“Let’s just say that I have an open mind. But I don’t rule out Scott, either. We only have his word for his time of arrival back home. But that lack of confirmation also points to Max as the killer.”
“Why so?”
“Because if the Headly family had rehearsed their story as you suggested, and if they thought that Scott was responsible, it would have been quite simple for one of his parents to have said that they heard him arrive, and at what time. They didn’t. But they were sure about Max’s time of returning home, and that he stayed in all night.”
“That could be because it was the truth.”
“Yes, so that would leave us with Scott again.”
“How can you be so sure it’s one of the two? The murderer could be a complete stranger to the victim.”
“Anger, remember?” Connors reminded him. “The victim was killed in a pique of anger, and not for any other purpose.”
Shawcroft nodded as he did indeed remember. “And that has to point to someone she knew,” he confirmed.
“Yes, and I’m pretty certain that has to be one of the Headly boys, Max or Scott.”
“Which ever it is, he could do a runner,” Shawcroft pointed out.
“He wouldn’t be so obliging. No, we’ll have to winkle it out of him. And if his family stick by him, it won’t be easy.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Heathcotes
Heathcotes was in a village called Longridge that was not far from Preston. Although the chef and owner, Paul Heathcote, also had a restaurant in Manchester, it was the one in Longridge that was the more exclusive.
Charles stopped the car at the entrance and got out. He opened the car door and waited patiently as Adam and Chrissy emerged.
“Be back for us at ten-thirty,” Adam told him. Then he held out his arm to Chrissy, smiled broadly, and said, “Shall we?”
“Why not?” Chrissy replied with an equally broad smile. She took his arm and said, “See you later, Charles, and don’t forget the band-aids!”
Charles smiled and tipped his hat. “No, Miss!”
The Head Waiter greeted them formally at the door. “Mr Campbell, Miss Davis. I hope you had a pleasant journey?”
“Eventful,” Adam replied.
Inside, another two waiters were waiting to take their coats. Adam discarded his without a thought. But when Chrissy took off her coat, it was to reveal a very long, sleeveless, and low cut red dress. It fitted her immaculately, and there was no doubt that she had the figure to make the most of it. And as she turned, the low back to the dress was also revealed. It caused quite a stir, and not just in Adam.
Adam leaned forward and whispered, “I see the bandages are off.”
Chrissy smiled and murmured softly through her teeth, “And so are the gloves!”
The Head Waiter ushered them into what appeared to be someone’s front room. There were comfortable chairs to lounge in with low tables for drinks, and all around were carefully arranged pictures and ornaments. There were already a number of other people seated in the room, all talking in soft voices. As Chrissy and Adam made their way to an unoccupied sofa, the sound of voices briefly faded.
The Head Waiter waited for them to get seated then said, “Your table will be ready shortly. Do you wish an aperitif?”
“I think an aperitif would be appropriate,” Adam told him. “I’ll have a Scotch and water.” He turned to Chrissy and smiled. “And you, my darling?”
Chrissy shrugged. “Oh, just a dry white wine. I want to keep a clear head so that I can enjoy this evening to the full.”
The Head Waiter departed and Chrissy made herself comfortable on the sofa next to Adam. She crossed her legs, the split in the skirt of her dress giving Adam the chance for another quick glimpse.
“What’s with the ‘my darling’ bit?” she asked Adam. “Getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Just getting into the spirit of the evening. I must say that your shopping expedition was most fruitful. You look absolutely stunning. I am sure I am the envy of every man in the room. But weren’t you being a little premature in removing the bandages from your ribs?”
“I couldn’t keep them on with this dress. So when it came to a choice between the dress and the bandages, it was no contest. But don’t worry, Adam, I intend to make you pay for every bit of my discomfort.”
“I’m sure you will. But still, it is a little risky.”
“Not worried about me are you?”
“Of course I am! You know I have your best interests at heart, so even the slightest injury is bound to upset me.”
“My best interests, ha! I know what you’re really interested in.”
She turned towards him, twisting her body and leaning forward provocatively, allowing him a generous view of her cleavage should he dare to look. If her bruised ribs caused her any pain, it didn’t show as she stared into his eyes.
“Well, take a good look, Adam,” she whispered. “All of this could have been yours. But now, all you can do is look. So go on, Adam. Look.”
Adam had kept his eyes on hers, but now they briefly glanced down. Chrissy laughed and sat back in the sofa. Adam knew that he had already lost the first brief battle of wills, but he wasn’t downhearted.
“I have to admit, you have a fine array of weaponry. But I can match it.”
Chrissy shook her head and smiled. “No, you can’t.”
“We shall see.”
One of the waiters returned with their drinks. A moment later and another waiter brought in a plate of hors d’oeuvres which he quickly described to them.
“This is a pate of smoked salmon wrapped in a vine leaf on toasted rye bread. This one is a medley of cheeses on a homewheat cracker. This is a pate of pork and mushroom on a home baked savoury biscuit. And this one is chicken and asparagus with tomato vinaigrette also on toasted rye bread.”
Chrissy could hardly remember each tiny dish the moment after the waiter had described them. She put down her drink and sat forward.
“They look sweet,” she said, looking at the tiny dishes.
As Chrissy leaned forward, Adam stared at her back, revealed in all its glory by the low cut dress. “Yes, very attractive,” he replied.
There was something about his tone that made Chrissy look up, and she saw the direction of his gaze.
“Are you staring at my bum?”
Adam laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing without consulting you first,” he said quickly. “However, I must say that you have a most beautiful back. Very impressive. And I am glad to see that the bruising to your ribs is minimal and that the map of Japan is nowhere to be seen.”
Chrissy straightened up and flexed her back. “Actually, my back’s pretty well okay. Most of the bruising to my ribs is more around the front.” She held a hand to her left side as she continued to twist and stretch. “As for the bruise on my bum, well, it’s still pretty ugly, but it doesn’t go up that far to be seen. I made sure of that when I tried the dress on. But you should see me with the dress off.”
“I intend to.”
Chrissy’s eyes narrowed. “Do you want to eat these hors d’oeuvres or wear them?”
Adam laughed. “I think we will eat them. Here, let me.”
Adam picked up the plate and took one of the small dishes and offered it to her. Chrissy hesitated a moment before moving closer and taking a bite. Half of the tiny dish vanished in a mouthful.
“Mmmh, that is nice,” Chrissy said as she chewed.
“I am glad. But will you finish it, or shall I?”
“I think we’ll share. There is only one of each, and I wouldn’t want you to think I was a greedy eater.”
Adam popped the last bit into his mouth. “I doubt very much that you are a greedy eater.”
“Then I’ll surprise you. I’m not one of these diet mad weight watching bimbos. I like to eat.”
“I can see that.”
Chrissy looked offended. “Are you saying I’m fat?”
“Not at all. You are beautifully curved, and yet deliciously lithesome. You are tall and elegant, your face perfect, your eyes magnificent and your hair glorious. I am sure diet mad weight watching bimbos slit their throats at the mere sight of you.”
“Are you going to eat me or feed me?”
Adam smiled and offered her another hors d’oeuvre.
When the plate was empty, the Head Waiter returned.
“Your table is ready,” he said. “Would you like to follow me through to the dinning room?”
Adam said, “Of course.”
He got up and held out his hand to Chrissy, smiling at her. She took his hand and stood up. Adam ushered her in front of him as they followed the Head Waiter to their table. He placed his hand gently on her back, just under her left shoulder blade. When they reached their table there were two more waiters waiting for them. They quickly helped Chrissy to her seat, moving the chair for her and placing the napkin in her lap.
“Thank you,” she told them.
Adam was similarly treated, and when they were both comfortably seated, the Head Waiter presented them each with a menu.
“The wine waiter will be along shortly,” he said and left them.
Another waiter appeared with their drinks. He placed them on the table. Chrissy had forgotten about her glass of white wine. She thanked him and he smiled at her and departed. A second waiter then delivered the wine list to Adam as promised.
When the wine waiter had left and they were finally alone again, Chrissy said, “You have warm hands.”
“And you have a warm back,” Adam replied.
“You know what they say about warm hands?”
“Do tell me.”
“Warm hands, cold heart. Are you cold hearted, Adam?”
“I told you before that my heart was too warm for the solitary life. As to how warm, well, you may find out if I am fortunate.”
Chrissy laughed. It was a short chuckle. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“There is much to gain. And the more I see and feel you, the more I wish to pursue our game.”
“That just means that I’m winning. I told you that you couldn’t match me.”
Adam nodded. “It is true. And I now concede the point. But your beauty only succeeds in intensifying my desire to win. I like the way you look, Chrissy, and the way you feel, even though my touch has been tantalizingly brief. I also like the way you smell, and I even liked the sounds you made as you walked to the table. No, I won’t give up, Chrissy. I want you, and I intend to have you.”
“And there was I thinking that you were only interested in me for my mind,” Chrissy replied tartly. She opened the menu and gazed down at it. “Now then. Shall I be a good girl and go for the table d’hote menu as it’s cheaper? Or should I make my choice from the a la carte menu and bleed you dry?”
Adam turned the page on his menu and said, “You could do even worse and choose the menu gourmet.”
Chrissy turned to the appropriate page. “Oh, yes.” She smacked her lips. “Mmmh! Black pudding and beans for starters! I could go for that!” She flipped back to another page. “But I also like the idea of the Venison as a main course. No, I think the a la carte is for me. I can mix and match what I like.”
Adam nodded. “As you wish. But I am sure the chef would have preferred ‘A Medallion of Lancashire Black Pudding on a bed of Beans Garnished in a Rich Tomato Sauce.’“
Chrissy chuckled again. “So long as I can eat it with the Venison I don’t mind what you call it.”
“You seem to have an appetite for strong and rich meats.”
“I didn’t get this shape by eating rabbit food, I much prefer the rabbit. You might say that I come from the Sophia Loren School of Dieting.” She put on a false Italian accent. “‘What you see I owe to pasta.’ Or in my case, pie and chips!” She held up her finger. “Oh, and gravy! You can’t have chips without gravy.”
Adam smiled and stared at her thoughtfully as she went back to reading her menu. “You know, there are times when I wish most dearly that we had not started this game.”
Chrissy looked up. “Weakening, are we?”
Adam’s smile broadened. “Maybe I am. I find you most endearing.”
“That’s just my working class charm, Professor ‘iggins.” Chrissy spoke sarcastically and her expression had hardened. “That kind of attitude is very patronising, Adam.”
“On the contrary. I think you’re lovely and very refreshing. I didn’t mean to offend you, but you have to remember that most of the women I have entertained tend to be arrogant and aloof. I think I may have told you this before. They expect to be wined and dinned expensively. They are used to it and unimpressed by it. However, that expectation has made them unappreciative. They are often contemptuous and bad mannered, and not just with the waiters. They certainly wouldn’t stoop to thanking them. I think you would refer to them as ‘stuck up.’”
“Whereas, I am common and easily pleased?” Chrissy quickly added when he had finished. She still wasn’t placated. “You’re not finished yet, Adam, it’s a long creek you’ve worked your way up, and your paddles are getting shorter by the minute.”
Adam leaned forward. “If common and easily pleased means that your feet are firmly fixed on the ground and that you treat people fairly, then I agree. And I wouldn’t swap you for any of those other women any day. I could take you to McDonalds and you would eat heartily and enjoy the conversation just as much as you would here. You appreciate the things you get and you value them. That bracelet on your wrist would have meant nothing to one of those other women, but you knew its value and its worth. You think I’m insulting you, but I am not. I am praising you.”
Adam was becoming more and more serious as he spoke. He was no longer smiling and his voice held a passion that Chrissy hadn’t heard before.
“Yesterday we spoke a lot about dreams. We spoke about your dreams and my dreams. And we spoke about the delights of achieving the attainable, and about the futility of dreaming for the unattainable. But what we didn’t talk about was the people who don’t have dreams. They have expectations instead. That makes them hard. Hard, uncompromising and unforgiving. I am sick of such people. I meet with them every day and I despise them. They are constantly conscious of their position and they look down on anyone else.”
Chrissy was unforgiving. “Attended the wrong school, did you? Shame.”
“You think my words are hollow? That I am bleating about the unfairness of the world?” Adam was suddenly angry. “But you are right! In their world the livery of your school tie is important. More important than your character or motives. An axe murderer would be accepted with the right tie and connections, even if he carried his bloody axe over his shoulder.”
“Would you like to order, sir?”
Unnoticed, the Head Waiter had returned.
Adam looked up at him. Chrissy continued to watch Adam. He looked momentarily embarrassed, but then he recovered and smiled.
“Yes, I think we are.” He looked towards Chrissy. “What would you like, my darling?”
Chrissy made her order, choosing the dishes from the a la carte menu they had discussed earlier. Adam then followed. He chose the menu gourmet. The Head Waiter was instantly replaced by the wine waiter. Chrissy watched Adam as he chose then ordered the wine.
Chrissy could tell by his expression and the look in his eyes when he had been speaking earlier that Adam had been deadly serious. This was obviously a topic close to his heart, and one that cut deep. She waited until the waiter had left before she spoke.
“What do you do for a living, Adam?”
Adam sighed. “I have an investment company that my father started years ago in the seventies. Before that my father was a partner in a bank in London that specialised in overseas investments. He used his knowledge and overseas contacts to set up the company. I always knew I would follow in his footsteps, and I did as soon as I left school. What I know I learned from him. He was a hard tea
cher. But I have put to good use everything he taught me.”
“When did he die?”
“In 1989.” Adam looked closely at her. “Am I forgiven?”
She nodded. “I’m glad to see you’re human. It’s the first time I’ve seen you really angry.”
“I apologise. I don’t usually loose control like that. But I find the topic of my working relationships to be very volatile.”
“Some of that was my fault,” Chrissy said. “I egged you on a bit.”
“No matter.” Adam paused for a moment then added, “I meant what I said. We could end the game now if you wish. We could start afresh. This could be our first date. Do you agree?”
Chrissy shook her head. “I told you, Adam. I take no prisoners. The only way to end this game is to win or lose. You started this, remember. You could have been honest with me, you weren’t.”
Adam sighed. “You are right, of course. And now you want your revenge.”
The waiters returned and prepared the table for their starters. Glasses were changed and the wine brought in. Adam tasted it and nodded. The waiter then filled Chrissy’s glass.
“If you don’t like the people you work with, why don’t you just change jobs?” Chrissy asked as Adam’s glass was being topped up.
“Because it’s the only thing I know how to do well.”
“What exactly do you do?”
“I buy and sell currency.”
“Like the yen and the dollar?”
“Yes. The yen, dollar, rupee or shilling. You name it; I’ve probably traded in it.”
Chrissy was suddenly fascinated. “So you know the currencies of all sorts of different countries?”
“Yes. Boring, isn’t it? But if you can name a country, I’ll tell you its currency.”
Chrissy was delighted. She smiled brightly. “I don’t think it’s boring at all! I think this could be fun! Denmark!”
“That’s easy, the krone.”
As the waiters brought in their starters Chrissy tried again.
“Hungary!”
“The forint.”
“You’re making that up!” Chrissy accused him.
Adam laughed. “I am not. I know them all.” Adam began to develop a very smug expression. “In fact, I’ll make you a wager,” he said with a broad smile. “If you can name one country that I cannot give you the correct currency for, you may have the victory in our game.”
The Look of Love Page 14
