Without answering Ben’s question, Inspector Harper turned away to speak to one of his officers’ who had discovered a gun; presumably the one used to shoot Alex. It was duly bagged as evidence and taken away.
“He thinks it was Pat who shot Alex,” Ben remarked.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“He doesn’t strike me as a violent man, but who knows what can happen when you’re provoked.”
“I think I might know,” she glared at him. “I’m going to bed,” she added stifling a yawn.
“Hang on a minute Kate, I’ve got something to show you,” he took an envelope from his pocket.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I found it in Alex’s Jacket just before you came in with the paramedics,” he said turning it over and over in his hands.
“You searched his pockets Ben, that’s terrible.”
“No, it fell from his Jacket when I covered him with it, what do you think I am?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” she scowled.
“Who is it addressed to?” she asked
“Leo Marshall, at an address in Bath.”
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know, I’ve never heard of him,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“You should have given it to the police Ben.”
“Why? It could be personal, or money.”
“You’re not going to open it are you?” Kate stared at him as he continued to turn it over in his hand.
“Of course I am,” he replied carefully peeling open the seal, and removing a piece of paper which had been folded in half.
“It’s a letter,” he looked up.
“I can see that, what does it say?”
“It’s from Charles Lewis,” he spoke slowly and turned away from Kate as he began to read the contents.
“Read it out Ben I want to know what it says.”
“You might not like what it says,” he warned.
“I don’t like the fact that you had an affair with his wife; but that didn’t stop you from telling me, did it? I want to know what it says Ben, read it to me now,” she demanded.
“O.k. but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Dear Leo,
You will have no doubt heard of Emma’s untimely death. It came as a terrible shock to me and everyone who knew her. I know you still hold a grudge against me for taking Emma away from you, but you made her pay dearly for that didn’t you? .
So what I’m about to tell you is very hard for me to do. Emma was having an affair with a married man and she had planned to leave me. I know now how it feels to be hurt, but I’m not sorry for what I did; I’m only sorry that she was so cruelly taken from me, and that we never had a child of our own together. You broke her heart when you denied her the right to see her own child. I am aware of your feelings towards me, but for the sake of Emma’s memory I implore you to let her mother Rose have some contact with George, her only Grandson. This is her one and only chance. She has taken the news of Emma’s death far more badly than I anticipated, and needs a reason to carry on living. Only you can do that Leo. So I am begging you to look into your heart and do the right thing.
The circumstances surrounding Emma’s death have given me cause to be concerned for my own safety. It is for this reason that I have placed this letter in the care of a good friend of mine, and if you are reading this letter now you will know that I have also been killed, as I intended to visit you personally. Please think very carefully about what I have said. I’m no longer a threat to you Leo.
With kind regards Charles Lewis.
“So you intended to leave me did you?” Kate had tears in her eyes.
“What do you want me to say Kate?”
“Try the truth for a change.”
“What’s the point? She’s dead.”
“Just tell me the truth Ben, I deserve that at least,” she looked deep into his eyes.
“O.K, but it was Emma who wanted to leave Charles. She kept on pestering me to ask you for a divorce, but I wouldn’t have left you Kate.”
“How fucking gracious of you. I bet you were laughing at me behind my back. You must have thought I was a complete idiot. Sleeping with her and then coming back to our bed. How did it make you feel Ben?” she jumped to her feet and began beating her fists on his chest.
“I’m sorry Kate, I really am, I wish I could turn the clock back and start again,” he attempted to reach out and touch her, but she backed away from him.
“Don’t you dare touch me,” she spat the words at him, but they were drowned by the sound of a phone ringing somewhere in the room. The phone was not visible, and Ben began search amongst the furniture and cushions, eventually discovering it under the sofa. Without looking at the screen he answered.
“Who is this?” he asked guardedly.
“It’s Pat. Is that you Ben?” his voice quivered.
“Pat, what the bloody hell have you done?”
“It was an accident; I promise you. He’s not dead is he?” Pat was whispering.
“Not yet, but he’s critical. If he dies
“I know, you don’t have to tell me,” he interrupted.
“If it was an accident, why didn’t you phone the police instead of running away?” Ben whispered.
“I can’t talk now, is it safe for me to come back?” Pat replied
“Where are you?”
“About a ten minute walk away. I’ve left the car in a disused warehouse,” he explained.
“You’ll have to come in through the back, this place is crawling with police, and they’re leaving two more at the front door.”
“I don’t know the way?” Pat continued to whisper.
“Go to the back of the hotel and turn left by the store room. There’s a flight of stairs that lead to the kitchen. Knock four times on the door and I’ll let you in; and for God’s sake don’t let anyone see you, o.k.?” the phone went dead.
“He’s coming back here?” Kate had heard the conversation.
“I didn’t know what else to say; he’s in a bad way.”
“So is Alex.”
Ben was unaware of Inspector Harper’s presence in the room.
“We need to cordon this room off now Sir, if you could make your way to another part of the hotel,” he ushered them towards the door.
Ben slipped the phone into his pocket and followed Kate out of the room.
“I’ll check all the doors are locked,” Ben spoke as Kate made her way up the stairs. Out of view, he watched as the lounge was sealed off, and the Inspector with the reminder of his team, eventually left the hotel.
“Ben,” Kate called from the hallway, “Are you there?”
“Yes, but I’m going down to the kitchen, keep a look out and phone me if you see anyone.”
Ten minutes later he returned with Pat, who was ashen faced and trembling from head to toe.
“We’d better get out of sight of the front door, follow me,” Ben led him towards Alex’s office, where he hoped they’d be safe.
“Sit down Pat. Do you want a drink?” he asked instantly regretting his words.
“I could murder one. I haven’t had one for over two weeks.”
“Perhaps a cup of tea would be better then?” Kate suggested.
“Is there any scotch?” he asked.
Kate searched the cupboards and draws until she eventually discovered a bottle of scotch and a couple of glasses.
“Will this do?” she asked.
“Thanks, will you join me Ben? I won’t feel so guilty then?”
“This isn’t a good idea Pat,” Ben pleaded with him.
“I just need one drink that’s all,” he replied desperately.
Ben filled two glasses and handed one to Pat, who stared at it before placing it in front of him at arm’s length. He had come a long way in the last two weeks, but now in his weakened state, his resolve deserted him as he snatched the glass and downed the scotch in one gulp.
>
“Fill it up mate,” he stared at Ben
Realising it was futile to disagree, he complied.
“What happened Pat?” Ben asked as he cradled the glass between his cupped hands.
“That’s what I keep asking myself. I thought he’d calmed down. He apologised and said he’d over-reacted. I was bloody relieved and sat down where you’re sitting. Alex was standing by the fireplace staring at me, he looked weird but I didn’t feel threatened. He kept on staring, then turned his back on me and left the room. When he came back he had something in his hand. At first I couldn’t make out what it was, but I soon realised it was a gun. I stood up and backed away from him, but he kept coming towards me with the gun pointed at my head. Then he started threatening me and ranting like a mad man. I tried to reason with him but he wouldn’t listen. When I attempted to take the gun from him, there was a struggle and we were on the floor,” he paused and picked up his glass, but hesitated before taking a sip.
“That’s when the gun went off,” he drained the contents of his glass, rubbed a trembling hand over his chin and looked up at Ben.
“I thought he was dead, blood was coming from his chest; he was motionless Ben. I panicked and took off.”
“You’ll have to go to the police Pat,” Kate spoke up.
“How can I? They’ll think I’m guilty because I fled the scene. They only have my word until Alex comes round; if he does. Even then, do you seriously think he’s going to admit pulling a gun on me?”
Pat’s phone was ringing and he glanced nervously at the screen. It was Danny Wilder, and he swallowed hard before answering.
“Hi Danny,” he paused and swallowed hard, “I’m in a spot of bother.”
Pat tried to soften the blow, but Danny was furious with him and picked up on his slurring.
“I’ve only had a couple. I have to go Danny, there’s another call coming in,” Pat had to lie to silence Danny’s ranting about misplaced trust, and leopards never changing their spots. But he was right, and Pat was incensed by his weakness. Picking up the bottle of scotch, he hurled it with force at the wall and watched as it shattered into tiny pieces. What remained in the bottle, trickled slowly down the wall leaving a stain on the carpet.
“I’ll fetch a brush and clean the mess up,” Kate left the room
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Its O.K. mate don’t worry about it,” Ben replied, as he carefully picked up the pieces of broken glass.
Kate returned with a brush and pan and trigger spray, and began to clean up.
“What are you going to do now Pat?” Kate looked up.
“I think I’ll phone the police and tell them what happened,” he replied after careful consideration.
“It’s the only thing you can do,” she agreed
Ben’s mobile was ringing, and he glanced at Kate.
“Christ, its half past two in the morning, who the bloody hell is this?” he snatched the phone.
“Hello,” he answered sharply.
Pat and Kate listened as he nodded and paced up and down the room barely speaking a word. After a brief conversation, Ben dropped the phone into his jacket pocket and turned to stare at Pat and Kate, who knew instinctively that something was wrong.
“What is it Ben; what’s happened?” Kate held her breathe.
Ben didn’t speak, but his expression was alarming.
“What’s wrong mate?” Pat asked.
“What’s wrong? You’re in deep shit mate, that’s what’s wrong. That was the hospital on the phone; Alex died half an hour ago,” Ben eventually got the words out.
“Oh my God Ben,” Kate cupped her hands to her mouth. Pat’s face drained of colour as he sank into a chair.
“Get up Pat, this place will be crawling with police in the morning, you’re going to have to get out of the way,” Ben pulled him roughly to his feet.
It was three o’clock before Kate and Ben trudged wearily up the stairs. Kate paused outside her room and smiled at Ben. “Goodnight,” she said and turned the door handle. Ben took her hand, “let me come in,” he pleaded.
“Goodnight Ben,” she closed the door.
Alone and cold, Kate was desperate to be with Ben, but her pride would not let her. If she allowed him into her bed he would assume he was forgiven, and she was not ready to do that, not by a long way.
CHAPTER 20
FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER (MORNING)
“I’ve already told you Barbara, there’s nothing I can do about it. The police are here now I have to go;” she stabbed the call end button and dropped the phone carelessly onto a cushion.”
“I wish she’d leave me alone,” she moaned to Ben.
“I’d ignore the next call if I were you,” he suggested.
“I’ll be lucky to have a job to go back to at this rate.”
Three police officers were wandering around the hotel; one of whom was Inspector Salt and he was heading in their direction.
“I’m very sorry to hear of Alex’s death,” Inspector Salt addressed Ben who didn’t reply.
“I can’t believe it’s happened,” Kate replied sadly.
“We’re having trouble contacting his family. Do you know if he has any relatives in this area?” he asked.
“I really don’t know. There’s a brother in America; Sebastian I think,” Kate replied
“I don’t suppose you have an address?”
“No, but there might be some details in Alex’s office,” Kate suggested.
“I’ll get someone to take a look,” Inspector Salt replied.
“What about Stanley, he’ll be here shortly expecting to see Alex,” Kate suddenly remembered, as he appeared in the foyer.
“I’ll go and speak to him,” Ben offered. Kate watched as he delivered the devastating news to the shocked man, who was visibly shaken. Ben ushered him towards inspector Salt, who was anxious to question him.
“You have my condolences Mr. Austin, but this is now a murder case, and I need to speak to Patrick Hinds. Have you any idea where he might be?” he asked Stanley.
“I’m afraid not Inspector. How can you be so sure he’s responsible for Alex’s death?”
“We can’t, but we need rule him out of our enquiries. Of course this could be a burglary gone wrong, or a random act of violence, but it’s highly improbable.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help you. I stayed at the Harlington last night,” Stanley replied.
“Do you have anyone who can verify your whereabouts Sir?”
“Surely I’m not a suspect; Alex was a very good friend of mine?”
“If you can answer the question, we can rule you out of our enquiries Sir.”
“I stayed in room twenty five at the Harlington; I was in the bar until one thirty, the bar staff will verify that I’m sure,” he replied impatiently.
“Are you alright Stanley?” Ben asked.
“I’m shocked; who would want to kill Alex; I just can’t believe it.”
“I don’t know Stanley,” Ben placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll be in touch with you later; and if you do think of anything else, don’t hesitate to phone me,” Inspector Salt gathered his officers together and left the hotel.
As soon as they were out of ear, shot Kate spoke.
“He knows we’re not telling the truth Ben. We should have told him.”
“He’s calling our bluff that’s all. Come on, let’s go and find Pat.” Ben headed towards the door, but Kate called out to him.
“Just a minute Ben; where’s Stanley gone?”
“I don’t know he must have left. We’ll have to look for him later. We need to get Pat out of here before that bloody Inspector comes back asking more questions.”
Pat was nowhere to be seen when Ben opened the cellar door and turned on the light.
“You can come out now Pat they’ve gone,” he called out.
Pat peered cautiously from behind the boiler with an anxious expression on his face.
<
br /> “Have they gone?” he glanced furtively round.
“Yes, thank God, but I don’t think that inspector believes us.”
“You should give yourself up Pat. Tell them it was an accident; they’ll have to believe you. They won’t know that you’ve found out he’s died, will they?” Kate pleaded with him.
“I don’t know what to do,” Pat sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Someone’s coming. Quick get back behind there,” Ben pushed him roughly.
“Who’s down there?” Inspector Salt called out from hallway above.
Ben and Kate began to climb the steps, as the Inspector watched from the doorway.
“Oh it’s you two; I thought I heard voices.”
“We were just taking a look at the boiler; it isn’t working properly. I’ll have to call someone out to repair it,” Ben attempted to push past him.
“It’s probably the pilot light I’ll take a look at it.” Inspector Salt began to descend the stairs with Ben and Kate following closely behind.
“You do know it’s against the law to mess with gas if you’re not Corgi registered?” Kate warned him.
“I’m only going to look,” he opened the boiler door and stared at the pilot light.
“Just as I thought, there’s nothing wrong with it,” he stood up and turned to Ben.
“Now would you like to tell me what you were really doing down here?”
“That won’t be necessary Inspector,” Pat appeared from behind the boiler.
“Surprise surprise, the elusive Mr. Hinds.”
“Kate and Ben didn’t know I was here,” Pat tried to defend them.
“I’m sure they didn’t. That would be withholding information wouldn’t it Mr. Preston?”
Ben had nothing to say as the Inspector handcuffed Pat and escorted him out of the room. Following a call to the station, three officers arrived at the hotel where Pat was arrested and formerly charged with the murder of Alex Lawton. Electing to remain silent, he was led away.
HIDDEN SECRETS Page 21
