Mr Ridgeway's Last Case (Butterworth Mystery Book 5)

by Gillian Larkin

  When Nerys came into the office, Connie was waiting with open arms. After receiving a hug from Connie, Nerys took a seat on the sofa. She politely refused the offer of a drink.

  Connie and Sable sat on the sofa opposite Nerys.

  Sable said, “Are you ready to tell us what happened?”

  Nerys nodded. “It started last night. Dale came to see me at home. He’s not supposed to come anywhere near me and the children, not according to Mr Ridgeway.”

  “What time was this?” Sable asked.

  “About ten o’clock. I was in bed, and the children were asleep. I opened the bedroom window and looked out to see who was knocking on the door. It was Dale, and he was drunk. That surprised me because Dale’s not a drinker. I told him to go away. He wouldn’t listen. He kept shouting out that he loved me, and that we were meant to be together. He was crying.” Nerys stopped talking and blinked rapidly. “It was awful to see him like that. It made me cry too. I told him over and over to leave. I threatened to call the police. But he just wouldn’t listen. Then this funny look came over his face, and he said he knew what he had to do. He staggered away muttering to himself.”

  “Did he come back?” Connie asked.

  “No. I half expected him to. I tried to get back to sleep, but I couldn’t. The sun was coming up when I finally drifted off. That’s when there was another knock at the door. I immediately thought it was Dale again, so I opened the window and looked out. I was shocked to see the police there. I thought something terrible had happened to Dale. It felt like my heart actually stopped. When I let the police in, they told me Dale had been arrested for the murder of Mr Ridgeway. But that can’t be right, can it? Not my Dale. He wouldn’t do that.”

  Connie said, “What exactly did the police tell you?”

  “They said Mr Ridgeway’s body had been discovered early this morning by a cleaning woman. She phoned the police who went round to Mr Ridgeway’s office. They checked the CCTV in the main reception and saw Dale leaving the building at eleven o’clock last night.” She paused. “The police said Dale had blood on his hands. And they found his bloodied fingerprints on Mr Ridgeway’s office door.”

  Sable shared a look with Connie.

  Connie said, “That doesn’t sound good. Has Dale told the police why he was there?”

  “I don’t know. The police aren’t telling me much. They want to talk to me later. I asked them if I could speak to Dale, but he doesn’t want to see me.” Tears ran freely down her cheeks. “I really have to see him. I really have to see my Dale. He can’t have done something like this. He just can’t.”

  Connie moved over to Nerys’ side and patted her clasped hands. “We haven’t got all the facts yet. I did a bit of research on Bruno Ridgeway, and he’s made many enemies over the years. Let’s not rule out the possibility that someone else could have killed him.”

  Sable said, “Connie, I don’t think it’s wise to give Nerys false hope.”

  “Any hope at all will help me get through this day,” Nerys said. “Connie, do you think you could go to the police station and talk to Dale? I want to know how he is. If you do talk to him, please ask him if he’ll see me. I can’t bear the thought of not talking to him in this difficult time.”

  “Of course we can do that.” Connie considered telling Nerys about the mix-up with Gail but thought better of it. That information would only cause more pain for Nerys.

  Nerys gave her a small smile. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I know my Dale didn’t kill Mr Ridgeway. I just know it in my heart.”

  Chapter 7

  DI Saffron McCue met Connie and Sable in the reception area of the police station a short while later. She was a family friend and had helped Connie and Sable out with their investigations.

  Connie gave DI McCue a warm smile. “Hello, Saffy. Thanks for seeing us. How are you? How’s the job going?”

  “I’m fine, thanks. I’m getting more used to being a detective inspector every day. It’s a steep learning curve, but as long as I’m moving slowly up the curve, then I’m progressing. Come through to my office.”

  Saffy led them into her large office and invited them to take a seat in front of her desk. She sat opposite them and said, “Now, tell me what your involvement is with Dale Spencer.”

  Connie proceeded to do so, and Sable added anything that Connie left out.

  When they’d finished, Saffy leant back in her chair and shook her head. “Why didn’t Dale just tell Nerys about the car?”

  “Because he’s an idiot,” Sable said. “But he’s an idiot who loves his wife. Is it possible for us to talk to him?”

  “I’m afraid not. But I might be able to work something else out. How well do you know Dale Spencer?”

  Connie said, “I’ve known him since he was a lad. He was friends with our Kevin at one point. Dale always had Nerys right at his side. They’ve been inseparable since the moment they met. Which makes this divorce business even more ridiculous. Saffy, I was reading up on Bruno Ridgeway. He had many enemies. How certain are you that Dale killed him? Are you looking for other suspects?”

  Saffy gave her a smile. “Are you telling me how to do my job?”

  “No! Goodness, no. Nerys believes Dale is innocent, and I must admit that I do too.”

  Saffy said to Sable, “And what about you? What do you think about Dale?”

  Sable said, “Anyone is capable of murder, if pushed. And Nerys said Dale was drunk last night. He wouldn’t have been in his normal state of mind.”

  “But he might have been too drunk to kill anyone,” Connie pointed out. “Saffy, can you tell us what evidence you have?”

  “I can. We caught Dale Spencer on CCTV as he was coming out of the reception area in Mr Ridgeway’s building last night. There was a fair amount of staggering going on, and when we zoomed in, Mr Spencer looked as if he was in shock.”

  Sable said, “Does the CCTV show him going into the building earlier?”

  Saffy frowned. “No, it doesn’t. That’s a bit of a mystery, and it’s something I’m going to ask Mr Spencer about. We found Mr Spencer’s fingerprints on the door frame of Mr Ridgeway’s office. They were bloody fingerprints. That’s something else I’ll be asking him about.”

  “What about the murder weapon?” Connie asked. “Is it true a letter opener was used?”

  Saffy nodded. “Yes. And our preliminary enquiries show there are no fingerprints on it. Which is peculiar. If Mr Spencer is our killer, and he wore gloves to commit the murder, why would he then take them off as he left the office? When we picked Mr Spencer up, we made a quick search of his house, and we couldn’t find any gloves. But he could have got rid of them before he got home last night.”

  Saffy’s phone rang. She answered it and spoke to someone for a few minutes.

  Connie whispered to Sable, “This doesn’t make sense. How did Dale get into the building without being seen? And why would he wear gloves only to take them off later? Something doesn’t add up. Don’t you agree?”

  Sable answered, “I’m reserving judgement until we hear what Dale’s defence is.”

  Saffy put the phone down. “I’m on my way to interview Mr Spencer now. You can’t come with me, but you can watch what goes on. One of our interview rooms has a two-way mirror. You can watch from there.”

  Sable clasped her hands together. “A two-way mirror? How wonderful. I’ve always wanted to stand behind one of those.”

  Saffy gave her a bemused look. “Really? Each to his own. Or her own.” Her phone rang again. “It’s just down the corridor and to the right. I’ll be with you soon.” She picked up the phone.

  Sable was on her feet in a flash and heading for the door. Connie ran after her.

  As they walked down the corridor, Sable said, “I like it when two-way mirrors are used in TV shows. Some officer will be standing behind it while the criminal is being grilled. And, suddenly, the officer will spot something that gives the criminal away. And then the officer will enter the room with a knowing
smile. And the case will be concluded before you know it.”

  Connie had to jog to keep up with Sable’s long strides. “How many crime shows do you watch? I thought you didn’t like them.”

  “I don’t mind them. Ever since we set up our business, I’ve been watching more of them.” Sable tutted. “Some of them are so far-fetched, it’s laughable.” She stopped in front of a glass window.

  Connie stopped at her side and wheezed as she got her breath back.

  Sable pointed at the room beyond the window. “These chaps must be finishing their interrogation. I hope they hurry up. I want to know what Dale’s got to say for himself.”

  Connie looked at the four men sitting at a desk inside the room. Three of the men were wearing suits, and the fourth was in casual wear.

  Sable said, “Look at that man with the big moustache! What year is he living in? 1977? Ha! And look at the hair sprouting from his nostrils. Talk about hirsute!” Sable turned to Connie, put her hands under her nose and waggled her fingers. “Looks like he’s got a trapped furry animal in there.”

  “Sable,” Connie began.

  Sable hadn’t finished. “And look at that young man in the tracksuit. He’s got guilty written all over him. He should be arrested for wearing that hideous outfit! That must be his lawyer at his side. Look at his weak chin and his drooping shoulders. There’s not an ounce of gumption in him. Ha!” Sable put her hands on her hips and began to laugh. “What a shower of imbeciles!”

  “Sable!” Connie hissed.

  “What?” Sable said. “They can’t hear me. And they can’t see me.” She stuck her tongue out and waggled it at the four men.

  Saffy appeared at their side. Her mouth fell open, and she stared at Sable.

  Connie said to Saffy, “She hasn’t realised. You tell her.”

  Saffy said, “Sable, you’re standing in the wrong place. This isn’t the room with the two-way mirror.”

  Sable blanched. “Pardon? Say that again.”

  Saffy placed her hand on the glass. “This is normal glass. The people inside can see out.”

  Sable’s head slowly turned towards the men. The three suited men were glaring at her. The man in the tracksuit was making rude hand gestures.

  The man with the hairy nostrils said, “Not only can we see you, we can hear you too.” His moustache twitched with irritation.

  “I … I …” Sable attempted to speak.

  Connie took hold of Sable’s arm, looked towards the men and called out brightly, “No harm done! Carry on.” She pulled her mortified sister-in-law away from the window and down the corridor.

  Sable muttered, “Saffy, I’m so sorry. So very sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You’ll have to tell me later what you said about them. I could do with a laugh.” She stopped in front of a darker window. “This is the right room. No one can see you from the inside.” She gave Sable a big smile. “Or hear you. Mr Spencer’s on his way. Wait for me when the interview’s over. I’d like to hear your thoughts.” She walked away from them.

  Sable put her hands on her cheeks which were now red. “Connie, what have I done? I’ve insulted those men. I’m not bothered about that rude man in the hideous tracksuit, but what about the others?”

  “Pah!” Connie flapped a hand at her. “You’ve given them something to talk about. And that man does need to do something about his hairy nostrils. Are you going to be alright? We need to concentrate on what Dale’s going to tell Saffy.”

  Sable raised her chin. “I’ll be alright. I’m a professional.” She glanced at Connie. “Are you laughing?”

  “I can’t help it. You were quite the comedy act. I can’t wait to tell our Debra.”

  The door to the room in front of them opened, and Dale Spencer was led in.

  All jovial thoughts slipped from Connie’s mind. She said to Sable, “He looks like a broken man.”

  Chapter 8

  Dale Spencer’s face was a picture of misery as he took a seat opposite Saffy and another officer.

  Sable said to Connie, “He’s got bruises on his hands. Has he been in a fight?”

  Connie shrugged helplessly. “Who knows what he’s been up to? He looks like he hasn’t slept all night.”

  They watched as Saffy began the interview. “Mr Spencer, do you know why you’re here?”

  Dale nodded. “I do. But I had nothing to do with that man dying. I swear.”

  “We’ll get round to that in a minute. How did you know the deceased, Mr Bruno Ridgeway?”

  “He was my wife’s solicitor. He sent me nasty letters.”

  “I see,” Saffy said. “Did you ever have any personal contact with Mr Ridgeway? Apart from last night, did you ever go to his office? Or meet him anywhere else?”

  “No. Never.”

  Saffy referred to the notes in front of her. “You were seen on CCTV coming out of the building where Mr Ridgeway worked. The CCTV shows the time as 11.03. I understand you’d been drinking last night. Were you aware you were at Mr Ridgeway’s building?”

  Dale’s head hung low. He mumbled, “Yes. I remember.”

  Saffy said, “Mr Spencer, please look at me. And please speak clearly.”

  Dale lifted his head.

  Connie said, “He looks like he’s going to burst into tears at any moment.”

  Sable didn’t say anything.

  In the interview room, Saffy put her hands on the table and said, “Mr Spencer, tell us why you were at Mr Ridgeway’s building last night. Tell us everything you remember.”

  Dale said, “I went there to talk to him. I was going to tell him he was wrong about me. He’d convinced Nerys, my wife, that I was having an affair. But I wasn’t having an affair. And I was going to tell him that. And then he could convince Nerys it was all a mistake. That’s why I was there. I know it was late, but I thought if he wasn’t in, I’d sleep in his office and wait for him. I had to get this misunderstanding sorted out.”

  “What happened when you got to Mr Ridgeway’s office? And how did you get into the building? There’s no record of you going through the main door.”

  Dale’s brow wrinkled in thought. “I went round the back. I tried to get in the front door, but it was locked. I thought there might be another door round the back. There wasn’t, but there was an underground garage. The door lifted up as I was walking near it, and a car drove down into the car park. I ran through the door before it closed.”

  Saffy said, “A car? What kind of car? Can you remember the make and model? And who was driving it?”

  Dale shook his head. “I think it was a dark car. I only saw the back end of it. When I ran down the ramp and into the car park, I heard it parking up somewhere, and then I heard footsteps. I waited till the footsteps went, then I had a look around the car park. That’s when I found the lift. I got in it.” He scratched his head. “But I didn’t know which floor Mr Ridgeway was on. So I pressed the button for the first floor and got out there.”

  Saffy looked at her notes again. “Mr Ridgeway’s office is on the top floor; the fifth floor. How long did it take you to find his office?”

  Dale shrugged. “I don’t know. A while.”

  “Did you hear anyone else moving about the building when you were there?”

  “I don’t think so. I think I heard the lift moving a few times, but I’m not certain about that.”

  Saffy said, “What happened when you got to Mr Ridgeway’s office? What did you see?”

  Dale looked down at the table. “I saw him. Bruno Ridgeway. On the floor. Dead.”

  “Explain that a bit more, please.”

  Dale looked at Saffy. “The door was open when I got there. I saw his name on the outside. I knocked and called out for him just in case he was there. There was no answer, so I went in. I saw his legs sticking out from behind the desk. I thought he’d fallen off his chair or something. He was lying on his front. I pulled him over on to his back. That’s when I saw the blood. There was a lot of it. I got it on my hands.” He turned h
is hands over as if expecting to see blood on them.

  Saffy said, “What did you do then?”

  “I panicked. I was stupid. I should have stayed and phoned for the police, but I could see how awful it would look for me. I ran away. I fell against the door frame on the way out. My legs went all wobbly. I couldn’t get the image of his dead face out of my mind. I ran for the lift.”

  “Why didn’t you return to the car park?” Saffy asked.

  “I couldn’t see the button for it inside the lift. I pressed the one for the ground floor, and when I got out, I saw the security guard sitting at the front desk. His eyes were closed, and I could hear him snoring. I crept past and went out of the front door. There was a button you could press to open it from the inside.” He sighed heavily. “I’m such an idiot. I should have phoned for you lot. I know how bad this looks for me.”

  Saffy pointed to his bruised hands. “How did your hands get like that?”

  Dale stared at his hands. “I don’t know. I must have fallen or something. What’s going to happen to me now?”

  Saffy gathered her notes together. “We’re going to make more investigations. And you’re going to stay with us while we do. Are you sure you don’t want us to contact your wife?”

  “No. I’m too ashamed. I can’t let her see me like this.” Dale blinked rapidly. “I’m never going to get back with Nerys, not after this.”

  Connie and Sable waited until Dale Spencer and Saffy left the room.

  Saffy walked over to them and said, “Well? What do you think?”

  Sable said, “It’s daft enough to be true. But what about those bruises? Could he have had a fight with Bruno Ridgeway?”

  “There were no bruises on Mr Ridgeway’s body,” Saffy advised them.

  Connie said, “What about that car Dale saw going into the building? Who was driving it? And where did they go once they were inside the building?”

  “That’s what I’m wondering too,” Saffy said. “And that’s precisely where my investigation is headed. What are you two going to do now?”