“I know just how he feels,” Kate replied sadly.
“Unfortunately I never seemed to hit it off with Simon; I think it was a clash of personalities; not that he’d got much of one. Alex must have seen something I didn’t; but I’ll never know now,” he fell silent; deep in thought.
“This hotel has bought nothing but misery; it should be bulldozed to the ground,” Pat shook his head.
“Strange you should say that; Alex intended to do just that, but it’s a listed building. It also has a very colourful past. This hotel was built as a residence for Queen Victoria when she visited Exeter, but she never actually arrived due to a last minute change of plans, and the building was sold to a silver merchant. He lived here for about ten years before his business failed; I don’t know why, but he had financial problems and his creditors were closing in. He managed to escape by using the network of passages that run under the city. It’s said that he was never seen again, but his ghost still haunts the cellar, supposedly searching for the silver he left behind.”
“There’ll be a few more ghosts joining him now,” Pat spoke without thinking.
“That’s a bit insensitive Pat,” Sebastian remarked catching sight of Kate’s troubled expression.
“I’m sorry Kate I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s ok, I thought Alex had built this hotel?” she remarked.
“I suppose he did really, it was in a bad state of repair when he bought it. He had to preserve certain features though, but he extended and spent a lot of money to make it what it is today,” Sebastian explained.
“Perhaps it’ll open again one day,” Pat remarked quietly.
“Maybe, is there any coffee left in the pot?” Sebastian asked.
“It’ll be cold by now; I’ll make a fresh one.” Pat offered getting to his feet.
Kate took the opportunity to question Sebastian.
“You knew Emma and Charles Lewis didn’t you?”
“I knew Emma far better; I found Charles was a bit too judgemental. He had conservative opinions on many issues, but I think he generally didn’t like me. Some people are like that though; taking an instant dislike to certain individuals for no apparent reason. I could never understand why Emma married him; she was so young and full of vitality. I hate to say she was attracted to his money, but it seemed that way to me.”
“I can’t really say I never knew either of them myself.”
“Emma was a very caring person. I was so shocked when she told me she’d left her son behind. Leo; her first husband wasn’t the boy’s father. She never confided in me who was, but she did say she’d been seeing someone else for several years; while she was still with Leo.”
“I know,” Kate replied quietly.
“I’m sorry; what did you say?”
“The boy’s father; I know who it is.”
“I don’t know what you mean, you never met Emma.”
“My husband was having an affair with her; but I didn’t realise how long it had been going on for. We were only married for six years and George is five years old. He must have been seeing her before we married. How could I have not known?” Kate was completely devastated as realisation suddenly dawned on her.
“I’m really sorry; I should never have said anything, you’ve suffered enough without this,” Sebastian leaned across the table and placed a comforting hand over hers.
“Does Leo know the truth?” Kate asked.
“I don’t know. Do you think he should be told?” Sebastian asked.
“Here’s your coffee. Would you like another Kate?” Pat returned to the table.
“Please,” she replied without looking up.
“Did I just hear you say Ben is the boy’s father?” Pat was taken back.
“Yes, unfortunately,” Sebastian replied.
“Surely that’s a good thing. You have something to remember him by,” Pat said.
“A child with another woman is hardly how I want to remember him?” Kate bit her lip.
“Well at least he’s Ben’s son,” Pat looked into her eyes.
“Leo isn’t likely to hand him over to me, is he? He’s raised him from a baby believing him to be his own son,” Kate argued.
“Legally you’ve got more rights than he does. If you were prepared to take him to court, you’d probably be awarded visiting rights,” Sebastian pointed out.
“There would have to be paternity tests carried out; Leo might not agree to that,” she argued.
“There’s only one way to find out,” Pat joined in.
“I’ll have to think about it; I’ve got too much going on in my head at the moment. Ben’s body is being transferred to the funeral directors in Becton on Tuesday. I’ll be leaving at the same time,” Kate’s voice was barely audible.
“You’ll need to arrange for a blood test to see if Ben really is George’s father, before you leave,” Pat urged.
“I’m not sure if I want to know, it might make matters worse,” she hesitated.
“Would you like me to see what I can do?” Pat offered.
“It’s up to you; I’m going to my room. I need to be on my own,” Kate stood up and walked slowly towards the door. She was on the verge of tears once again, and Pat didn’t push the matter. The door closed, and the two men faced each other.
“I need to talk to you about Alex’s death,” Pat approached the subject with caution. Sebastian had been informed of the circumstance by the police on the previous evening, but he had shown no signs of animosity towards Pat; nor had he discussed it.
“I don’t hold you responsible; I know it was an accident, but it does seem out of character for Alex to use such violence.”
“He wasn’t himself at the time. After Simon’s accident he became distracted and unpredictable. We seriously thought he might try to harm himself.” Pat was uncertain if Sebastian knew he was responsible for Simon’s accident.
“I didn’t have a lot of contact with my brother after I went to live in America; we really weren’t that close, but I shall miss him.”
“I’m really sorry it happened the way it did,” Pat felt remorseful.
“I know you are; and I appreciate your integrity, but it really isn’t necessary,” he assured him.
Pat decided not to push the matter any further, and changed the subject.
“What are your plans for today?” he asked.
“I need to go through Alex’s paper work for the solicitor. There’s also some of his personal belonging I’d like to find. We both received an engraved watch from our parents on our 21st birthdays; he’d have wanted me to have it.”
“I’ll leave you to get on with it then; perhaps we could meet later for a drink?”
“Maybe, but I can’t promise, I really do have a lot to do.”
Pat left the room and went to check on Kate. Her door was closed and he knocked gently before entering. She was asleep on the bed, and he re-closed the door and retraced his steps along the corridor. The silence of the hotel was intimidating, and Pat found himself glancing repeatedly over his shoulder. It seemed impossible that just two weeks previously, these rooms were full of guests and the lifts and corridors alive with conversation. It was unlikely now that they would ever be used again. With these thoughts racing through his mind, he took the stairs to the lounge and picked up the hotel telephone.
CHAPTER 24.
MONDAY 9TH OCTOBER
With no incentive or purpose to get out of bed, Kate lay staring at the ceiling. It had been recently painted in a shade of pale blue to match the darker coving, which was elaborately decorated with tiny white flowers. A chandelier hung from the centre, with six droplets of glass beads resembling tears, threatening to fall at any moment. Slowly she shifted her eyes away from the ceiling and towards the window. Weak sunlight began to filter through the curtains and the sound of bird song filled the air.
It could have been the beginning of a warm October morning at home spent in the garden, sweeping up the windblown leaves that had
a habit of collecting around the drive and lawns. Ben would gather them all together after she had swept them into tidy piles at different locations. Sometimes, he would sneak up on her and throw a huge pile of them over her head. A faint smile crept across her face as she remembered their childish games. She sat up and glanced at the clock. It was only six o’clock, but she was wide awake and pulled the covers back.
After taking a shower, she dressed in pair of trousers and the previous day’s sweater. Switching off her mobile, she picked up her handbag and took the lift to the ground floor. The building was in complete silence as she walked out of the hotel. With no idea where she was going, she wandered aimlessly in the direction of the City. The early morning air was invigorating and she found herself taking an interest in the historic surroundings. An ancient cathedral with two huge towers rose from the green traffic-ringed oasis ahead of her, while worn stone angles guarded the west front. It was an impressive sight and under different circumstances, she would have wanted to see the interior.
Leaving the splendour of the cathedral behind her, she noticed an increase in the traffic, as the early morning commuters began to make their way into the city. The sound of metal shutters and grills being removed from shop fronts diverted her attention as the city came to life. A young woman with a child sleeping in a buggy rushed past her; while a delivery van made an early morning visit to a breakfast bar, where the faint smell of bacon began to seep into the air. Life was going on as usual around her. Onlookers didn’t know or care that she was grieving for her husband; they were too preoccupied with reaching their destinations, no time to stop, no time to smile. Kate began to feel claustrophobic and anxious as a group of teenage school children walked towards her.
In panic, she crossed the road and changed direction; walking quickly away from the city centre. The sound of the city faded as she headed towards a fast flowing river and sank down on the damp grass by the water’s edge. The clear water of the river Exe dashed forward on its journey to the sea calming her agitated state; and she took deep breathes to regain her composure.
A small canoe bobbed gently up and down leaving small ripples in its wake. There were two people in the bright red craft, a man and a young girl who waved to Kate as the canoe passed silently by her. Thinking it would be rude not to acknowledge the friendly gesture; she raised her arm and returned the wave forcing a smile as she did so. Minutes later the canoe disappeared from view as it rounded a bend in the river. The tranquillity of the surroundings returned, and she found her thoughts wandering back to Ben. Unaware of how much time had passed, Kate sat in silence reminiscing over the past, and how empty the future would be without him by her side.
Gazing at the river, she thought how easy it would be to just wade out and let the water engulf her. She had heard someone say that drowning was a pleasant death filling the victim with a sense of euphoria before their life ended. How could anyone actually know that, she wondered? Forcing herself to put these thoughts out of her head, she stood up and wiped the grass from her trousers. In the distance the peel of church bells filled the air reminding her of Ben’s forthcoming funeral. She knew it would be a very traumatic event, but having to go back to their empty home was far more daunting. Trying not to dwell too much on the matter, she retraced her steps back to the city which was now alive with shoppers and tourists. The café she had passed earlier was now open and serving breakfast; the aroma of freshly made coffee filled the air enticing her through the doors where she found an empty table by the window, and sat down. A few minutes later, a young waitress approached her table.
“What can I get you?” she asked with a smile.
“I’ll just have a coffee,” she said.
“Cappuccino, Espresso or Latte?” She asked
“Latte please.”
“Would you like a pastry, or a biscuit to go with it?”
“No thank you.”
The waitress walked towards the counter and proceeded to prepare the drink herself, returning a few minutes later with a mug of steaming coffee. It was very creamy and slightly too sweet for her palate, but not unpleasant. Glancing at the clock, Kate was surprised to see it was almost 12 o’clock and decided to head back to the hotel. She placed a two pound coin next to her empty mug and left. Outside, it had begun to rain and she pulled her collar around her neck to keep out the damp air. She was in no hurry to return- the place was drenched with death and misery- and she walked slowly along the pavement. She paused outside a clothes shop before entering. Inside she flicked through a rail of trousers, and picked up the first pair in her size, together with a beige sweater.
“I’ll take these,” she placed them on the counter and offered her credit card.
“You haven’t tried them on,” the elderly assistant remarked.
“They’re my size; they’ll fit,” she picked up the carrier back and left.
It was twelve thirty as she walked through the entrance of the hotel, to be met by the anxious face of Patrick Hinds.
“Where have you been?” he asked sharply.
“For a walk.”
“I didn’t know where you were, I was worried.”
“I’m not a child Pat, so please don’t treat me like one.”
“Why didn’t you take your phone?” he ignored her remark
“I did, it just switched it off. I needed to be on my own away from this dreadful place.”
“Have you had anything to eat?”
“Oh for goodness sake Pat, I know you mean well, but you sound just like my mother. Please, will you stop fussing and questioning me, I’m going to my room,” tears fell down her cheeks as she dashed towards the stair case.
“I’ve got something to tell you Kate,” he called after her.
“Later Pat; I really don’t feel like talking now.”
Kate walked along the corridor and deliberately studied the numbers on the rooms; 134, 135, 136, and then 137. That number would be engrained in her mind forever. She hesitated outside the room unsure whether to enter or not. Behind the door was a mirage of pain and grief, but it was also where her husband had slept the night before he was killed. Without thinking, she reached out and pushed the door open.
It was dark inside the room and the curtains were drawn, adding to the desolation and silence. As she stood in the doorway staring into the darkness, she felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped violently at the touch.
“I’m sorry I didn’t man to frighten you,” Pat apologised.
“Well you did,” she replied closing the door.
“Inspector Salt is down stairs, he’s needs to speak to you.”
“What, right now?” she looked irritated.
“He needs a statement from you. You’ll have to do it at sometime Kate.”
“I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
As Pat turned away, Kate made her way to her room to pack her belongings. Leaving the new clothes on a hanger, she left the room to meet inspector Salt, who was waiting in the lounge with Pat. Kate sat down on the sofa and listened to what he had to say. He was very sympathetic- he had obviously had experience in this type of sensitive interview- and it helped Kate to retain a degree of calmness.
“Anne Parish has admitted to killing your husband; but she’s denying any involvement in the deaths of The Lewis’s and Joseph. She claims, Glen Meadows and Toby Lawrence were the instigators, and she followed their orders. There’s also a charge of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment to answer to. Anne Parish and her two co-conspirators won’t be seeing the outside of a prison cell for a very long time.”
“They should bring back the death penalty,” Pat muttered under his breath.
“It won’t bring Ben back,” Kate spoke quietly.
“It’ll take a few months to gather all the evidence for a trial, and I’m afraid you will both need to attend. There’ll be a liaison officer to assist you Mrs. Preston; so you won’t have to cope on your own. It can be a nerve-wracking experience to stand up in court for the first time, bu
t you’ll have plenty of support. Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”
“What length of sentence will she receive?” Kate wanted to know.
“It’s hard to say, but we will push for a minimum of thirty years.”
“Thirty years I should have spent with my husband,” she replied vaguely, and added.
“It doesn’t seem long enough; I hope she dies in prison.”
“I know this is difficult, but I need to take a statement from both of you,” the Inspector broached the subject with caution.
“Let’s get it over with then,” Kate sighed.
It took just over half an hour to complete, after which Kate was emotionally drained and on the verge of tears. Pat put his arms around her as she cried and her body shook with grief and pain.
“Thank you Mrs. Preston, I realise how difficult it is for you, but if we don’t do it while the details are still clear in your mind, important evidence can be lost,” he explained.
Pulling away from Pat, Kate sat up.
“The details as you call them Inspector, will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
There was a brief silence before Inspector Salt produced a small white envelope.
“These are your husband’s personal belongings. Will you check to see there’s nothing missing?”
Kate took the small package that symbolised her husband’s life, and removed the seal. She looked inside before tipping the contents out onto the table. Ben always wore the same watch and carried the same things on his person, so she knew exactly what to find. The small pile of possessions before her bought back the sheer horror of his death, and she fought hard to control the tears that threatened to flow again. She picked up his wedding ring and read the inscription on the inside; the writing was miniscule but she knew what it said. His favourite gold watch and wallet were intact, and a black comb lay beside a pile of loose change.
“Everything’s here Inspector, thank you. If there’s nothing else I have to make some phone calls,” Kate said knowing she could no longer put off the inevitable task of speaking to her mother, and Ben’s friends. He had no living relatives that she was aware of; well at least in the name of Preston that was. She had to bear in mind that his true name was in fact Gerry Parish, but to her he was and always would be, Ben Preston.
HIDDEN SECRETS Page 25
