The Look of Love

by David George Richards

  Chapter Eighteen

  Making Enquiries

  Detective Sergeant Connors was sitting back in his chair with his feet on his desk. His eyes were closed but he wasn’t asleep. He was listening intently to Detective Constable Shawcroft who was sitting on the other side of his desk, reading from his notes.

  “Her name was Joanne Henshaw,” Shawcroft was saying. “She was nineteen. According to her parents, she was out with her friends from University on the night she was killed.”

  “Do we have names and addresses?” Connors asked; his eyes still closed.

  “Not as many as I think you’d like. Her best friend was Chrissy Davis, knew her from school. She lives in Stretford. Another school friend is Angela Stevens. We have an address for her in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy. Both of them were on the same course at Manchester Metropolitan University with the victim, and were with her last night.”

  “When are you going to interview them?”

  “I thought I’d pay a visit to the University on Monday. I’ll arrange to interview her teachers, these two girls, and the rest of her class there. That way I’ll quickly find out who else was with her last night.”

  “Good idea. What about a boyfriend?”

  “Nothing definite, but one of her sisters said that Joanne had recently got to know someone called Max. She didn’t know his second name, but she said that Joanne seemed to like him a lot. And her mother is sure that she heard Joanne talking to someone on the telephone with that name on more than one occasion.”

  Connors opened his eyes and sat up. “Hmmm. Have you got a list of their telephone calls?”

  Michael Shawcroft smiled. “I got on to BT straight away, but there’s nothing listed under the name of Max.” He handed the typed list of telephone numbers to his superior. They covered two sheets.

  Connors read through the list of meaningless numbers. “You know what comes next,” he said without looking up.

  Shawcroft nodded. “Get back to Mr and Mrs Henshaw and their two daughters, go through the numbers with them, cross off the ones they know, then ring up the rest.”

  Connors looked up. “How did they take it?”

  “Not very well. The two younger girls were a mess, and we had to get the Doctor in for Mrs Henshaw. Mr Henshaw looked sort of numb. It was him that came with us to identify the body. When we left, Mrs Henshaw’s mother and sister were there. There was a lot of crying.”

  “Hmmm. I think the Henshaw family have probably had enough of us for today. Why don’t you and I split these numbers between us and give them all a call? It shouldn’t take long.”

  Shawcroft smiled again. “Why not, sir.” He took back one of the sheets of numbers Connors handed to him and stood up to leave, pausing in the doorway. “Of course, being that it’s a Saturday, a lot of the business numbers won’t reply.”

  “We aren’t interested in the business numbers,” Connors replied reaching for the phone. “Our boy will be at home, or someone who knows him will be.”

  “You think it’s him?”

  “If he was with her last night, then he has to be our prime suspect. But if he wasn’t with her, or if he didn’t walk home with her, then I’d like to know why.”

  As Shawcroft headed back to his own office, Connors was already dialling the first number on his part of the list. The number didn’t reply. He made a note next to it. Business or out. He dialled the next number. This time there was a reply. It was a woman’s voice.

  “Hello, yes?”

  Connors went into his speech. “I’m sorry to disturb you on a Saturday, but my name is Detective Sergeant John Connors of the Greater Manchester Police. I wondered if you can help me. Is there anyone there called Max, or anyone there who might know a young woman called Joanne Henshaw?”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Tea and Crumpets

  To Louise’s surprise, Rosanna and Victoria got on like a house on fire. They chatted away together over tea and crumpets like two old friends. Louise hardly got a word in. And it wasn’t just Victoria who was faced with all the questions, either; she quizzed Rosanna almost as much. She found out all about Rosanna and Dave, how they met, where they had lived, why his job made it difficult for them to have children, all sorts of things. She also found out some things even Louise hadn’t known. Louise also learned more about Victoria as Rosanna gave her the expected grilling. The only thing that didn’t come up during all the questioning was Victoria’s sexuality and the subject of their living together. Rosanna was obviously leaving that for the last.

  Victoria took it all light-heartedly. It was only when Rosanna asked about her parents that they hit a sticky patch.

  “I don’t want to talk about them,” Victoria said rather harshly. She picked up her cup and sipped her tea, as if the conversation was over.

  There was an awkward silence.

  Louise saw the expression on Rosanna’s face and knew that she was eager to know more. So she quickly said, “Vikki’s father died a little while ago, and she’s still a bit upset. So it’s best to change the subject.”

  Victoria glared at Louise over her tea cup. It was obvious she didn’t like her excuse, but she didn’t say anything to contradict her either.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Rosanna said in a subdued voice. “I won’t say anything more about it. Now then, what’s the story about you two living together? Are you lovers, or what?”

  It was such a bold question that both Louise and Victoria forgot all about what had gone on before, and Victoria almost choked on her tea.

  “Rosie!” Louise exclaimed.

  “What’s the matter?” Rosanna replied. “You can’t be shy now, not after what Victoria said before! Or was that all just a joke, too?”

  Victoria instantly perked up. “No, it wasn’t! Tied me to the bed, she did! And me struggling and screaming!”

  “I did no such thing!” Louise protested, going red once more.

  Victoria chuckled. “You get embarrassed too easily; it’s almost no fun baiting you.”

  Rosanna eyed Victoria closely. “And what about you?” she asked. “Do you get embarrassed about being known as a lesbian?”

  Victoria put her cup down and looked thoughtful. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

  “But you must have!” Rosanna exclaimed.

  Victoria shook her head. “Until last night I never thought about myself as a lesbian. And I suppose I’m not really sure I am now.”

  “But how can you say that? You’re moving in with Louise and you say you’ve slept together. That sounds pretty definite to me!”

  Louise quickly explained about her arrangement with Victoria. “It’s sort of like a trial period, to see how we get along,” she finished hopefully. She could see that Rosanna wasn’t impressed.

  “And do you think this is fair?” Rosanna said to Victoria.

  “It’s what Louise wants,” Victoria replied lamely.

  Rosanna didn’t hesitate to put Victoria on the spot. “And what do you want?” she asked sternly. “Are you just taking advantage of Louise’s feelings for you, or are you really considering a proper relationship with her? Tell the truth, now, you owe Louise that at least.”

  Louise stared at Victoria. She was as eager as Rosanna was to hear her answer.

  Victoria looked back at them both, seeing their expectant faces, and taking a deep breath she began, “Alright, it’s like this. Until last night, I had never slept with another woman. And like I told Louise before, I liked it. I never dreamt in the past that I would, I never even thought about it, but I liked it. So there it is. At first I was a bit upset, mainly because I hadn’t been prepared for it. But that was Louise’s fault for forgetting to tell me that she liked me in that way.” She elbowed Louise as she spoke. “Coward! But she explained about that, so I got over it. And the thing is, the whole idea of it hasn’t upset me, you know what I mean? And it’s not as if I haven’t slept with men, I have, quite a lot in fact. Maybe with far too many than I should. I doubt if there is much
of my reputation left to protect, so I’m happy to admit that. But when I slept with those men, even with Zach, who’s sort of my boyfriend, I always felt…sort of…dirty. I didn’t feel like that with Louise. Does that make me a lesbian? You tell me, Rosie.”

  “I shouldn’t have to tell you, you should know for yourself.”

  “But it’s not that simple!” Victoria argued.

  “Of course it is! Being a lesbian is like being pregnant. You either are, or you aren’t!”

  “But I might be bisexual. What then?”

  Rosanna thought about that for a moment. She leaned her elbows on the table, her head resting on her hands. “This boyfriend of yours, Zach,” she asked. “Will you sleep with him again?”

  “Only if he gets me drunk, and that’s not difficult to do, as Louise knows!”

  “And what about Louise? Will you need to be drunk to sleep with her again?”

  Victoria looked across at Louise sitting next to her. She looked so serious as she stared back at her. Her eyes were wet, almost tearful, and they were filled with a bright intensity that made them almost glow. And yet she looked so ordinary, so normal, as she sat waiting for an answer. Victoria thought about what had happened the night before, remembering how she felt, and the way Louise had looked then, and the way she had touched and caressed her. She answered honestly.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  Louise smiled warmly and put her arm around Victoria. For a moment, Victoria looked slightly uncomfortable, but then she smiled too. Louise was getting all soft, and Victoria had now learned to recognise the signs.

  “If you tell me that you love me,” she told Louise. “I’ll stick this buttered crumpet on your nose!” She held the crumpet up threateningly.

  Louise laughed and didn’t reply, but her eyes were already welling up.

  Rosanna stared at them both. If Victoria worked out alright, she would be happy for Louise, but she wasn’t yet convinced. She sat up straight and waved her finger at Victoria.

  “Listen to me, young lady,” she said in a very maternal way. “Louise is my friend, and I don’t want her getting all upset. I can see she likes you, but you need to sort yourself out. It looks to me like you’ve made your mind up, but these sort of things are never that simple. And that boyfriend of yours will need to know how things lie. If you’re going to move in with Louise, you’ll have to tell him.”

  Victoria sighed and took a bite out of the crumpet. “Zach is not going to be happy.”

  Chapter Twenty

  The Game

  When Adam Campbell arrived, Chrissy was ready and waiting for him. So were her mother and father.

  “Is that him?” Veronica Davis asked as the large silver car pulled up outside their house.

  “I think so,” Chrissy replied.

  Her father stared at the car. “I bet that car’s expensive. And he’s got a blinkin’ chauffeur!”

  “I told you he was well off.”

  They all stared through the front room curtains as a man in a peaked cap got out of the car and opened the rear door. Adam Campbell emerged and walked up the path towards the house. As on the previous night, he was dressed in an expensive looking suit.

  “I still think he’s too old,” Veronica remarked.

  “Oh, don’t make a fuss, mum! We’re only going out for a meal!”

  “So long as that’s all it is! Your father and I will be waiting up for you when you get back.”

  “Oh, mum!”

  Adam disappeared from view as he approached the front door.

  “Well, here I go!” Chrissy announced, and kissing her mum and dad, she hurried into the hall to answer the door almost at the very instant the bell rang.

  Adam stared at Chrissy in surprise as the door flew open.

  Chrissy was pleased with the effect. “Well, you’re prompt, I can say that for you!” she said with a smile.

  Adam nodded. “And so are you,” he replied. He stared admiringly at Chrissy, who was shrouded in a long grey coat. Her make up and hair were perfect, and she wore gold pendant earrings. He smiled and added, “You look marvellous.”

  “Wait until you see what I’m wearing under this coat! I spent ages shopping this afternoon, so this place we’re going to better be good!”

  “It will be, I assure you, and I can’t wait for the unveiling!”

  Chrissy closed the front door and Adam walked her to his car.

  “What’s with the chauffeur?” she asked. “Are you trying to impress me?”

  “Ah! This is Charles,” Adam said, introducing his chauffeur. “He’s been my driver for five years now. Charles, this is Miss Davis.”

  Charles tipped his hat, smiled, and said, “Miss.” He held the door open as Chrissy got into the car. She slid across and Adam followed her in. Charles closed the door and walked round to the driver’s side and got in. A moment later and they were off.

  “Where was Charles yesterday then?” Chrissy asked.

  “It was his day off,” Adam replied, glancing at Chrissy’s legs when they were briefly exposed as she crossed them. They were very long and shapely. She was wearing flesh coloured shear tights or stockings, and very elegant red high heeled shoes.

  “On a Friday night?” Chrissy said.

  “I know, I often think I am far too generous. I sometimes point this out to Charles, and he agrees with me, don’t you Charles?”

  “Yes, Mr Campbell,” Charles replied without looking back. “Far too generous, sir.”

  Chrissy gave Adam a knowing look. “Are you two playing some kind of double act?”

  Adam smiled and reached into his pocket. He produced a small, dark blue oblong box which he handed to Chrissy.

  “If I recall correctly,” he said. “I owe you a replacement for your ruined shoes. Of course, as you might guess, I am hopeless at choosing articles of clothing for women, whether they are shoes or anything else. I was bound to get the size, shape and colour all wrong. So I fell back on the tried and trusted alternative. I hope you find it pleasing.”

  Chrissy stared at the dark blue coloured box in surprise. She slowly opened it. “Well, I’ll take my knickers off!” she exclaimed when she saw the gold bracelet inside. “Oh, Adam, you shouldn’t have! It’s too expensive! I can’t accept it!”

  “Of course you can,” Adam said with a smile.

  “But it was only a pair of shoes!”

  “And your other damaged clothes remember, not to mention the bruised ribs and the map of Japan on your…er…,” he pointed at her bottom and raised his eyebrows.

  “But that will fade away in no time!” Chrissy quickly replied. “It’s not as if I’m planning any sunbathing this month. You can’t give me this Adam, it’s too much.”

  “It is not too much, quite the reverse in fact. Yesterday my taxi nearly ran you over. The outcome could have been much worse. As it is, you appear to be relatively unscathed, for which I am extremely grateful. But I must also admit to being thankful that the incident occurred in the first place. Without it I would have missed this opportunity for such delightful company. The bracelet falls way short of a fair recompense for such a pleasure.”

  “But, Adam…!”

  Adam held up his hand. “No more arguments.”

  Chrissy sighed. Then she smiled and said, “Oh, alright then!” and quickly took out the bracelet and put it on her left wrist. “It’s gorgeous!” she exclaimed, holding up her arm and admiring the bracelet.

  Adam smiled broadly. “Then it is fitting that you should wear it.”

  Chrissy turned in her seat and began to poke Adam in the ribs. “You are a charmer!” she accused him. “Hopeless with women! Ha! I bet if I get Charles alone for a few minutes I could get a list as long as my arm of the women you’ve given this sort of line to!”

  Adam tried his best to fend her off, but her jabs were too quick and precise. “I wish that were true, but sadly it is not,” he denied, laughing. “Is this a fair way to receive a gift? Please, desist! Or I shall have
ribs as bruised as your own!”

  Chrissy relented, but her expression still held a lot of suspicion. “All those stories you gave me about dining alone! I bet in reality that house of yours has hot and cold women running all round the place, and you need Charles standing over you with a cricket bat to beat them off!”

  There was a repressed chuckle from Charles, and Chrissy immediately leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder. “Tell me the truth, Charles! When he visits that casino, I bet he returns with a girl on each arm, doesn’t he?”

  “I’m sorry, Miss, I can’t say. Mr Campbell insists that I take Fridays off, which is the night he visits the casino.”

  Chrissy turned back to Adam. “You slick bugger!”

  Adam was still laughing. “It is all fiction, I assure you! It is Charles’s wish that he has Fridays off, not mine!”

  “Charles wouldn’t lie to me, would you, Charles?”

  “No, Miss.”

  “See! I’m on to you, Adam! All those sob stories you gave me yesterday were just a clever ploy! And I believed them, too! I must have been suffering from concussion!” She looked out of the window of the car, noticing for the first time that they were on the motorway. “Where are we going?” she quickly asked, then held up her hand and said, “Don’t tell me! I know! You’re taking me to the coast to sell me to white slavers!”

  Adam laughed again. “Your suspicions are getting out of hand; though I am sure you would fetch a handsome price. But fortunately for you, you are incorrect. I find you much too valuable to part with so soon.”

  “That’s just a slick way of saying you’re going to sell me later!”

  Adam’s laughter subsided. “Nonsense! You knew the restaurant was a little way off, I told you yesterday. I believe it is you that is now playing games. I gave you a gift, and you repaid me with violence and suspicion. I am fortunate indeed that I did not decide to buy anything more expensive. You may have killed me with your gratitude.”

  Chrissy brushed back her thick black hair. “Alright, maybe I am over doing it a little. But that’s to put you off your stride.” She held out her arm and admired the bracelet once more. “The bracelet was a surprise, and I am grateful.” She turned to face Adam again. “But it’s much too expensive. You over-played your hand there, and now I’m on to you. I think you’re far too good at this for someone who says he doesn’t get on well with women. I’m beginning to wonder just how much of those stories you told me last night were true. Usually I’m good at dealing with men, at seeing through the usual ploys. But you’re not the type I’m used to, and I have to admit you got to me. It worries me that I could have made a big mistake here, and now it’s too late to escape. I’m being whisked away by two men I hardly know and I could be in real danger.”