by Leah Hope
“Nice work if you can get it” said Gil letting out a low whistle.
“Indeed. After my interview with Elaine Collins, I telephoned Luke. He confirmed what his mother had already told me. He hasn’t seen his brother since his father’s funeral. They’ve never been close, they’re like chalk and cheese apparently. He says that if Dan contacts him, he’ll tell him to give himself up. He doesn’t appear to have much time for his big brother and I’ve no reason to doubt his word.”
“So where do we go from here Inspector?” Bridget asked.
“Well, once we get a list of Collins’ friends and acquaintances, we’ll start contacting them but I’m not overly optimistic that we’ll get any information of much use. My gut reaction is that he’s acting alone and has gone to ground, maybe even sleeping rough. He’ll have to break cover sooner or later though and that’s when we’ll have our best chance to pick him up. One thing still bothers me, and I know you’ve done your best to convince me Bridget, but I still don’t fully buy into his motive for this. His mother said he was horrified at discovering what his father did, so why deliberately target one of his victims? It doesn’t make any sense to me. But, like I keep saying, I’ve been in this job a long time and I’ve seen stranger things so I’m prepared to keep an open mind for now.”
“I know I’m defeating my own argument Inspector, but if Daniel Collins is such a crack shot, why did I get the impression that the gunman was a novice?” Bridget asked after pondering on what the Inspector had just said.
“It’s a good point and one we’ll bear in mind. Just because we’ve issued an arrest warrant it doesn’t mean we’re closing the door to other lines of enquiry. In the course of most investigations, a number of arrests may be made, the majority of which will turn out to be innocent. So don’t worry that we’re putting all our eggs into one basket.”
“I’ve another question for you Inspector, if you’ve got time that is” Gil asked. “If Mrs Collins was so worried about her son’s disappearance, why didn’t she report him missing, particularly as he’d left his medication behind?”
“I asked her the very same thing Gil. She thought, wrongly I believe, that if we have a report on file of her son as an unstable “nut job”, her words I hasten to add, not mine, it could be held against him when he returns to work. I can see where she’s coming from on that one, mind you. There’s an awful lot of ignorance surrounding mental health. Why there’s still a stigma in these supposed enlightened times I’ve absolutely no idea. I would like to think though that in the Force we are a little more understanding of mental health issues and that PC Collins would have received all the support he needed on his return to work.”
“Well it looks like he’s blown that doesn’t it?’ Gil said with a rare display of sarcasm.
“Innocent until proven guilty remember. This investigation’s got a long way to go so let’s not get carried away just yet.”
Feeling somewhat chastised, Gil flushed a deep shade of crimson.
Sensing it was time to bring things to an end, the inspector glanced down at his watch. “Well if there’s nothing else, I’d better be on my way. I’ll see myself out. Oh and thanks for the mince pies Bridget, they’re the best I’ve ever tasted. If you ever fancy selling them down at the nick, I’ll be your agent - we’ll make a fortune!”
“I might just take you up on that Inspector” said Bridget, flushing almost as deeply as her brother.
Chapter Fourteen
The following day dawned, grey, wet and miserable. Bridget had intended to give all of the downstairs windows a long-overdue clean but as this was one of her least favourite tasks, she was more than happy to leave it for another day. She decided to defrost the freezer instead.
No sooner had she started to wrap packs of meat and fish in newspaper ready for storing temporarily in the fridge, when the phone rang. I think people just wait for me to get started before they ring, Bridget said to herself as she hurried into the hall.
Relieved to find that it was Maggie on the line, Bridget took the phone into the living room and settled down for a long chat. She was surprised to discover that Inspector Addison hadn’t given Maggie such a detailed progress report as he had given her and Gil, so she spent some time filling in the gaps. She hadn’t quite finished when Maggie handed the phone over to Heather as the nurse had arrived to change her dressing. It was a very excited Heather who came on the line. Tony would hopefully be arriving some time that evening. A customer at the restaurant in St Rémy had mentioned he would be travelling home to Bristol today and Tony had cadged a lift.
“Oh that’s wonderful news Heather, I know it’s been a strain having to deal with all of this on your own. But what about the restaurant, will Doug and Helen be able to cope on their own?”
“You know what they’re like Bridget, they practically pushed Tony out through the door. After the wedding party last weekend, this weekend is a little quieter so I’m sure they’ll be fine. Tony’s a bit worried though that Doug is making a pitch for his job, he’s taking his role as Maître d’ very seriously. Apparently he’s even bought a tux, which Helen says is way over the top, but she has to admit he looks good in it!”
Bridget laughed until tears ran down her face. “That’s the best laugh I’ve had in ages, I hope it’s true what they say about it being the best medicine.”
“Yes, I’m sure we could all do with some light relief after the past few days. Which leads me nicely on to what I was going to say next. Mum and I, and Tony of course, would like to invite you and Gil to lunch on Sunday. We’re planning to drive back to France on Tuesday, if Mum gets the go-ahead to travel of course, so this will be our last chance to get together for a while.”
“That’s a lovely idea Heather, but will your mum be up to it?”
“Well actually, it was her idea. Between you and me Bridget, I think she needs to talk about the shooting, not that we haven’t of course, but you and Gil were there so you all have that special bond. Please say you’ll come.”
“Well if you put it like that Heather, how can we refuse?”
*
Although neither of them said anything, both Gil and Bridget were rather apprehensive when they climbed into the car at 9.00am on Sunday morning for the drive to Bath. It was exactly one week ago, almost to the second, since the shooting. Both remained silent as they left Whytecliffe behind and headed for the M27. It was only when they were on the A36 did the tension in the air begin to dissipate.
“I know it’s a bit late to ask, but you did remember the chocolates didn’t you?” Gil asked.
“Yes, they’re in my bag. I even checked with Heather which sort Maggie preferred.” After a pause Bridget said “I hope the flowers for Heather I put in the boot are ok, maybe I should have put them on the back seat.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine where they are Bridge. Besides, I’m not planning on stopping before we get there.”
“Why, are we nearly there?” Bridget asked, conscious that she sounded like a bored five year old.
“Not quite, about an hour to go yet, according to the sat-nav.”
“I wonder what Heather’s making for lunch? Although maybe it’s Tony who’s doing the cooking. I expect he’s quite the chef now after all that practice he gets in the restaurant.”
“Yes but he doesn’t do any of the actual cooking does he. He helps out with the prep when it’s needed but he leaves the cooking to Antoine. I can just imagine his face if he saw Tony start on the steaks or the crème brûlées” said Gil with a grin.
“Yes I know, but I expect he’s picked up a thing or two. It’s hard not to when he spends so much time in the place.”
“Well whoever’s doing the cooking, it won’t touch the sides. I could eat a horse.” “What, even after that enormous fry-up you had for your breakfast?” I don’t know where you put it Gil Honeyman.”
The rest of the journey was made in relative silence, until they reached the outskirts of Bath.
“It’s a s
hame we aren’t going to see much of the city” said Bridget with a sigh. Especially as we missed out last time as well.”
“Yes it is, it looks beautiful if the photos I’ve seen are anything to go by.” Gil suddenly slammed on the breaks and Bridget lurched forward in her seat. “Damn, I’ve just missed my turning. Can you just be quiet now please, Bridge, I need to concentrate, I don’t want to go wrong again” Gil said as he made a three-point turn.
“I thought that’s why you had the sat-nav, to stop you going wrong.”
Gil ignored his sister’s comment as he at last turned into Maggie’s road. “Now if you want to help, keep a look out for a bungalow on your left, it’s called Fairview. I wish it had a number not a name, this road’s going on forever. I hope we haven’t passed it.”
“Oh look Gil, a French registered car just opposite that tree, it must be Heather’s” Bridget suddenly shouted excitedly.
“Thank goodness for that. Well spotted. I wonder if I should park on the road or the drive?”
“I think Heather has parked on the road to leave room for you in the drive.”
As Gil manoeuvred the Merc through the double gates, Bridget spotted Heather in the window and waved.
The front door flung open and Heather dashed out to greet her friends.
“Hi, you found us alright then?” Heather asked after hugging Bridget first and then Gil.
“Yes, no probs until the last turning” Gil said with a laugh.
“It’s always the case isn’t it?” Heather replied. “I drove all the way from France on Monday without any problem and then I go and take the wrong exit off the ring-road.”
“Women drivers!” said Tony who had just arrived in time to hear his wife’s last remark.”
“One more word Lloyd-Jones and there’ll be no roasties for you!”
“If you’d only let me finish darling, I was about to say that women drivers are the best” said Tony who looked relieved that he’d managed to successfully deflect a confrontation.
“Yeah right!” said Heather as her husband beat a hasty retreat indoors. “Come on you two, let’s get inside, Mum has been so looking forward to seeing you both again.”
Heather shepherded her guests through to a light and airy living room to the right of the hallway where Maggie was sitting on a huge creamy yellow sofa. She was almost buried by a small mountain of cushions and tried to struggle valiantly to her feet, almost causing an avalanche.
“Please don’t get up Maggie” said Bridget who rushed across the room to embrace her friend, follows closely by Gil.
“You’re looking so much better than when we saw you last, isn’t she Gil?” Bridget said as she took a seat on the sofa next to her friend.
“Well I must admit I’m feeling a lot better too, which wouldn’t be difficult as when I came round on Sunday after surgery I felt as if I’d been hit by a truck.”
“That’s hardly surprising after what happened to you” said Bridget. “I think if that had been me I would still be under sedation.”
“But you and Gil had a terrible shock too, and from what you and Inspector Addison have said, it was you who was the intended target, not me” Maggie said looking directly at Bridget.”
“There’s no need to put it quite so bluntly Mum!” Heather said looking daggers at Maggie.
“It’s alright Heather” said Bridget trying to diffuse the situation. “Your mum isn’t saying anything that hasn’t already been made perfectly clear to us. I’d worked it out for myself even before we’d spoken to Inspector Addison. No-one could possibly have known that Maggie would be in Whytecliffe that day, or even in the UK. If this wasn’t a random shooting then someone was a target. And that target was me.”
A heavy silence fell over the room with no-one knowing what to say. After an awkward few moments, Tony jumped out of his seat. “Well I don’t know about anyone else but I could do with a drink. What can I get everyone?”
Tony and Gil opted for a beer with Bridget and Heather choosing white wine. Maggie, who wasn't supposed to drink with her medication, decided nevertheless to risk one small glass of wine, which she would save for lunch.
When Heather and Tony excused themselves to see to the food in the kitchen and Gil had been dispatched to the car to fetch the forgotten flowers, Bridget seized the opportunity to speak to Maggie on her own. She had sensed that her friend was putting a brave face on things and was keen to find out if she was correct. After all, Heather had said that it was Maggie’s idea to invite her and Gil to lunch.
“I try not to let Heather see just how badly this has shaken me up, Tony too of course, but I can’t expect him to feel things as strongly as my own flesh and blood. To be honest, I can’t wait until we leave for France but then I’m dreading the thought of coming back here on my own.”
“I think that’s perfectly understandable” said Bridget, “ I feel much the same way, about being on my own I mean. Gil is around most of the time but he has to go into the garage every now and then and I’m watching the clock until he gets back.”
“Please don’t say anything will you. I’m so glad you’re here Bridget, you and Gil are the only ones who have any idea how I feel. Heather and Tony have enough on their plate with the restaurant without having to worry about me. I don’t want to be a burden but I don’t want to keep everything bottled up either. I know it’s strange” Maggie said, glancing anxiously out of the window “but I keep getting the feeling that someone’s watching me. I look outside and I can’t see anyone, but the feeling’s there all the same. I even imagine someone has been through some of my things too as they look crumpled up in the drawer, and that’s not how I leave them. It’s probably just my nerves playing tricks as I’ve hardly set foot out of the house, other than to go to the hospital.”
“Then I think you ought to consider counselling Maggie, when you get back from France that is. I’ve been mulling it over too as I haven’t been sleeping very well. I have to admit I’ve resorted to having a few large glasses of wine late at night but I know that’s not really the answer. It’s funny how things affect people differently isn’t it? I mean, just look at Gil. He seems completely untouched by the whole thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that he’s coping but I just wish I could do the same.”
“You’re right Bridget. I’ve got a leaflet from the hospital somewhere about counselling services, and physiotherapy too. I’ll give them both a ring tomorrow and arrange appointments for when I get back from France. I just hope there’s not a huge waiting list. I was reading that..…”
Maggie was interrupted by Gil popping his head around the door to let Bridget know he’s given Heather the flowers.”
“Oh that reminds me” said Bridget suddenly delving into her bag. “We brought you these” she said as she handed the box of chocolates to Maggie. “I hope you like them, a little bird told me they were your favourites.”
“They certainly are, thank you both so much. I can’t wait to tuck into them after lunch.”
“Talking of lunch” said Tony who’d just entered the room and overheard, “we’re almost ready to serve up, so if you’d like to take you seats in the dining room, we’ll be with you in a moment.”
“You can let me know what you think about the room and the alterations I’ve got planned Bridget” said Maggie as she struggled to her feet. “I’ll show you the kitchen afterwards, I don’t think Heather will thank me for taking you in there now with all the mess!”
“I know how she feels” Bridget replied. “When I’m cooking, the kitchen is my domain. If I’m going to make a mess I want to be able to do it behind closed doors!”
Everyone took their seats in Maggie’s rather small dining room which overlooked a neat little rear garden. Plates of mushroom soup were waiting for them. While she waited for her soup to cool, Bridget looked around at the gloomy room. I can see why Heather has nagged her mother to do something about it she thought to herself. Although Maggie had done her best with pale yellow walls and
matching blinds to give the impression of a sunny room, Bridget thought it still lacked warmth.
“This looks good enough to eat” said Gil, tucking his napkin under his chin. “I know you’re meant to put it on your lap but it always makes more sense to me to protect your front, especially when you’re eating soup.”
“Well we won’t tell the etiquette police if you don’t!” Heather said with a laugh.
Roast beef with all the trimmings came next followed by cherry clafoutis. “The cherries are from your trees in St Rémy” Heather said to Gil and Bridget. “You’d given us loads last summer so I decided to bring some for mum time we came over. She’s had them in freezer for a while so I thought I’d use them up.”
“It’s delicious Heather” said Maggie, helping herself to another slice. “But I think it’s the cherries that make it. You can’t beat home-grown produce.”
Although Gil and Bridget offered to help with the clearing up, Heather and Tony wouldn’t hear of it. “I think Mum needs some help with those chocolates so if you two wouldn’t mind volunteering, we’ll join you in a bit with coffee” said Heather as she steered the trio towards the living room.
While they waited for coffee, Gil browsed through the Sunday papers and Bridget and Maggie talked excitedly about the plans for the new kitchen-diner. Maggie was thrilled that the builders had agreed to re-schedule the work for the end of October. This would give her plenty of time to choose a kitchen and everything else she would need but would also ensure the new room would be finished well in time for Christmas.
“Well what a bunch of lightweights!” said Tony looking at the still unopened box of chocolates as he set down a tray on the coffee table.
“I think we’re all well and truly stuffed after that meal” said Gil patting his stomach. “Give me a few more minutes to let everything settle and it’ll be every man, and woman of course, for themselves!”
Heather arrived moments later and flopped down into an armchair. “I love this time of day on a Sunday when you’re feeling pleasantly full with food and wine and all the clearing up’s done. Mind you, days like this are few and far between for us now since we’ve had the restaurant. It’s nice to indulge when we can though.”
