Pel and the Sepulchre Job
Page 14
She looked so terrified that Pel would have been inclined to put her out of her misery at once, but he had to be sure and this meant building the situation up to such a height that she would eventually fall from their mutually constructed cliff.
‘Madame Dufrenic?’
‘Yes.’ She had walked with a stick when she had let him in and there had been a brief silence while he surveyed the apartment and she painstakingly dosed the front door.
‘Your husband was a contortionist, I believe.’
‘Many years ago.’ Her voice was so soft that he could hardly hear her and suddenly a loathing for what he was about to do – for what he had done so many times before – came over him. Why did he go on doing this job? And if he was going to, why couldn’t he delegate, get someone else to do it? Someone more sympathetic like Annie Saxe. But he knew why, knew that he always carried out his own dirty work.
‘I didn’t quite hear what you said.’
‘He was a contortionist, many years ago.’
‘In a circus?’
‘Yes.’
‘And yourself? Is that where you met?’
‘I worked with the horses. But I had a fall.’
‘Is that what crippled you?’ he asked slowly.
‘Yes.’
‘And he cared for you all those years?’
‘He did. Monsieur, you say you are a policeman. Can you tell me why you wish to see me?’
‘It is about your husband, as I said on your doorstep.’
‘But to be specific – what about him?’ Her voice shook.
‘Please, madame. Let me do it my way.’
‘What are you building up to?’
‘Madame, I do need to do it my way.’ He smiled at her, sure in the knowledge that he had solved the case. He would be gentle with her, he promised himself, providing she didn’t go stubborn on him, and if she did, it would be his own fault.
‘Very well.’
‘I gather he worked in the sewers.’
‘Yes.’
‘No doubt his former profession as a contortionist assisted him in his work.’
‘No doubt.’
‘But, like you, he sustained an injury.’
‘He hurt his back.’
‘And that forced him to take an office job – with the sewerage company.’
‘Yes.’
‘He knew he was going to die. How was that?’
‘The doctor told him.’
‘The back injury?’
‘He had cancer in his bones. He didn’t have long.’
‘I see. Madame…’ Pel paused but more for effect than anything else. Again, a wave of self-loathing consumed him. ‘Was he worried about leaving you badly provided for?’
‘He had savings,’ she said woodenly.
‘Enough to keep you in comfort?’
‘Not comfort.’
‘To provide for your needs?’
She paused. ‘I can live simply. Look around you.’
‘Is your condition deteriorating, madame?’
‘It’s stable.’
‘Would you mind if I had you medically examined?’
‘You mean you have the right?’ she asked.
‘I have the right.’
‘There’s no need for your examination,’ she said patiently. ‘I am deteriorating.’
‘You need nursing help?’
‘If I wish to stay in my own home.’
‘And do you?’
She looked around her with a hopeless air and Pel knew that it would not be long before she gave in. ‘We’ve been here twenty five years, Josip and I. If I went into a nursing home, or hospital, I think it would kill me. I feel him here still.’ She paused. ‘He’s with me.’
‘You go to the sepulchre a good deal?’
‘Yes.’
‘Your own coffin’s there?’
‘It is.’
‘And you talk to Josip?’
‘Who told you that?’
‘The gardien.’
‘You have been making enquiries.’ She smiled for the first time and Pel knew that it was a smile of relief. Josip had provided for her so well that she was clearly terrified, probably all day and all night. They wouldn’t do much to her, Pel thought. But where would she end up? Probably just where she dreaded – and what could he do about that? Nothing.
‘Yes, I talk to him. It brings me comfort.’
‘That sepulchre. It must have cost a lot. It’s very grand.’
‘Josip had savings.’
‘As much as that?’
‘That’s what he wanted,’ she said placidly.
‘Couldn’t the money have been better spent – on nursing care for you, for instance?’
‘He had savings.’ She was dogged now.
‘More savings? Do you have a nurse?’
‘The district nurse comes in.’
‘No one else?’
‘No one.’ Perhaps she was afraid to touch the money. Or maybe she was only going to do so when time had passed.
‘But surely you need more than…cursory treatment?’
She shook her head. ‘I can get by.’
‘For how long?’
She didn’t reply and Pel cast an obvious eye around the room. Madame Dufrenic followed his gaze. ‘I’m not up to doing much cleaning.’
‘You can’t afford it?’
She raised her eyebrows. ‘Monsieur Pel, you must tell me why you are here. I think you have taken time enough leading up, don’t you?’
He bowed. ‘Yes, madame. I have reason to believe your husband was involved in a very substantial bank robbery. In fact, I believe he masterminded it.’
‘That is a very alarming proposition.’
‘Nevertheless I have evidence to support it.’
She looked at him shrewdly but said nothing.
‘Madame, I believe it would be a relief for you to unburden yourself. I’m sure you’ll not be prosecuted, and I’m equally sure that you have left your own share–’ your husband’s share – quite untouched. Except, of course, for the sepulchre.’
‘Just supposing you were right, monsieur, is it likely that the sepulchre would be torn down?’
‘I think it’s a little too late for that.’
‘Are you certain?’ She looked at him almost threateningly.
‘I would use all my influence and I’m sure I could be certain. Besides, it’s a very fine job and I’m sure the church authorities would back me up.’
Madame Dufrenic visibly relaxed. ‘What do you want to know?’
‘Did he do it?’
‘Yes, but to provide for me. Do you believe that?’
‘He did know he was going to die?’
‘Certainly.’
‘Then I believe you.’ Pel let a short silence develop. Then he said, ‘I need some information.’
‘What is it?’
‘Where is the money?’
‘It’s under the floorboards in my bedroom – a traditional hiding place, I’m sure you will say. But Josip died rather more quickly than he had imagined, and final arrangements, like a safe bank account, had not been made. He was not a man very familiar with high finance, as you can imagine.’
‘He was more familiar with squeezing into small spaces,’ said Pel gently.
‘It was his idea. He planned the operation and recruited the men.’
‘They carried it out after he died and paid you his share?’
‘Of course.’
‘And you know who they are?’
‘No.’
Pel paused again. It was not going to be easy after all. Heaven knows why he had momentarily expected it to be so. ‘Madame, the only way things could go wrong for you–’
‘Go wrong?’ She was visibly alarmed and looked at him accusingly as if he had reneged on his assurances.
‘Would be if you were to withhold evidence.’
‘I see.’
‘So, do you know who these men are?’
‘I told you
. No.’
‘There is no means of finding out?’
‘You can search the place,’ she said impatiently, ‘but Josip was most meticulous.’
‘There are other questions, madame.’
‘Yes?’
‘Please remember that you must answer them truthfully.’
‘I will, if I can.’
‘There was an ex-cop involved. There had to be.’
She nodded. ‘There was.’
‘Do you know him?’
‘He came here once or twice.’
‘Would you recognise him again?’ asked Pel a little too eagerly and she smiled at him as if she was indulging a boy.
‘Not only would I recognise him, but I know his name.’
‘Yes’.
‘His name is Bernard Vigo. Do you know him?’
‘The name rings a bell.’ Pel felt a thrill of delight. What was more, he was certain that she was telling the truth.
‘Well, I’m sure you can trace him. But please leave my name out of it, for Josip’s sake. Can you guarantee that?’
‘Yes, providing you can give me a little more information, madame.’
‘I thought you might strike another bargain, monsieur. Is this the nature of your stock in trade?’ She looked at him contemptuously and Pel squirmed.
‘Yes, I’m afraid it is.’
‘Well?’
‘It’s Meluc. You may not have–’
‘I knew him,’ she said sharply. ‘He was an errand boy.’
‘You sound as if you didn’t like him.’
‘I had no time for him,’ she said firmly.
‘Why not?’
‘He tried to blackmail Josip, just before he died.’
‘How?’
‘He wanted more of a cut than an errand boy deserves.’
‘And?’
‘When he was told he couldn’t have it, he sulked like a child and then threatened to wreck the whole scheme. So…’
‘So Josip had him killed?’
‘He wasn’t like that.’
‘Someone else?’
‘Yes.’
‘But you don’t know who?’
‘No, and I mean that.’
‘Is this the full extent of your knowledge, madame?’ She nodded. ‘I’m holding nothing back.’
‘You’re certain?’
‘Yes.’
‘You swear?’ Pel wanted to press the point.
‘I swear on my husband’s sepulchre – and my own. You know how important that is to me, Monsieur Pel.’
‘Yes, I know.’
There was a long silence. Then she said. ‘He was a good man, my Josip.’
‘He was a clever one. A devoted one.’
She smiled happily. ‘Shall I show you where the money is?’
Pel strolled away, having summoned assistance and leaving a guard in case the old lady burnt the money or herself or both. He would be able to get some help for her, but wasn’t sure if she would take it.
He wanted fresh air and he now walked briskly down the tree-lined avenue. He thought of his own devoted wife and how his home sometimes felt like a trap – a loving trap. Pel decided to lengthen his stroll. Everything could wait.
Note on Chief Inspector Pel Series
Chief Inspector Evariste Clovis Désiré Pel, of the Brigade Criminelle of the Police Judiciaire, in Burgundy, France is, according to the New York Times, in ‘his professional work, a complete paragon. ‘He is sharp, incisive, honest, and a leader of men and everything else a successful cop should be.’
Outside of work, however, ‘he is a milquetoast, scared of his gorgon of a housekeeper, frightened of women, doubtful of his own capabilities.’
It should be noted, though, things do change to some degree, and in the course of the series he marries - but readers are left to judge that and the events surrounding it for themselves.
What is true, is that Pel is ‘Gallic’ to the core and his complex character makes a refreshing change from many of the detectives to be found in modern crime. Solutions are found without endless and tedious forensic and his relationships are very much based in real life.
Pel Titles in Order of First Publication
These titles can be read as a series, or randomly as stand-alone novels
1. Pel & The Faceless Corpse 1979
2. Death Set To Music Also as: Pel & The Parked Car 1979
3. Pel Under Pressure 1980
4. Pel Is Puzzled 1981
5. Pel & The Bombers 1982
6. Pel & The Staghound 1940
7. Pel The Pirates 1984
8. Pel & The Predators 1984
9. Pel & The Prowler 1985
10. Pel & The Paris Mob 1986
11. Pel Among The Pueblos 1987
12. Pel & The Faceless Corpse 1987
13. Pel & The Touch Of Pitch 1987
14. Pel & The Picture Of Innocence 1988
15. Pel & The Party Spirit 1989
16. Pel & The Missing Persons 1990
17. Pel & The Promised Land 1991
18. Pel & The Sepulchre Job 1992
Further titles are available post 1993 See Juliet Hebden (author)
Synopses of ‘Pel’ Titles
Published by House of Stratus
These can be read as a series, or as stand-alone novels
Pel & The Faceless Corpse
An unidentified, faceless corpse is discovered near a memorial dedicated to villagers killed by the Nazis. Pel is on the case searching for a way to name the faceless corpse. The trail leads him from Burgundy to the frontiers of France, aided by a canny Sergeant Darcy and the shy, resourceful Sergeant Nosjean. Follow the irascible, quirky Chief Inspector on a road to solving the mystery of the faceless corpse.
Death Set To Music (Pel & The Parked Car)
The severely battered body of a murder victim turns up in provincial France and the sharp-tongued Chief Inspector Pel must use all his Gallic guile to understand the pile of clues building up around him, until a further murder and one small boy make the elusive truth all too apparent.
Pel Under Pressure
The irascible Chief Inspector Pel is hot on the trail of a crime syndicate in this fast-paced, gritty crime novel, following leads on the mysterious death of a student and the discovery of a corpse in the boot of a car. Pel uncovers a drug-smuggling ring within the walls of Burgundy’s university, and more murders guide the Chief Inspector to Innsbruck where the mistress of a professor awaits him.
Pel Is Puzzled
New varieties of crime are popping up everywhere in Inspector Pel’s beloved Burgundy. Raids on a historical chateau and the surrounding churches have led to the plunder of priceless treasures. But when theft becomes murder, Pel is called to uncover the true nature of who’s behind the crime wave. The case leads him from Paris to Scotland Yard and a climax involving the famous Tour de France cycle race.
Pel & The Bombers
When five murders disturb his sleepy Burgundian city on Bastille night, Chief Inspector Pel has his work cut out for him. A terrorist group is at work and the President is due shortly on a State visit. Pel’s problems with his tyrannical landlady must be put aside while he catches the criminals.
Pel & The Staghound
Violence, the mugging of gay men, and the disappearance of a wealthy local business man, Rensselaer, troubles Chief Inspector Pel who is baited by his superiors in Paris clamouring for more teamwork, technology, and sociologists. What remains is a harrowing question - has Rensselaer been kidnapped or murdered? Rensselaer’s family don’t seem to mind. Only Archer, his favourite staghound, is anxious for his missing master.
Pel & The Pirates
As Chief Inspector Pel honeymoons with his long-time love Mme Genevieve Faivre-Perret in St Ives, a local taxi driver is murdered on their first night. More puzzling is his attempts to reach Pel before the brutal killing and his message is one of murder, arson, and smuggling. But, can Pel break the silence surrounding the Islanders, and catch the kil
ler?
Pel & The Predators
There has been a sudden spate of murders around Burgundy where Pel has just been promoted to Chief Inspector. The irascible policeman receives a letter bomb, and these combined events threaten to overturn Pel’s plans to marry Mme Faivre-Perret. Can Pel keep his life, his love and his career by solving the murder mysteries? Can Pel stave off the predators?
Pel & The Prowler
The irascible Chief Inspector Pel basks in the warm glow of his marriage until a series of young women are found strangled, with macabre messages left next to them. Pel breaks his idyllic life in honeymoon heaven and begins an investigation among a student community. What ensues is a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Pel & The Paris Mob
In his beloved Burgundy, Chief Inspector Pel finds himself incensed by interference from Paris, but it isn’t the flocking descent of rival policemen that makes Pel’s blood boil - crimes are being committed by violent gangs from Paris and Marseilles. Pel unravels the riddle of the robbery on the road to Dijon airport as well as the mysterious shootings in an iron foundry. If that weren’t enough, the Chief Inspector must deal with the misadventures of the delightfully handsome Serjeant Misset and his red-haired lover.
Pel Among The Pueblos
A brief spell among the Pueblos, and a shoot-out under a moonless sky brings Pel his reward when the redoubtable Chief Inspector chases leads on a double shooting of two ageing crooks all the way to Mexico. This is Hebden’s eleventh novel in a series that delights and entertains a growing number of Pel fans.
Pel & The Faceless Corpse
An unidentified, faceless corpse is discovered near a memorial dedicated to villagers killed by the Nazis. Pel is on the case searching for a way to name the faceless corpse. The trail leads him from Burgundy to the frontiers of France, aided by a canny Sergeant Darcy and the shy, resourceful Sergeant Nosjean. Follow the irascible, quirky Chief Inspector on a road to solving the mystery of the faceless corpse.