“Isn’t that what you want after such an awful experience?’
“No it isn’t. I want to have a couple of glasses of wine with a good friend and talk about anything else apart from discussing who’s trying to kill me.”
“Well then, I’m your girl. The kids are with their Dad and I don’t go back to work until tomorrow afternoon, so I’ll come over and we’ll open your best bottle of wine and talk about everything apart from the fire.”
“That sounds good to me.” Rachel said, smiling to herself. She was relieved she was spending the evening with Mary and not James. She just hoped he would understand when she told him the next day.
* * *
As Mary Knight drove up to Oakfield Hall she saw two police cars parked up and her heart missed a beat when she saw Inspector Taylor. Perhaps she hadn’t got over her initial attraction to him after all. He was with a couple of other officers examining what she could see was the room which had been set on fire. She parked up near the front door and then curiosity got the better of her, or was it that she wanted to talk to the detective again? Before she rang the doorbell, Mary walked up to the other end of the house. It had been cordoned off and she peered over to try and see what was going on.
“This is a crime scene, Mrs. Knight,” Inspector Taylor spoke. “You could get hurt if you come in. Anything might fall down.”
“I know that,” Mary said, getting a bit annoyed. Perhaps she hadn’t been wrong about him after all. “I was just looking at how much damage had been done. Rachel is my best friend, you know. You need to catch whoever did this. Next time they might actually kill her.”
Saying this, Mary’s anger dissipated and she looked as if she were about to cry Inspector Taylor was surprised to see this soft side to her personality. At the party she had seemed so brash and pushy. Perhaps he had misjudged her.
“Well, of course, Mrs. Knight, we are doing everything we can possibly do to find out who did this, not to mention the other crimes.
He spoke more softly this time and then watched Mary walk away. He was pleased that Rachel had someone with her this evening, but he wished there was mote that they could do. Whoever was doing all these things to her was very smart. He or she was leaving no clues whatsoever.
Meanwhile Mary rang the doorbell and Rachel answered almost immediately. They hugged each other before going into the sitting room.
"I've just seen the mess that the fire did. The police are there looking for clues. I’m pleased to see they’re doing something,” Mary spoke first.
“Yes, Inspector Taylor has been very helpful, but I doubt he’ll find anything. I’m just relieved he arrived when he did and only one room has been destroyed by the fire.”
“Yes, and it’s a good job you took out insurance... So come on, where’s this wine you promised me?”
Rachel smiled. Mary always had a way of cheering her up.
* * *
After about an hour, both Rachel and Mary were a little tipsy. For some reason they had started reminiscing about school and were almost rolling about in laughter when Inspector Taylor came back.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I came through the inside way. I wanted to make sure no damage had been done elsewhere”
“No, that’s fine,” Rachel said, still laughing.
“It’s nice to see you happy for a change,” he said
Taylor couldn’t remember the last time he had actually laughed.
“Oh, we were just talking about things that happened at school, that’s all.”
“Oh,” he said, thinking that there wasn’t much that happened at his school that would make him laugh. “Well, I’m afraid we didn’t find anything useful in our search.”
“I didn’t think you would,” Rachel replied, now looking serious.
“We will be interviewing your family tomorrow.”
“Good luck with that. They must be really fed up with the police by now.
“Well, they are going to keep seeing me until I find out who’s doing this to you.”
He sounded so determined that Rachel was shocked and surprised by his intensity.
He must be very dedicated to his job, she thought.
“It would be better if you weren’t alone tonight as I said before,” the Inspector continued.
“I’m staying over,” Mary said.
“Good. I feel much better now. I doubt if anything else will happen tonight, but I’m certain you’ll sleep better if there’s someone else in the house.”
“Well, thank you Inspector Taylor. I appreciate your help.”
After Rachel had let him out, she came back into the sitting room and Mary was giving her a funny smile.
“And what’s up with you, Mary?” Rachel asked.
“I think that detective is soft on you. I should be jealous really. As I drove up, I did have a fleeting thought that I still fancied him, but I’ve changed my mind. You were right. He’s too dour for me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mary. He does not fancy me one bit. He was just being concerned. Anyway, it’s not saying much about me, is it, if you think I deserve a miserable man?” Rachel asked, but she had a twinkle in her eye. “Anyway, he’s probably married.”
“Or widowed or divorced.”
“But I have James.”
“Who you didn’t ring to tell about your near escape from death.”
“I told you why. Mary, you’re making something out of nothing. I’ll get us more wine and we’ll talk no more about this.”
Rachel stomped out of the room while Mary sat there grinning.
Chapter 10
The following morning Inspector Taylor and Sergeant Wilson went out yet again to interview the Robertson and Nightingale families. Helen was excited and hoped that this was going to be a regular thing; that she was going to be Inspector Taylor’s partner on all his cases.
Inspector Taylor noticed that Helen was again wearing a little too much make-up. It was well applied, but he thought it was perhaps over the top for a police officer and he wondered if he should say something. However, he wasn’t very good with women. He had always partnered men and found it easier.
Taylor’s wife, on the other hand, had been an exception to the rule where women were concerned. They had known each other from the age of five, having been next-door-neighbors and he had always been relaxed with her. However, he found it difficult to talk to all other women, on a personal level anyway.
Taylor did wonder who Helen was attracted to. She was only twenty five and there were quite a few young policemen in the Slough office. It could be any of them. It didn’t seem to be affecting her job so far though. She was always attentive and keen, so perhaps it didn’t matter if she was sweet on somebody at work. He was fine with anything as long as she did her job properly.
Their first stop was Arthur Robertson’s home. Inspector Taylor had to admit he wasn’t looking forward to any of the interviews. He had a feeling they all felt the police were below them and he didn’t like their attitude one bit. How Rachel could be part of such an obnoxious family he didn’t know.
When they arrived at the house, Joan Robertson answered the door.
“Oh my goodness, Inspector Taylor, what can I do for you? Has something else happened? Oh dear.”
“We would like to speak to you and your husband concerning arson at Oakfield Hall last night.”
“Oh my goodness. Is Rachel alright? I hope she’s not dead. Is she?”
“No, she’s fine”
Inspector Taylor wondered why she should ask if Rachel was dead so quickly. Perhaps behind that quiet exterior there was a vicious woman who wanted all she could get.
“Do you think we could speak to you and your husband together?”
“Yes, of course. Do come in. Arthur’s in the sitting room reading the paper.”
Joan led the Inspector and Helen into the sitting room. Arthur looked up.
“Not again. What’s happened now?”
”Somebody tried to burn down Oa
kfield Hall last night... with Rachel in it.”
“Is the house still standing?”
Both Inspector Taylor and Helen noticed that Arthur, unlike his wife, asked about the house rather than Rachel. They certainly were a mismatched pair.
“You’re not interested in Rachel then?” Taylor asked. “After all, if she were dead, you would be a richer man.’
“I’m pretty certain that if she were dead, that would be the first thing you would have mentioned.”
“Well said, Mr. Robertson. So, I’m sure you know what I’m going to ask next.”
“Where was I at the time the house was set on fire? What time was that then?”
“Sometime between six thirty and seven thirty we reckon.”
“Well, I arrived home from work at six p.m. I run my own stationary company which is why I still work at my age. I stayed in all evening with my wife, Joan. We can vouch for each other, but I doubt if that’s any good for you.”
“Not really, but if that’s what you were doing, there’s nothing else to be said.”
“Will there be anything else, Inspector?”
“No. I don’t think we need bother you any further for the time being,” Taylor said.
“My wife will show you to the door.”
As Inspector Taylor and Helen walked to the car, Helen spoke to her superior.
“He was very smooth, wasn’t he, sir?”
“Yes, a little too smooth for my liking.”
* * *
Their next stop was John Robertson’s. As they arrived, John was about to get into his car so Inspector Taylor jumped out of his vehicle and dashed over to stop him leaving.
“What’s all this about, Inspector? Haven’t I answered all your questions? This really is getting tiresome.”
“I’m afraid there’s been a new development, so can we please go inside. It’ll only take a few minutes of your time.”
“Fine,” John sighed.
Soon, John, Barbara and Sarah were sitting down with the police officers. Steven was out jogging.
“I can’t believe it,” Sarah said after Taylor told them what had happened. “Everything was fine when I left Rachel at six yesterday.”
“And you didn’t see anything suspicious?” Helen asked.
With encouragement from her boss she was getting braver and starting to ask questions of her own accord.
“No I didn’t,” Sarah replied. “Everything seemed as normal.”
“Are you suggesting it was one of us?” Barbara boomed. “It could just have been kids having a bit of fun.”
“Of course if could have been,” Taylor replied. “But after what’s happened to Rachel recently, it’s highly likely that whoever committed those acts also set the fire, so can I ask where you all were.”
“Well I went straight to Windsor to meet three of my girlfriends. I can give you their names,” Sarah said.
Inspector Taylor nodded.
“Barbara and I had dinner in Bray with friends. We left here at seven.”
“And what were you doing before?”
“Getting ready of course," Barbara spoke irately. “Do you think I would pop out and start a fire instead of putting on my make-up? Who do you think I am? A heathen?”
“And your son?” Peter asked, ignoring her remarks.
“He was at the gym most of the evening I think,” Sarah said, “and then the pub. He goes with his friends so I’m sure they’ll verify it.”
As Helen and Inspector Taylor left, he wondered about John and Barbara. Could they have committed the crimes together? They obviously weren’t happily married so would they conspire as a team? Probably not, but perhaps John did it all on his own. Possibly he wanted to get as much money as possible in case he and Barbara divorced and their estate was to be split two ways. There would be no child maintenance as the children were grown up. Of course, Barbara could try and go for more. She was definitely a bitch.
* * *
At Mark Robertson’s house, Inspector Taylor and Helen only found Katie at home.
“He’s playing golf, I’m afraid,” she said nervously. “Can I help you?”
“Somebody set fire to Oakfield Hall last night and we would like to know both of your whereabouts around seven o’clock.”
“Oh. We were at home together. We went out at about eight for a drink with friends in Windsor. I hope Rachel is alright.”
‘Yes, she’s fine; just a bit shaken.”
“I can imagine.”
Inspector Taylor and Helen soon took their leave.
“Well, they don’t have a rock solid alibi either, do they, sir?” Helen said.
“No, they don’t, but I can’t see why either of them would do it. Perhaps Arthur asked his son or possibly the Judge asked Katie, but I can’t see Katie doing anything illegal unless she’s putting on a very good act.
* * *
Their last stop was at Sam Nightingale’s. Inspector Taylor was not looking forward to this interview. The man was a High Court Judge after all. Taylor was sure he must know the law inside and out and might catch him out on some loophole. On top of everything, he was pretty sure he wasn’t guilty of anything.
Sam answered the door after the second ring. Inspector Taylor wondered where the butler was.
“Inspector, to what do I owe this honor?”
Taylor guessed he was being sarcastic.
“I’m afraid there’s been another incident.”
“Oh no, Rachel, is she alright?”
Inspector Taylor noticed straight away that the Judge was very concerned about his niece and was more convinced that he had nothing to do with any of this.
“She’s fine, sir, just a bit shook up, but her friend, Mary, stayed with her last night after it all happened, so she wasn’t alone.”
"After what happened? Look, come in and tell me everything.”
Inspector Taylor and Helen followed Sam inside. After telling the Judge the whole story about the fire; Sam sunk into his armchair and put his head in his hands.
“I can’t believe that all this is happening. I wish that George hadn’t left her his house, especially with that stupid codicil... or perhaps this was his plan. Perhaps he wanted to pay her back for not lending him the money he needed. He was a great guy most of the time, but he did have a vengeful streak in him.”
“After all that’s happened, it is a possibility that he wanted revenge on Ms. Fisher.”
“I suppose you want to know where I was yesterday evening.”
Inspector Taylor just nodded, hoping that the Judge wouldn’t blow a fuse.
“Well, I was having dinner with some colleagues after being in court all day. I didn’t return from London until midnight. They can all verify where I was.”
“Thank you, sir,” Taylor said, relieved that the Judge was being co-operative.
“I’m getting very worried now, Inspector,” Sam said. “Whoever is doing this is determined to kill Rachel. I have an awful feeling that they’re going to succeed.”
“Not if I have anything to do with it, sir,” Taylor spoke passionately.
Helen almost swooned. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Taylor was such a hero.
Chapter 11
That same Saturday morning Rachel woke up early. She had surprisingly slept very well and she had Mary to thank for this. They’d had such a lovely evening talking about old times that she had almost forgotten that someone had tried to kill her yet again.
This morning however, Rachel had woken up feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Not only had a member of her family tried to burn down her house and possibly get rid of her, but she knew she should have rung James and told him about it. They were in a relationship and he had a right to know what had happened. Would it have really mattered if he had been extra protective towards her? It would only have showed how much he cared for her. Now he would be either cross or unhappy that she hadn’t told him, and she didn’t want to upset him. She had been looking forward to a nice roma
ntic weekend, but that might not happen now. Why couldn’t she accept James the way he was and not try to mold him into her perfect man? Perhaps it was because he was trying to make her his perfect woman.
However, there was nothing she could do about the situation now. It was too late; she had to think of a plausible excuse for not telling James the previous day.
Mary had no wish to see James so she left soon after breakfast and it wasn’t long after Mary had gone that James arrived.
“It’s so good to see you, darling," he said, taking Rachel in his arms, I’ve missed you this week
‘“The same here, darling,” Rachel replied.
“What’s happened to the room at the other end of the house? It looks like it’s been on fire.”
‘Yes," Rachel said nervously, knowing that she was now going to have to tell James the truth and face his displeasure. “Apparently somebody set fire to it. Luckily it was a room I haven’t done anything with yet and even luckier for me, Inspector Taylor was popping in to see how I was and saw the fire. He phoned the fire brigade. I was shattered from working in the house all week that I had fallen asleep on the settee. If Inspector Taylor hadn’t have come along, I could have been burnt alive. He says it was arson.“
“Why didn’t you call me, Rachel? I would have been over here like a shot. You know that.”
“Yes, I know. I’m sorry, but...”
“But what? Don’t you care about me at all?’ James asked.
He sounded more upset than angry, but Rachel couldn’t stop herself saying what was on her mind.
“Of course I do, but James, you can treat me like a defenceless woman and I’m not.”
Rachel knew she shouldn’t have said this, but it was too late.
“So you want to keep proving you’re not until whoever’s doing all these things to you finally succeeds and you end up dead?”
Rachel stared at James, tears beginning to well up. She certainly didn’t want to cry in front of him as that would probably prove that she was nothing more than a fragile woman. Why was this going so horribly wrong?
“Hey, Rachel, are you crying? Please don’t. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Mystery at Oakfield Hall Page 9
