by Deborah Lucy
‘Like flies around shit,’ she mumbled under her breath as the officers stopped to chat to him, remarking on his tan. She interrupted their conversation to make herself known to him and held the security door open for him to pass through.
She showed him into an interview room and sat at a desk opposite him. Armed with her notes from Caroline Black, despite another long day, she was up for the prospect of taking a statement from Jonathan Silvester. Given what Caroline Black had told her, she masked her distaste for the man sitting opposite her. She managed to smile at him, giving him no clue as to how she really felt about him.
Jonathan Silvester hadn’t seen the inside of a police station before and he had every intention of leaving it as soon as he could. Just how did these things go, he wondered. He eyed Kelly, weighing her up; she was a smart looking woman, who wasn’t even a police officer. He wasn’t sure what he could read into that, but he had contacted a solicitor after her call, who said he would come out immediately if required. He put his mobile phone on the table between them.
‘Mr Silvester, how long have you known Maxwell and Greta Ashton-Jones?’
He confirmed that he and Maxwell had worked together for years and were very good friends.
‘I left piloting for a more lucrative role in finance and investments. I have a few clients, Maxwell is one of them.’
‘Did you know Olivia Ashton-Jones, Maxwell’s first wife?’ Kelly watched him intently.
‘Yes, of course, we were all good friends. I was actually with Maxwell when Olivia drowned in the pool in Riyadh. It was a terrible time. A terrible time both for him and his son, James. And then he met Greta.’
‘How would you describe their relationship?’ Kelly asked.
‘Very loving. She was a very pretty woman and she loved James as if he was her own son. He’s known her since he was five years old. They were a very loving family. Maxwell is shattered by this.’ Jonathan Silvester shook his head.
‘How do you know how he feels, have you spoken to him?’
‘Of course I have. He rang me from Sydney, he broke the news to me. He’ll be back in the country later today,’ he replied.
‘And what do you think, Mr Silvester, of Greta’s death?’
‘Well, it’s terrible, why would anyone want to kill Greta? We’re all shaken by it, really shaken.’
Kelly felt that this was the first sincere thing that Jonathan Silvester had said.
‘When was the last time you saw Greta, Mr Silvester?’
‘Oh, well, let me see, perhaps a week or so ago, perhaps longer. My girlfriend wanted Maxwell to bring back some orchids for her from Singapore. I visited them both to put in my order.’
‘Orchids?’ questioned Kelly.
‘Yes, you can order them from the plane in Singapore, they are very cheap and come in a box of twenty cut stems, very pretty. She shares them amongst her friends and family. The ladies love them,’ he replied.
Kelly could see that he didn’t seem the least bit fazed about being in a police station.
‘I spoke to Greta’s friend, Caroline Black, yesterday, Mr Silvester.’
She paused, deliberately, watching him to see if the mention of her name prompted a reaction. Nothing.
‘She told me that Greta told her you would visit Greta at home when you knew Maxwell was away. She said that you and Greta had a sexual relationship, would you tell me about that, please?’ Think about that, you cocky bastard, she thought.
‘We did have a relationship, a sexual relationship as you say, some years ago, but it was over. I can’t account for what Greta might have said to Caroline.’
‘Did Maxwell know about this?’
‘Yes, he did actually. He was away a lot but not always flying. I mean, he told Greta he was flying, but he wasn’t.’
‘Wait a minute. A moment ago, you told me that they were in a very loving relationship – how does that fit in with you and Greta having a sexual relationship?’
‘Maxwell still remained very fond of Greta. He loved her, she just wasn’t enough for him.’
‘He was having an affair?’
‘Yes, he would go and stay away for a weekend, or a few days with whoever took his fancy at the time. We didn’t exactly have a conversation about it, but I knew he wanted me to distract Greta while he was away, call it an ‘arrangement,’’ replied Silvester, matter-of-factly.
‘How did you know if you say no conversation took place?’
‘He would ring me and ask if it was all right to return at a particular time, ask if we would be together.’
‘Did Greta know this?’
‘God, no. Not about our arrangement, but I think she knew about Maxwell.’
‘Did you ever threaten Greta by saying you would tell her husband of your relationship, and thereby prolong it when she lost interest? Caroline Black says that Greta told her you did.’ Kelly watched him as he answered.
‘The answer to your question is no,’ he replied. He was masking a rising annoyance at Caroline Black, but only just. She was obviously fuelling the inquiries and no doubt was the reason he was there. Fucking bitch. He’d never liked her. ‘As I said, Maxwell was well aware. I was … helping him out, if you like. I can’t account for what Greta had told Caroline. Caroline Black doesn’t like me so I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on what she tells you,’ he said, doing his best at being dismissive.
Kelly continued, trying her best to ignore Silvester’s apparent arrogance.
‘So, Maxwell had more than one affair?’ she asked.
‘Yes. I think it’s fair to say Maxwell likes variety.’
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘Well, he’s surrounded by pretty women at work. He’s a handsome guy, especially in a pilot’s uniform. They fall at his feet, even now, at his age. What’s he supposed to do, turn it down? It was no secret.’
‘Caroline says that Greta suspected that he had another woman – was there any one woman, Mr Silvester?’
‘Look, Maxwell will be back later, perhaps you can ask him that.’
‘But do you know if he had someone in particular?’
‘As I said, you can ask him that question yourself soon.’
‘Caroline Black says that Greta told her that things started to disappear from the house – some of his clothes, he sold a car, a painting – do you know anything about that?’
‘It seems to me, Ms Farmer, that Caroline seems to have an awful lot to say. Look, I’m not going to speculate on what Maxwell has or hasn’t done,’ he said, casually shrugging his shoulders.
‘So if we go back to you, you said that your sexual relationship with Greta ended – when exactly?’
‘Oh, perhaps we haven’t been together for a year or so.’
‘How long was your relationship, would you say?’
‘It went on for a few years. As I said, it seemed to suit all of us.’
‘How do you know it suited Greta?’
‘Look, I did. She was a very willing participant in our relationship if you get my meaning. I paid her attention, I know what women want, know how to treat them. She and I were a good match in many ways.’ Looking directly at Kelly, he said, ‘We had a very healthy and active sexual relationship. As much driven by Greta, as me. Without wishing to be arrogant and crass, she couldn’t get enough of me, she was very demanding. She was a lovely woman, but could also be quite child-like in some respects.’
‘Meaning?’
‘Well, she believed in love and all that stuff. Thought that love and marriage was forever.’
Kelly sat forward in her seat.
‘And you think that’s childish, do you – commitment?’ she challenged.
‘I think I said child-like. What I meant was, it was an innocent take on the world for her to have. When you set your expectations so high … I think she was pretty disappointed when Max started to stray.’
Kelly stared back at him, expressionless.
‘Do you know if she was seeing anyone else?�
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‘I suspect she was. Greta seemed to need a lot of attention. That’s not a bad thing.’
‘And what about you, Mr Silvester, you said you had a girlfriend?’
‘Yes, I have.’
‘Were you with her on Saturday night?’
‘No, I wasn’t. She was at her home and I was at mine.’
‘Were you in all night?’
‘Yes, I was.’
‘Mr Silvester, did you see Greta on Saturday night?’ asked Kelly. Again, she stopped looking at her notes and watched him as he answered.
‘No, I didn’t. I stayed at home.’
‘What did you do?’
‘Probably caught up on some paperwork, had a drink, listened to some music.’
‘It was only Saturday, four days ago. Don’t you know?’
‘Yes, as I said, caught up on some paperwork and listened to some music,’ Silvester replied, slowly, giving her a half smile back.
‘On your own?’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you have keys to Greta’s home?’
‘I expect so … somewhere,’ he replied, vaguely.
‘I’d like us to write a statement now, going through the points we’ve covered, if that’s OK with you?’
‘Yes, fine. I’m only too glad to help, just wish I could be more helpful.’
Kelly and Jonathan Silvester locked eyes as he spoke. She thought of Greta and what Caroline had told her. Now, Silvester seemed to be saying that her husband was complicit in their relationship. Two dead wives and two men. Jonathan Silvester read Kelly’s thoughts through her eyes. He’d need to speak to Maxwell. Seeing Silvester off the premises, Kelly rang Temple’s mobile.
Sitting in the main office at Marlborough waiting for Maxwell’s arrival, Temple was contacted by a PC at the front desk.
‘Sir, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s here to see you in the front office. I know the office is closed but he was banging on the glass doors to get attention. Says he wants to see you.’
‘I’ll come down.’
Temple introduced himself to former Brigadier Anthony de la Hay. Dark suited, de la Hay’s handshake was like a vice.
‘You’re a busy man, so I’ll get straight to the point.’ Temple appreciated his directness. ‘I have concerns about the inquiry you are conducting into the death of Mrs Ashton-Jones at Ramsbury. I live there and I know Maxwell Ashton-Jones, who, as you know, is currently out of the country. The community is shocked by events and want to know what is being done to catch the killer. I’d like to know what progress you’re making and whether or not we need to issue crime prevention advice.’
‘I can assure you that we are doing all we can to bring Mrs Ashton-Jones’s killer to justice and the inquiry is progressing well. I am, in fact, waiting to receive Mr Ashton-Jones here at any moment, sir.’
De la Hay leaned in closer; Temple could smell his aftershave.
‘Spare me the usual well practised bullshit. I’m not a journalist and don’t tell me the crap that’s fed to parish councils and community groups. When do you expect to make a further arrest? I see you’ve already released one man from custody – with what’s going on at Swindon, we don’t want the public to lose confidence in the force or the Chief Constable, do we? I need to know how this is going.’
‘The man you refer to was arrested for theft, as Mrs Ashton-Jones’s car was missing, and released on bail until I am satisfied that he did not steal her car. I can understand that there will be concern in the community, but at this stage, I think I’m looking closer at Mrs Ashton-Jones’s close associates for my inquiries.’
‘Do you have sufficient resources at your disposal? This has affected the local community—’ Before he could carry on, Temple interrupted him.
‘Sir, I understand your anxiety, as you live in Ramsbury, and the concerns of the community. I appreciate your input, but inquiries are at an interesting stage at the moment and I can give you my reassurances that resourcing is adequate for the time being.’ Temple toed the party line, as instructed by Harker, but it was his first direct contact with Anthony de la Hay and he wanted to keep him on side.
‘I have made a press release via my press officer—’ Again, Temple interrupted.
‘The press will be dealt with by me and the Force Press Department, sir, so if you can direct any inquiries to me or to them, I’d be grateful.’
‘If you don’t mind, Inspector, I have my own press department and I’ll issue what I see fit.’ De la Hay was in no mood to be told what to do. Temple quietly persisted.
‘I’ll also be issuing a press release outlining the case so far. If I can take your contact details, perhaps I could keep in touch with you in the days ahead to update you on progress?’ Temple was under no obligation to do so, in fact, de la Hay was overstepping his authority, but Temple knew that by offering to keep him in loop, he might just keep in line.
‘Yes, please, that would be helpful,’ de la Hay replied.
As de la Hay wrote his mobile number, Maxwell Ashton-Jones arrived at the station. They both greeted one another with a long handshake.
‘I can’t tell you how good it is to see a friendly face,’ Ashton-Jones said as he smiled at de la Hay. ‘The journey back was hellish, not knowing what’s going on.’
‘It’s a bad business, Maxwell, terrible. If there’s anything further I can do for you, just call, you know that. I’ve spoken to the Chief Constable and the inspector here and they assure me that the case is progressing well.’
‘Thanks, Anthony. You know what it’s like, when you’re out of the country and you don’t know what’s going on on the ground, you need someone you trust to find out what’s going on,’ replied Maxwell.
‘Any time. Call by at the house afterwards. If you need somewhere to stay, you and James are most welcome.’
Temple got Ashton-Jones seen into an interview room and put his hand on de la Hay’s elbow, as he was about to depart.
‘Am I right in thinking that you’ve already been in contact with Mr Ashton-Jones?’ Temple asked in a low voice.
‘Yes, I made contact with him. We’re neighbours, we meet socially and I was concerned for him.’
‘He’s now a person of interest in my inquiry, so I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t make further contact from herein. Given your position, you might be compromised.’ De la Hay gave a small nod and left the station.
Before going into the interview room, Temple spoke to the FLO, Carrie Smith.
‘What’s he been like, Carrie?’
‘No outward emotion in terms of tears or anything like that all the time I’ve been with him. A couple of deep sighs now and then. He stared out of the window for most of our journey. I’ve told him that the house is still a crime scene and that he and his son will have to find alternative accommodation. You wanted to know how he responded to being told of his wife’s death; the BA guy who gave him the news said that he was really shaken.’
I bet he was, thought Temple.
He went into the room. He’d been waiting to see Maxwell Ashton-Jones for two days and now had the opportunity to eye him up. Maxwell was tall, slim and somewhere along his journey, he had changed out of his pilot’s uniform into an expensive looking suit. He looked like a mannequin. Perfect hair, cleanly shaved and completely self-possessed in his conversation with de la Hay. Assuming he was actually grieving, he was paying great attention to his appearance. Temple knew this first contact was an ideal opportunity to get as much as he could out of Ashton-Jones.
‘Can I first of all offer my sincere condolences,’ Temple said, before outlining the circumstances around finding Greta’s body.
‘You say my wife was found tied to the bed?’ Ashton-Jones looked genuinely taken aback, as he took in what Temple told him. He wasn’t expecting that, thought Temple.
‘Yes.’
‘Do you know yet what happened?’ asked Maxwell, regaining composure.
‘No, but I’m beginning to trace her last known mo
vements. We’ve already conducted a number of inquiries with Greta’s friends and of course, her parents, to try to build up a picture of her lifestyle. If you could add to that picture, that would be most helpful. How would you describe your relationship?’
‘We had a good relationship. You know how it is, we’ve been married for about twelve years now and I was away a fair bit.’ He looked down onto the desk in front of him. ‘I’ll cut to the chase with you, Inspector; if you’re asking was I a faithful husband, then no, I wasn’t. That’s rather difficult, given the nature of the job I do. Was Greta faithful to me, I happen to know she wasn’t. Did I love her, yes, of course. I think we understood each other.’
‘Thank you for being so candid,’ said Temple, realizing that Maxwell had obviously spoken to Silvester and was forewarned as to the potential line of questioning Temple would take.
‘We’ve spoken to Jonathan Silvester and Greta’s friend, Caroline Black. Caroline gave us a picture of her relationship with Jonathan Silvester that he says you knew about and pretty much gave your consent to, would that be right?’ asked Temple.
‘As I said, I am away a lot. A long while ago, I noticed an attraction between Jonathan and Greta and as I have my own “distractions”, I er, encouraged their relationship. I certainly didn’t object to it, no. That might seem strange to outsiders, but these were two people I loved; Jonathan’s like an older brother to me and Greta was just adorable.’
‘Was there anyone else you encouraged Greta to have a relationship with? I just want to get a picture of what was going on here,’ said Temple.
‘No, Inspector.’ Ashton-Jones eyed Temple. ‘Like I say, Jonathan is like a brother to me and so I knew he would treat her well. I realize this might sound unconventional to you, but there it is.’
‘And how did you feel about the relationship between Greta and Jonathan?’
‘As I say, I sort of encouraged it. Look, we were all very close. If your angle is did I feel jealous – no, I didn’t. I’ve no idea why someone would want to kill Greta.’
‘I agree with you that your arrangement is not something that I’ve come across before and I’m not here to judge, just to try and get to the facts. I’m aware that Greta had a medical condition. Could you tell me about that?’
