your side! I know she really likes you, though I am her daughter for fuck’s sake! She is an artist like me though probably more pragmatic. Mum urged me to see a specialist regarding what she sees as mental illness and I have reluctantly agreed to trial a so-called mood stabiliser for three months and see if that has a positive effect. I have to keep a diary and monitor my feelings! Bloody Hell how does that work? What do I write down ‘’Oh, laughed at a friend’s joke so must be feeling happy.’’ That’s great, the bloody pills must be working! Well at least it keeps my mum happy. I tried to tell her that I am not unhappy. She pointed to my reaction with your mother and said that was not an adult reaction. And maybe she’s right? So I thought I might give the pills a go and see what happens. I hope both of you realise what a big deal this is for me since I am against taking chemicals that alter the brain’s chemistry.

  On a more prosaic note my business is doing well and I am thinking of opening an office in Glasgow. Perhaps you would be able to recommend a suitable property. I know you are not a surveyor, but you said you did have contacts in that area. I am not sure about renting or buying and would gladly take advice.

  If I don’t hear from you then I will assume our relationship is over and take this opportunity to wish you well.

  Ellie

  Euan put the letter on the table and sighed. The encounter with Joe Flint had disturbed his equilibrium. At least it wasn’t the police who had come knocking on his door. Although surely that was not far off. It was now late Sunday evening and for the first time in years he would phone in sick on Monday morning.

  He remembered his response on reading the letter, one of sheer joy, having danced round the table punching the air. She had missed him and wanted him back in her life. Yes, her words were full of contradictions, vague admissions of being in the wrong or overreacting, all wrapped up with some over-righteous justifications for her behaviour. He had so desperately wanted to see her it took all his resolve not to phone immediately after he had torn open the envelope and read its contents.

  He wanted her to know that he would not just jump whenever she called. He had been hurt too and that would have to form part of their discussion on how to move forward. His friends had all warned him that he was too eager and too needy. He should be more casual about things and let her do some of the running.

  The fact Ellie had signed up for a course of anti-depressants was hugely significant. It represented a step in recognising she had a medical condition that was affecting her life and needed treatment. It could mean the start of a new chapter in their relationship, but he knew he was so hopelessly in love with her he would have accepted her back under any circumstances.

  The letter had arrived on a Friday and he waited until late Saturday evening before calling her. That had taken a lot of effort on his part and he had gone running that day to take his mind off her. When he eventually called and her answering machine kicked in, he panicked, putting the phone down immediately without speaking. Scared to try again that evening in case it came across as being desperate, he forced himself to go out and have a drink. Then after an almost sleepless night imagining who she was with, Ellie finally answered early on Sunday morning.

  ‘Hi Ellie, it’s me Euan,’ he tried unsuccessfully to sound casual. ‘How are you?’

  ‘Euan, it’s so good to hear your voice. I have missed you so much.’

  ‘I’ve missed you too, I got your letter and…’

  ‘Where are you? I can get a train in ten minutes through to Glasgow if that’s ok with you?’

  ‘Of course it is. We could go for lunch and ….’

  ‘Just pick me up from the station and make sure there are clean sheets on the bed.’

  Chapter 24

  Colin Campbell had authorised more staff to the Ellie Saunders’ case in the form of two detective constables from Glasgow. Tosh knew them both and was pleased with the appointments. He would put their experience to good use. But it was also a reminder from his boss that time was an issue in solving this murder and he needed a breakthrough soon.

  That came in the form of a call that evening to the incident room at Fort William. The caller refused to leave any name and had used a phone box to preserve his identity. He had mentioned the name of a Dr John Serafini who worked at the psychiatry unit attached to Edinburgh Royal and suggested the police contact him regarding the murder of Ellie Saunders. It was one of the detective constables from Glasgow who had taken the call and he phoned Tosh immediately.

  A search on Facebook revealed nothing but Serafini was listed as a doctor at the hospital and further internet searches revealed his position as a psychosexual counsellor who also ran a private practice.

  ‘It’s him,’ Tosh declared to McIntyre.

  ‘Is that a gut feeling boss?’ McIntyre laughed. ‘There’s no police file on him for violence. He’s been married to the same woman, has kids, and not so much as a speeding fine. Now suddenly he’s a murderer.’

  ‘Sex in a snow-hole would fit with a psychosexual counsellor. These guys probably get their kicks from talking about it with other women then it’s a short step to more violent foreplay and then he goes too far.’

  ‘Can we have a couple of pints on this?’

  ‘You bet! There’s ‘nowt as queer as folk’ as my granny always said and working as a policeman has proven that to be right.’

  ‘Well am I getting overtime for a trip to Edinburgh this evening?’

  ‘We’ll go first thing in the morning,’ Tosh laughed. ‘I want to interview him at the hospital and put on a bit of pressure. A police car in the car park when he arrives might give him something to think about.’

  ‘I’ll drive there then, because after lunch and the beer you’ll be buying me I won’t be in any fit state to chauffeur you back.’

  When McIntyre had gone home Tosh glanced anxiously at his watch. Part of the reason for not heading to Edinburgh immediately was the fact that Shona was cooking him dinner that evening, although he would never have admitted that to McIntyre. He was already ten minutes late so he sent her a text to tell her he was still at the station and would be there shortly. Tosh knew Shona would understand if he was late but didn’t want to mess things up at this important stage in their relationship.

  The weather had finally relented that day after their meal in the distillery and they had managed a
short walk. Before that, sitting by the window in the café, he had told Shona everything that had happened between him and Alison. She had listened well without commenting; letting him articulate his feelings with words that were raw and painful, feelings that had festered in his subconscious for years. He was still angry at Alison, that much was clear. She had deceived him, seen this guy behind his back while still making plans to have children and live happily ever after. He spoke of the anguish of splitting up their properties and their savings: the solicitors that were involved, the money it was costing, the time it was taking, his parents’ concerns for him and her parents’ astonishment and dismay over their daughter’s actions. Tosh liked her parents and somehow that made things worse. He was losing them too. Arguments over who ‘owned’ what music, books or furniture broke out. It felt so undignified, and Tosh told Shona that he eventually gave up and let Alison keep what she wanted.

  Eventually, after nearly half an hour, Tosh sat back in his chair.

  ‘I think that’s it.’

  She reached forward, took his hand and smiled. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through all that.’

  ‘People go through far worse.’

  ‘Pain is not relative, you loved her, that was enough.’

  ‘I did. But I’m also sitting here with a beautiful woman who has just listened to me pouring my heart out.’

  ‘Well thank you kind sir. And the sun has just made a rare appearance so maybe we can go for a stroll after all.’

  They walked for about an hour before arriving back at the car. They had held hands stopping occasionally to kiss. Although the sun had little warmth its presence was welcome. After the short drive to her flat Shona invited him in for a coffee. They kissed in the kitchen and held each other for several minutes. But his head was hurting, and both knew this was not the time to make love. They drank a coffee in front of her bay window that gave a panoramic view of Ben Nevis chatting about diverse subjects like football, running, books, rain and the midges that plagued the town in the summer. Safe topics of conversation, but ones that still had meaning and drew them close. It was the most relaxed he had felt in ages despite a tiredness brought on from recounting that painful episode. Eventually Tosh rose from his seat and smiled at her.

  ‘Thank you for a lovely afternoon but I’m surprisingly tired and I have some notes to look at before tomorrow.’

  ‘Come for dinner on Wednesday,’ she had said after they had kissed again at the door. ‘And maybe bring your toothbrush.’

  ---oOo---

  Annabel met Joe Flint at nine o’clock in Edinburgh, having told him by phone that she had secured a meeting with the chief administrator of the clinic. Joe had brought the copy of the scan though was not feeling hopeful. While Ellie might be dead, it didn’t mean they had to release information. His misgivings were confirmed by the body language of the woman who met them at reception before escorting the pair to her office.

  After she had introduced herself as Mary Simpson she turned to Flint and said pointedly, ‘I believe you were here last week looking for information regarding a previous client of this clinic and had to be asked to leave.’

  Flint nodded contritely. There was no point in creating further antagonism. ‘Yes, I’m sorry about that, I was a bit upset.’

  ‘He was given a scan of an unborn child and he might well be the father,’ Annabel informed her. ‘It’s had quite an effect on him.’

  ‘And your connection in all this?’ Mary Simpson asked while raising her eyebrows.

  ‘I was Ellie Saunders’ closest friend.’

  ‘You are not a family member.’

  ‘No, I am not. I’m just here to support my friend and see if there was any information you could give us regarding Ellie.’

  ‘Since Ellie Saunders was murdered, it is a police matter and they have not contacted us yet. It might be precipitate of me to divulge information to anyone at this point in time.’

  ‘Yes, that’s true. I’ll contact the detective inspector dealing with the case and tell him about Ellie’s pregnancy. It might turn out to be significant.’

  For the first time during the meeting Simpson relaxed. ‘You have both been interviewed by the police then?’ When they nodded, she continued. ‘This goes against all my better judgement, but do you want to tell me what information you would be looking for?’

  Joe told her about that meeting Ellie had set up all those years ago and how he had cancelled at the last minute; her angry response, breaking off contact and her subsequent journey to New Zealand. When he had finished Simpson sighed before taking a file from her desk drawer and opening it in front of her.

  ‘Why I’m doing this I don’t know. I’m not even sure if I’m breaking any law but perhaps I can respond to your questions indirectly, although I really don’t have a lot of information. What exactly are you looking for?’

  ‘Did she have another scan here later?’ Flint asked.

  ‘No,’ she replied emphatically before adding hurriedly. ‘Well what I mean of course is no comment.’

  ‘How many times did she come here?’ Flint continued.

  Simpson looked at her notes. ‘Twice.’

  ‘Did she have an abortion here?’ Annabel asked, joining in the game.

  ‘Again, I would have to say no comment,’ Simpson replied with heavy emphasis on the word no.

  ‘Do you have to inform a client’s doctor that they have visited your clinic and are pregnant?’ Flint asked.

  ‘No, I can answer that one easily enough. At all times we are bound by patient confidentiality.’

  ‘XX or XY,’ Annabel raised her eyebrows?

  Y are you asking?

  ‘Thank you,’ Flint stood up followed by Annabel. ‘I appreciate you could tell us nothing,’ he smiled.

  ‘Perhaps I could give you some general information regarding pregnancy before you go.’

  Both sat down again looking confused.

  ‘The effect of being pregnant on the body and the mind is different for different women. If you are on, let’s say, certain medications then you might have to stop this for the duration of the pregnancy. That, along with hormonal changes, can easily unbalance a woman.’

  ‘Meaning?’

  ‘Meaning that irrational decisions can often be made. It’s not uncommon for single women to feel isolated, even ashamed and want to disappear from view.’ Simpson smiled at Annabel. ‘You told me you have a daughter, was your pregnancy all plain sailing?’

  ‘Maybe I got off lightly.’

  ‘Then you were lucky, for in my line of work I meet many women who don’t.’

  ---oOo---

  His wife’s reaction to the news of his involvement in Ellie Saunders’ death was confusing to John Serafini. In one sense it was a relief that she knew and had not immediately left him or called the police. There lovemaking had been intense afterwards and initially they seemed closer than ever. Now Katie appeared to have distanced herself from him, irritated by his questions and annoyed when he asked if everything was all right. They had exchanged angry words at breakfast before she had gone off to work. Maybe the seriousness of his involvement in Ellie’s murder was now more apparent, bringing home the consequences for her and their children if the police discovered he had been with Ellie that night. He told himself it was an act of self-protection on her part as they waited for the most likely outcome of a knock at the door before he was bundled into a police car.

  Their solicitor, John Cummings, was a friend: he and Katie had used him for conveyancing when they had bought various properties over the years. Both had wills drawn up using his company and an accountant who was affiliated to the practice functioned as their financial adviser. Cummings was not a criminal lawyer and Serafini was concerned he might need someone well versed in that area soon. After his wife had left, he called the practice to speak to Cummings’ partner who specialised
in criminal cases. Her name was Andrea McKinnon. Serafini had met her a few times, usually at parties in Cummings’ house.

  ‘John,’ she said after his call was put through. ‘How are you?’

  The accent betrayed her Spanish origins; brought up in Madrid before studying Law at Edinburgh and then marrying a Scotsman.

  ‘I’m fine just now though I might need your assistance soon.’

  ‘That sounds intriguing,’ she laughed.

  ‘Andrea I may need to call you almost at a moment’s notice. I know it’s a lot to ask but would it be possible for me to have your mobile number? I assure you I would only use it in an emergency.’

  ‘Of course, you can have my number. Have you got a pen and paper?’

  She relayed the sequence of numbers over the phone and he wrote them down, repeating them to check he had the correct number.

  ‘John do you want to meet me and discuss anything? I’m due in court this morning but I’m free the rest of the day.’

  ‘Thanks Andrea, that’s kind of you but just knowing you’re on standby will give me some peace of mind.’

  When he drove to work later that morning, he would realise how prescient that call to the solicitor had been.

  Chapter 25

  They stayed in bed most of that Monday morning, Euan saying he would be late in, while Ellie, having the advantage of being her own boss, simply informed the office that she might make it in for around three. The night had been spent making love and both were exhausted. After making their respective phone calls they both fell asleep again, waking in unison to begin another round of erotic pleasure. It was around eleven when Euan got up, Ellie still asleep. He slipped on a pair of jeans and a top, going through to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Mindful of Ellie’s veganism, he kept things simple: just cereal, toast and jam together with fresh fruit. There was a carton of rice milk he had stuck in the fridge overnight that she could pour over her muesli. He hated the stuff.