by S G Read
Clayton finished his tea.
‘Best get washed up and then you will have to come to the police station with us.’ He said quietly.
Agnes nodded.
‘Will I hang?’ She asked.
‘No there is no longer a death penalty, Agnes and you know it.’ Clayton answered. ‘I think you will be charged with manslaughter.’
‘What about his garden? He loved his garden.’ Agnes wailed.
‘I know someone who will look after his garden while you are away, Agnes.’ Clayton answered.
‘You do? That will be so kind if you can arrange it.’ Agnes replied.
They took Agnes back to the police station with them and took her into the interview room that they had interviewed James Richards in. Agnes explained again, what had occurred in the house and it was printed out for her to sign. As she was not seen as a flight risk Clayton arranged for a police car to take her home and was sitting at his desk when the chief inspector arrived.
‘I just saw Mrs. Felltham being taken home, why did you bring her here?’ He asked.
‘To take her statement, sir and caution her that she will be charged with killing her husband. I have left it up to the public prosecutor to decide just what she will be charged with.’ Clayton answered nonchalantly.
‘When did you suspect her then?’ He asked.
‘In most cases a family member has a hand in the killing and it proved so in this case.’ Clayton answered as though he had thought it from the start.
‘I don’t believe it, she seems such a mild mannered quiet woman!’ He exclaimed and walked away.
Rebecca waited until she knew he would not hear her and then started laughing.
‘Now, now Rebecca, and remember he has big ears.’ Clayton warned. ‘Still all in all, a good day, both cases solved and an empty ‘in’ tray before the wedding day.’
‘What made you think it might be her in the first place?’ Rebecca asked.
‘Just something on a statement I read one day, but when I heard the wheelbarrow I didn’t want to believe it, that must mean I need to retire!’ Clayton answered.
‘No, you just need a rest behind a bigger desk.’ Rebecca replied. ‘Don’t forget we are at the church later to do a dry run of the wedding with Reginald.’
