“But I did. I needed the attention, I craved it. And I already had suspects that I could pin the murder on. It was perfect. Douglas didn’t know what had happened to him, I did it quickly. He came upstairs after Mildred had left to check on me. I pretended to be asleep until he left the room, then I crept up on him as he headed for the stairs. I had to give him quite a push, but he went quickly. Then I cut the carpet, I had to make that look obviously cut as it was all part of the plan to make Douglas’ death look like murder.”
DI Clarke spoke, “Did Ms Hepplethwaite push you down the stairs at the charity shop?”
Nina smiled. “No, fooled you again. Are you going to arrest me now? Julia, don’t look so angry. Think of it as starring in one of my films.”
Julia couldn’t take it any more. She stood up. “This is not one of your films, this is real life. You killed Douglas so that you could get attention from everyone! There’s something wrong with you!”
DI Clarke stood up and took Julia’s arm. He led her away from Nina and towards the doors. He nodded at the uniformed policemen who then came in and walked past them.
In the corridor he released her. “Try not to get so upset.”
Julia clenched her fists. “I feel so used! I cared about her. I was worried for her! And all the time she was using me, and everyone else. Douglas’ life meant nothing to her.”
“Would it help if I told you she’s done this before?”
“What?”
“Not killed any one, but she’s had many falls over the past ten years. After you phoned me last night I did some research. Ms Sapphire has moved all around Europe, picking up friends as she went. She’s been admitted to hospitals in many cities. I managed to speak to some of the doctors who treated her. They remembered her as being charming, and that she always had many visitors. They all said she never broke a bone during her falls.”
Julia shook her head. “I can’t believe someone would crave attention that much. But … why kill Douglas?”
“I suppose she thought she had to take whatever steps were necessary to get more attention for herself.”
Julia said, “Killing Douglas was a step too far. Excuse me, I have to go.”
Chapter 31
Julia found it hard to get through the rest of the day.
Cain said to her, “Don’t let it get to you. She fooled us all, there was something psychologically wrong with her. She’s fooled other people, and she’ll probably fool people in prison.”
“I know but I feel so sad for Douglas.”
Cain added, “You’ve stopped her doing that again to someone. If she’d have got away with murder once, she would have tried it again.”
“I suppose so.” She stopped outside Cain’s house. “Thanks for all your help.”
“Any time.” He grinned and then added, “Mum.”
Julia couldn’t help but laugh. There was no point feeling sorry for herself. There was nothing she could have done to prevent Douglas’ death.
Helena Blossom was waiting for her when she got home. “Hey there, Julia. You look like you’ve had the day from hell.”
Julia unlocked her door and said, “Come in, I’ll tell you all about it.”
“No need. I’ve already spoken to DI Clarke, he’s told me everything. That Nina sounds like a case. DI Clarke told me that the lovely Kirk and Alexander Adams have been charged with something or other, something to do with their business dealings. He said they’ll be contacting Erin Matthews about the death of her granddad.”
“Good,” Julia said. “Are you coming in?”
“Sorry, can’t do. I’ve got some undercover work to do. I came here to make sure you were okay, and to cash in on that favour I mentioned.”
Julia steeled herself.
Helena laughed when she saw Julia’s face. “It’s nothing untoward. It’s my mum. She’s getting on in years and she can’t do as much housework as she used to. She’s tried to hide it from me but I can see the pain in her eyes when she cleans her windows. She has arthritis and it’s really affecting her. I’ve suggested getting a cleaner to help but she’s too stubborn to hire one. She says that cleaners are a luxury she can’t afford. I’ve offered to pay for one but she says she doesn’t want me to spend my money. Truth is, I could really do with someone to help her.”
Julia smiled. “You can tell her that you’ve won some sort of competition, tell her that you didn’t know what the prize was. And lo and behold! You’ve won my services for a month, or a year, depending on how much you charge for your services. How does that sound?”
“It sounds perfect. Thanks! A month should do it, but if Mum takes to you I’ll pay you on the quiet and tell Mum something. I’ll give you her details. Thanks again, I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Julia took a piece of paper from Helena. “It was great to meet you.”
“I’m sure our paths will cross again. You have my number if you need any help in any future murder investigations.”
Julia pulled a face. “I am not getting involved in any more murder cases.”
Helena patted Julia on the arm and said, “Don’t fool yourself, Julia. See you later!”
Julia watched her walk away. She still felt awful about the way that Nina had treated everyone, but she was glad that Nina had now been arrested. She smiled when she thought about the last thing that DI Clarke had said to her at the hospital. He’d asked if she’d come with him to explain the situation about Nina to Doris.
The look on his face was priceless as Julia said, “No, thank you. I never interfere in police work.”
A note from the author
I’ve always loved mystery stories. When I was young I used to read Enid Blyton books, then as I got older I progressed to Agatha Christie. My favourite TV programmes are Murder, She Wrote, Lewis and all Agatha Christie ones. I’d always dreamed about writing my own stories but I never had the courage to do so. But one day, I decided to just go ahead and do it! Sometimes you have to just leap, and hope you don’t fall off the side of a mountain.
You can get 3 free short stories (including Julia Blake’s first stories) when you sign up to my website at www.gillianlarkin.co.uk
You can see all my books on my website, including the ones that are free. Please feel free to write to me at:
[email protected]
If you liked this book would you have the time to write a short review? Thank you, I really do
appreciate it. I read all my reviews.
Best wishes
Gillian
JULIA BLAKE MURDER MYSTERIES
DEATH TAKES A TRIP
BY
GILLIAN LARKIN
www.gillianlarkin.co.uk
Front cover image by www.coverkicks.com
Copyright 2015 by Gillian Larkin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication must be reproduced in any form,
without permission from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to any persons, living or dead, is purely
coincidental.
Death Takes A Trip (Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Book 5) Page 13
