by M A Comley
“That it goes no further. If Littlejohn persists in not chasing up what the guests have to say, then that’s her lookout. She’s missing a trick.”
“Deal, and I agree. For some reason she appears to be neglecting her duties on this case.”
Ruth gasped as a thought went through her mind. “No, you don’t think it’s because Geraldine is my best friend?”
“Who knows? Tell me what you’ve found out.”
Ruth spent the next ten minutes filling James in about the interviews she’d had during the day. “So, that’s it in a nutshell. I think there are far more women in this community who could probably tell similar tales. I just need to find them. Are you telling me that you’ve never heard anything of this nature attributed to Bradley?”
“No, nothing. Sounds as though he was a sick individual. In my experience, men like that tend to distance themselves from other men. Are you saying that it’s possible one of these women could have pushed him?”
“Honestly, no, I don’t think either Eva or Maria could have done it. But that doesn’t mean to say another woman he might have touched up didn’t kill him. I have to admit, if he’d tried it on with me, I would have killed him long ago.”
James’ mouth hung open for a second or two before he replied, “You don’t mean that?”
“I do. You should have seen the way Eva, in particular, broke down today. She’s lived with him stalking her for years.”
“Stalking her? I’d hardly call it that.”
“Wouldn’t you? I would. He was a flaming sex pest who was allowed to get away with ruining several women’s lives. Shame on him. It’s Geraldine who I feel sorry for. I don’t think she had a clue what he was really like. How the dickens am I going to tell her?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t have any answers for you to that particular dilemma.”
“I can’t help wondering how many Evas and Marias are out there. How many women did he either abuse or hassle over the years? Don’t forget the other reports I’m looking into regarding the football team. By all accounts, he was a despicable man who someone should have had the courage to bring to task when he was alive.”
“Instead, they took their revenge by ending his life!”
“So it would appear.”
Chapter 11
Carolyn took over the school run the following day, leaving Ruth to get back to her usual routine. Before she set off for the office, she took Ben for a walk along her favoured spot, the coastal path. The sea was a little rough this morning, thrashing and foaming against the rocky shoreline below as the wind got up. The weatherman on breakfast TV had warned that rain would come in this afternoon, hence Ruth taking the opportunity to give Ben a run first thing. She always felt guilty when he didn’t get at least one run a day.
She smiled, watching her treasured companion running ahead and then trotting back to see where she was. During the walk, she mentally noted down a few things on her virtual to-do list. She hadn’t managed to get much sleep all night and had decided to go back to Carmel Cove Hall to speak with Lady Falkirk. She hoped that the lady of the manor would grant her permission to speak with the staff who had been on duty on Saturday. Perhaps they’d seen or overheard something. But then, if they had, why hadn’t they come forward by now?
Ben was panting heavily when she fastened him into his harness. She filled up his water bowl and held it while he lapped at the cold liquid, splashing it over her hand and the seat. “Thanks for sharing it around, buddy, most considerate of you.”
She drove up to Carmel Cove Hall and found the butler, Mr Wells, standing at the entrance. He turned her way and glanced at her in his usual offhand manner, treating her as if she was something he’d stepped in.
She opened the windows a little for Ben and locked the car. “Hello, Mr Wells. Sorry to drop by unannounced. Any chance I can have a brief chat with Lady Falkirk?”
“I wouldn’t have thought so. She never deals with unexpected guests.”
“I apologise again. It’s really important I see her.”
“I’ll do that later, not now. Make sure the bedrooms are aired for the guests arriving this afternoon,” Lady Falkirk ordered one of the staff as she appeared in the doorway. “Hello, Ruth. How lovely to see you. Do you have time for a quick cup of coffee?”
“Hello, Lady Falkirk, that would be divine, thank you.” She smiled at Lady Falkirk and then at Mr Wells, who appeared to be seething under his usual frosty exterior.
“Wells, arrange for some coffee and biscuits to be brought to the parlour immediately, there’s a good man.”
“Yes, m’lady.” Wells marched into the house, the tails of his coat swishing from side to side like an angry lion’s tail.
“Come in, dear. Looks like rain. Still, we mustn’t grumble, the weather has been good for months, for a change.”
“It has. Thank you for seeing me, Lady Falkirk.”
Ruth followed Lady Falkirk through the house to the sophisticatedly dressed parlour. Sage-coloured velvet curtains framed each of the grand windows at both ends of the room. There was a large open stone fireplace which was the focal point of the expansive parlour. The décor was simply stunning. Subtle pinks and reds covered the walls, making it a cosy environment to enjoy.
Once they were seated in the rose-coloured Queen Anne chairs, Lady Falkirk asked, “What brings you here today, Ruth? Oh my, where are my manners? How is your dear friend?”
“Geraldine is bearing up.” She cringed. How did she even know that? What with what had happened with Keith and interviewing the wedding guests, it had been days since she’d contacted Geraldine. She made a mental note to do that as soon as she left Carmel Cove Hall.
“I’m glad to hear that. What a terrible incident it was, all the more so when it took place on the poor girl’s wedding day.”
“She’ll survive. She’s made of strong stuff, is Geraldine.”
“That’s good to know. So, why are you visiting me today?”
“I was wondering if you’d allow me to have a brief chat with your staff.”
“Gosh, of course. I should’ve allowed you to have carried out some interviews before now, how silly of me. I’m so caught up with organising my day around here, the tiniest detail seems to slip my mind.”
“No need to apologise. I did stop by a few days ago, but everyone was rushing around so I decided to call back another time. I really can’t leave it much longer, not when there’s a murderer on the loose. Most people have a tendency to think about the victim and forget about trying to capture the assailant.”
“Count me as one of them. Of course, let’s have our coffee first. Ah, here it is now.”
A maid wearing a black uniform and white lace, tiara-like hat entered the room and deposited the tray on the small coffee table.
“Thank you, Sarah. I’ll see to it now.”
Sarah left the room, and Lady Falkirk poured the coffee. She handed a china cup and saucer to Ruth and then a plateful of shortbread biscuits.
Ruth struggled to resist the temptation to sample one of her favourite biscuits. “Thank you, they look delicious.”
“They are. My friend ships them down from Edinburgh for me. That reminds me, I only have a couple of packets left, and my guests simply adore them. I shall need to put in another request for the delectable snacks. Tell me about the case, Ruth? I’m intrigued to know how your job works. Do you work alongside the police?”
Ruth chuckled. “Hardly, Lady Falkirk. I believe sometimes the local inspector regards me as more of a hindrance than a help. Probably because nine times out of ten I solve the crimes sooner than she does.”
“Really? How fascinating. Why is that, dear?”
“Because I’m tenacious, I suppose. Once I have the bit between my teeth, there’s very little that will deter me from getting to the truth.”
Lady Falkirk punched her fist in the air, rattling her cup and saucer at the same time. “Good for you. Power to the little people. Do you find your tenacity gets y
ou into bother with the police?”
Ruth twisted her mouth. “Occasionally. It doesn’t bother me, though. The necessity to uncover the truth is what drives me forward.”
“Excellent. Well, drink up, dear, and I’ll introduce you to the staff—a proper introduction—and then you can go from there. I must admit, none of them have mentioned to me they saw anything untoward on Saturday, but then I didn’t ask. I suppose I was in a state of shock for a few days after the incident occurred. To think, this place now has the reputation of being a murder scene.” Her hand touched her cheek. “No, I won’t allow myself to think of such dreadful details. I can do without the added drama in my life, that’s for certain.”
“I’m sorry it happened here. I hope it doesn’t taint the way people think of your beautiful home, Lady Falkirk.”
“I hope so too, dear.”
Ruth drained her cup and placed it back on the silver tray.
“Okay, let’s see if we can sort you out a room to use.” Lady Falkirk raised her finger. “I know the exact room. Come with me.”
Ruth followed Lady Falkirk through the large hallway and down a narrow corridor. She flung open the door to an expansive library. “Will this do you?”
The room took Ruth’s breath away. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases lined the room with a ladder on each side attached to the bookcases themselves. She could imagine a child playing in here endlessly, for hours. “It’s breathtaking.”
“Thank you. I designed it myself and had it commissioned a few years ago. Pretty damned expensive, not that I’m one for talking about money much, you understand.”
“I can imagine. I bet this room cost more to design and fill than my cottage is worth.”
Lady Falkirk laughed. “I fear you may be right about that, dear. Now, who would you like to interview first?”
“It really doesn’t matter. Whoever is available. Thank you, Lady Falkirk.”
“No need for thanks. If it’ll help to reveal the culprit, then I’m only too willing to oblige.” She left the room.
Ruth couldn’t resist it. She walked over to the bookcase and ran her fingers lovingly along the dust-free shelves. They must be a nightmare to keep clean. She nipped back to the antique desk in the corner of the room and pulled her notebook and pen out of her pocket then sat down.
There was a slight knock on the door, and it opened to reveal a plump lady in her sixties. “I’ve been told to come and see you. I’m the housekeeper.”
“Come in. It’s Mrs Chambers, isn’t it? I think your husband services my car at the local garage.”
“That’s me. What can I do for you today? I requested to be the first because I have several rooms to make up for her ladyship who has yet more guests arriving. They’re coming out of the woodwork at the moment, all because of this murder, I’m betting.”
“More than likely. I won’t keep you long. Were you at the wedding on Saturday?”
“Sadly not. Therefore, I can’t help you.”
“Maybe not regarding the day itself, but maybe you’ve heard some gossip in town that you think might help me.”
Mrs Chambers laughed. “You must be desperate if you’re starting to rely on gossip, dear.”
“Not really. Going by past experience, I know how important it is to listen to what’s being said locally.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve heard nothing. Not a scrap to be honest with you. Will that be all? I’ve got tons to do now that the SOCO team have finished upstairs. I couldn’t touch the place for a few days.”
“If I give you one of my cards, will you ring me if you do hear anything?”
“Of course. Good luck. Must fly.”
She watched the woman scurry out of the room. The door closed and was immediately reopened by a timid-looking young woman in her early twenties, who hesitated in the doorway.
“Come in. I promise not to bite.”
She walked across the room, sat in the chair next to Ruth and placed her hands in her lap. “I’m Samantha Shaw.”
“Good to meet you, Samantha. Are you from around here?”
“No, I live a few miles away in Lunder. I travel to work every day.”
“I didn’t think I recognised you. I’m the local private investigator. The bride has employed me to try and find out who killed her husband. Were you working on Saturday?”
“Yes. I was based mostly in the marquee.”
“Did you happen to overhear anything that you have since thought of as suspicious on the day?”
The young woman stared at Ruth and shook her head. “No. I really can’t say I have. We were all so busy on the day, flying around here, there and everywhere, attending to the guests, ensuring they had a good time.”
“I understand. Maybe you’ve heard something since that day you’d like to share with me?”
“No. Nothing. I would if I knew anything, I promise.”
Ruth could tell the young woman was telling the truth. “Thank you for seeing me. Can you send the next person in on your way out?”
“Sorry I couldn’t help you,” Samantha apologised then left the room.
Ruth stared down at her empty notebook. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be a waste of time.
Footsteps on the nearby floorboards broke into her thoughts. Ruth smiled at the young brunette walking towards her.
“Hello, and you are?”
“Belinda Swallow, ma’am.”
“Ruth will do just fine. Please take a seat, I won’t keep you long. Were you on duty at the wedding on Saturday?”
Her head dropped. “Yes.”
“Where were you stationed?”
“Mostly around the main hall, topping up the guests’ drinks.”
Belinda was very shy and quietly spoken, almost to the point of Ruth struggling to hear some of her answers properly. “Did you see what happened?”
“No. I was on a quick break at the time. I reappeared when I heard the screams.”
“As you were on duty in the main hall, can you recall seeing anyone go up the main staircase at all?”
“Only the man who died, Miss.”
“Are you sure no one else went up there?”
She shrugged. “They might have done, but I didn’t see them.”
“That’s a shame. Maybe you overheard an argument or something along those lines on the day?”
“No. Nothing. I was too busy to listen to other people’s arguments or conversations.”
“I suppose so.”
With that, the door opened, and the butler stuck his head into the room. “All finished in here? I have a job for Belinda that needs her urgent attention.”
Ruth narrowed her eyes at Mr Wells. “Okay, I think I’m done. There’s nothing else you can tell me, Belinda?”
Belinda’s gaze drifted over to the door and back to Ruth. She hurriedly stood and mumbled an apology before she rushed out of the room. Mr Wells disappeared with her.
Again, Ruth looked down at the blank page. She quickly drew a rabbit that one of the kids at school had taught her years ago, just so the blank page stopped tormenting her.
Another young woman entered the room. She was blonde, her long hair tied back in a ponytail. “Is this going to take long?” she demanded, chewing on a piece of gum. “I’m guessing not after the others left quickly.”
“Unfortunately, I think I must have called on the wrong day. Everyone seems so busy at the moment.”
“Yeah, we are. I’m willing to hang around for a bit, if that’s what you want. My feet could do with a rest.”
Ruth smiled. “Let’s hope Mr Wells doesn’t call you away too soon then. It’s Sarah, isn’t it?” she asked, remembering what Lady Falkirk had called her when she’d brought them a drink.
“Sarah Wallender. I doubt it. I’m hardly his favourite around here. Anyway, what Daddy wants, Daddy gets, right?”
Frowning, Ruth asked, “Sorry, I don’t understand. Is that comment supposed to mean something?”
“Belinda is his daughter.”
/>
“Oh right. I didn’t make the connection because of the different surnames. Is Belinda married?”
“Yes, she got married last year.”
“Ah okay. So he tends to favour her when he has a specific job in mind because she’s his daughter, is that what you’re saying?”
“Well done. Full marks for your observations and following the clues.”
Ruth felt the colour rise in her cheeks. “Okay, back to business. Were you on duty the day of the wedding?”
“I was. Flitting here and there like a good ’un. Worn out by mid-afternoon, I was, but we weren’t allowed to have a break, although some of the more privileged among us seemed to achieve that.”
“You’re referring to Belinda again? If you have any grievances, why don’t you take them to Lady Falkirk?”
“Would you? Wells would come down heavy on me if I did that. Best not to say anything and keep my head down. Jobs are getting scarce around these parts. Have you seen the unemployment statistics for small towns and villages?”
“Not lately, no. Can I ask if you either saw anything or overheard something on the day that you shouldn’t have?”
“That’s a bit obscure. Oh right, you’re talking about the murder. Forgive me, my brain is still in bed until lunchtime some days.”
“Not a problem. I should have made my question clearer. Anything?”
“Not really. Can’t think of anything of use. Have you got any suspects? Maybe it was an old flame that threw him off that turret.”
“Did you know Bradley?”
“Not as such. Seen him around a few of the nightclubs in other towns. Likes to get close to women, shall we say?”
Her interest levels went off the radar. “He does? In what respect?”
“You’ll have to use your imagination.”
Ruth inclined her head. “Are you telling me that he liked to grope women?”
Sarah lifted one of her shoulders but said nothing.
“Sarah, are you telling me that he touched you up?”
“He might have, once or twice over the years, but he got a slap around the face for his trouble.”
Ruth smirked. “Good for you. I think I’d react in the same way.”
