Kill Shot: A Cavendish & Walker Novel - Book 10

by Sally Rigby

  ‘Would you like some wine before you start?’ she suggested, as she filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers, enjoying their apple-like aroma.

  ‘That would be nice.’

  She poured them both a glass of red, from the bottle they’d opened the other night, and sucked in an anticipatory breath.

  ‘I have a suggestion. Please hear me out and don’t say no straightaway.’

  He pulled out a chair and sat at the table. She sat opposite, so she could see his face to gauge his reaction to whatever she said in response to his suggestion.

  ‘I’m not impulsive, I will give your idea some thought before making a decision.’

  This wasn’t what she’d been expecting.

  ‘I know that.’ He took a sip of wine. ‘Living together has been great and we’ve managed very well considering our busy lives, don’t you agree?’

  ‘Yes.’ She nodded in agreement. ‘It has been satisfactory. Apart from the travelling which, at times, has been arduous. More so than I’d first imagined.’

  ‘My point exactly. So, I’ve come up with an idea.’ An eager face stared back at her. ‘Why don’t you sell this house, and I’ll sell mine and we’ll buy somewhere together, maybe a barn conversion, on the outskirts of Lenchester. I’ve been searching online and seen several which might be suitable. More than suitable, in fact. As long as I have a studio, I can work anywhere. It’s the perfect solution for both of us.’

  She stiffened. ‘You want us to buy something together?’ That thought hadn’t crossed her mind. Was she ready to sell the Victorian terraced house that she loved so much? The first house she’d ever owned and had bought thanks to an inheritance from her grandmother. She’d looked at countless other houses before settling on this one, and had spent hours and hours decorating and searching for perfect pieces of furniture, to make sure everything was in keeping with its history. ‘I’m not sure.’

  ‘I understand. Take as much time as you need to think about it. No pressure. Right now, how about we finish our wine and then go out for a drink? We’ll go to your favourite pub for some real ale.’

  ‘That’s a lovely idea,’ she said anxious to put thoughts of selling to the back of her mind for a short while. She picked up her glass and was about to take a sip as her phone rang. ‘It’s Whitney,’ she said after glancing at the screen.

  ‘That woman has impeccable timing,’ Ross said, laughing. ‘She always seems to phone during something important.’

  ‘Hello, Whitney.’

  ‘I wanted to talk through today’s interview and next steps, if you’ve got time. Are you working?’

  ‘Ross and I were about to go out for a drink.’

  ‘Sorry, I always seem to interrupt you.’

  ‘That’s what he said.’

  ‘It’s not intentional, I promise. Not something important, is it?’

  How did she do that? It was like the woman had a hotline to her mind.

  ‘We’ll talk tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, I get it. I’m looking forward to hearing whatever it is. And remember, you can’t keep any secrets from me, so don’t even think of trying.’

  ‘I’ll see you in the morning,’ she said, ignoring the comment, not wanting Ross to guess what the conversation had been about.

  Chapter 35

  When George arrived at the station, Whitney was standing by the board, with her hands on her hips, talking with Clifford. She’d intended to be there earlier, but sleep had evaded her, owing to all that was on her mind. Finally, at five, she’d drifted off for a couple of hours. She didn’t even hear Ross leave, instead saw the note he’d left for her on the pillow. He hadn’t wanted to disturb her. She appreciated his consideration.

  ‘Morning,’ she said.

  ‘You’ve made it just in time,’ Whitney said. ‘We’re about to have a run through of where we are and what we intend to do moving forward.’

  ‘I’m glad not to have missed anything.’

  ‘Attention, everyone,’ Whitney said. ‘We’ve got to get this nailed once and for all, not least because the media are being a thorn in PR’s side, constantly pestering them, wanting to know how the investigation is progressing. And PR, in turn, is bothering the super daily for updates. Frank, did you by any chance come across anything that you’d previously missed?’

  ‘I stayed late last night and went through the footage from cameras near the Marshall house again, to double-check. His car is sighted going in the direction of his home and there was definitely no indication of him having left his house on foot, or in his car after he’d arrived. But we do have to remember that there are many areas where there aren’t cameras, so he could have taken back roads and not been spotted. I also—’

  ‘Guv,’ Ellie called out, a sense of urgency in her voice. ‘You’ll want to see this straight away. Mac’s sent everything over.’ George, Clifford and Whitney hurried to her desk, with Brian following close behind. ‘I’ve got the footage from all of the nanny cams. This is from the hall camera and shows the wife leaving on Saturday afternoon with the child.’ She fast-forwarded the recording. ‘And here is Scott Marshall in the kitchen making a sandwich and having a beer. He leaves at seven. Now look when it gets to one-fifteen in the morning, he walks in the front door.’ She moved the footage on for them to see.

  ‘After being stood up by the victim’s wife,’ Whitney said. ‘Which they’d both told us about. He said she called at one to say she wasn’t going to meet him at the park and then he went home.’

  ‘What time did he leave the house again to go to the club?’ Clifford said.

  ‘That’s just it. He didn’t.’

  ‘What?’ Whitney spluttered. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Yes. It’s all on here. He goes into the lounge and falls asleep in the chair, and doesn’t move until four in the morning, which is after the killing took place.’

  ‘Crap. It puts him in the clear. He claimed to have been framed and it looks like he was right. Unless he orchestrated the murder but didn’t actually pull the trigger.’

  ‘From my observations of him, it’s a stretch to believe that,’ George said.

  ‘Shall we release him from custody?’ Brian asked.

  ‘We’ll keep him a while longer. I know what you’re saying, George. But we can’t discount that he was involved until we’re one hundred per cent sure. He may have stolen the gun from Gordon Elliott and given it to the killer.’

  ‘I suggest you look further into Marshall’s wife as she also has easy access to the gun,’ George said.

  ‘But what would her motive be?’ Clifford asked.

  ‘Motives are complex things. Just because we can’t immediately discern one, doesn’t mean it’s not there,’ George said.

  ‘Alternatively, Naomi Armstrong could have crept out of her parents’ home and done it herself,’ Brian suggested.

  ‘With a sick child? How likely is that?’ Whitney said. ‘Let’s take this logically. First, we’ll interview Jessica Marshall’s parents. I want to know more about who had access to the gun and also want to confirm their daughter was there all night. George, you can come with me.’

  ‘Now we know Scott Marshall’s in the clear, I might speak to him about our arrangement,’ Clifford said quietly so only Whitney and George could hear.

  ‘Not yet. As we’ve already discussed, he might have orchestrated it even if he didn’t do it himself. It’s not going to affect anything if you wait a while longer, is it?’

  ‘As long as it’s not for too long, I’ve got—’

  ‘Trust me, you’ll get your chance to speak with Marshall as soon as it’s possible.’

  They headed to the car park and George’s car. Once they were in traffic on the way to the Elliotts’ house, George turned to Whitney. ‘I’ve got something to tell you.’

  ‘I gathered as much. I’m impressed that you volunteered, and I didn’t have to ask. That’s got to say something for our relationship.’

  Was Whitney correct? It wasn’t s
omething she’d given much thought to.

  ‘Ross has come up with a suggestion regarding our living arrangements, and I’m conflicted. I would value your input. He wants us both to sell our houses and buy somewhere close to Lenchester, with a studio. He mentioned a barn conversion.’

  ‘That’s an inspired idea.’

  ‘Is it? I love my house. It took me a long time to find and decorate it.’

  ‘But it’s just a house, George. Houses are replaceable. People aren’t. You want to be with Ross, and that has to be better than being stuck on your own with nothing to look at but four walls. However nicely decorated they are.’

  ‘It’s not that simple.’

  ‘He’s not pressuring you to make a decision immediately, is he?’

  ‘No, he’s not. But he’s been checking out the estate agents and said there are some suitable places out there. I’ll have to make a decision soon.’

  ‘You know, you could always keep your house and rent it out. The rent would cover the cost of a mortgage on your new property.’

  She had enough money in the bank to cover her half of a new property, but Whitney didn’t know that.

  ‘That’s an option, but I don’t know whether I’d want anyone in there because it’s my house with my belongings.’

  ‘You take all your possessions to the new place and rent it unfurnished. If it wasn’t for the fact I own my place, I’d be tempted.’ George frowned. ‘What? Oh, I know what you’re thinking … I’m too messy and untidy and I wouldn’t take care of your garden.’

  ‘The thought didn’t cross my mind.’

  ‘Good. Think about what I said, and we can discuss it later if you wish. Ross isn’t going to rush you. Take your time. We’re almost here, so let’s get our minds back on the case.’

  Chapter 36

  Whitney glanced over at George as they pulled into Hampshire Close where Jessica Marshall’s parents lived. Her face was set hard, clearly worried about the decision she had to make. Whitney had been so pleased when her friend got back with Ross and hoped she’d come to realise that his idea of buying together was a good one. But she couldn’t say any more. George would come to her own decision soon enough. Whitney knew from experience that her friend wouldn’t appreciate being pushed into deciding before she was ready.

  ‘Number sixty-three is the next on the left,’ she said, as they got close. ‘Another mansion. Let’s hope they’re in.’

  She rang the bell, and the door was opened by a woman who was clearly Jessica’s mother as there was a marked family resemblance, the angular jaw and the same green oval-shaped eyes.

  ‘Mrs Elliott, I’m Detective Chief Inspector Walker, and this is Dr Cavendish. We’d like to come in and have a word, if we may?’

  ‘Jessica told me that you’ve arrested Scott for Ryan’s murder. It was such a shock, I had no idea things were so bad between them. Is that why you’re here?’ She ushered them inside and they followed her into a sitting room. ‘Your forensics men were here yesterday and left such a mess. There was powder everywhere and my cleaner had a dreadful job getting rid of it.’

  ‘I’m sorry about that. Is Mr Elliott home?’

  ‘He’s at work. I doubt he’ll be back much before eight. He never is, even though he’s meant to be taking it easy because of his health.’

  ‘Jessica informed us that she stayed overnight with you on Saturday the seventh of March. Is that correct?’

  ‘Yes, it is.’

  ‘What time did she leave?’

  ‘In the morning about eleven-thirty after we’d all had a late breakfast.’

  ‘Are you sure she didn’t go out at all during the night?’

  ‘Not that I know of, but we were all asleep.’

  ‘Did Jessica usually stay with you when Ryan Armstrong had a boys' night at his house?’

  ‘Yes, because she didn’t want Leo being woken up when his father came in a bit the worse for wear. Leo isn’t a good sleeper, and if he does wake up, it’s almost impossible to get him back to sleep. I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I’ve wandered up and down his bedroom with him in my arms, trying to rock him back to sleep.’

  ‘Does Jessica sleep in the same bedroom as Leo when they’re here?’ George asked.

  ‘She sleeps in our guest room. Leo has his own bedroom that we had decorated especially for him. He often stays with us if they go out.’

  ‘What can you tell us about the relationship between Scott and Ryan Armstrong?’

  ‘Not much, I’m afraid. They had a good business and travelled a lot together. But that’s all I know. Ryan was so nice and the last person I’d have expected to be murdered. Knowing it’s Scott who did it. I’ve got to tell you, it’s totally floored me.’ She sighed.

  ‘Do you and Mr Elliott get on well with Scott?’

  The woman moved from foot to foot and Whitney noticed that she had the same dolphin tattoo on her ankle that Jessica had. ‘We know what he’s like, if that’s what you mean.’

  ‘Could you be more explicit?’

  ‘He has an eye for the ladies, as Gordon would say.’

  ‘Have either of you ever approached Scott about this?’

  ‘It’s Jess’s business and she wouldn’t thank us for getting involved. To be honest, we rarely see him. I’m sure he suspects that we know what he’s up to, so he keeps away.’

  ‘We arrested Scott because the gun was found in his possession. Do you think he could’ve stolen the gun from the cabinet? Does he know where the key’s kept?’

  She wasn’t going to let them know that he now had an alibi, especially as he hadn’t yet been released.

  ‘Everyone knows where it’s kept. Family. Friends. Household staff. Gordon wasn’t very secretive about it.’

  ‘Mr Elliott informed my sergeant that he rarely takes out the gun and he couldn’t remember the last time he saw it so doesn’t know exactly when it was stolen. Can you remember seeing it recently?’

  ‘Um …’ She glanced up towards the ceiling. What was she hiding?

  ‘Mrs Elliott, this is a murder enquiry. You must tell us everything you know, or you could be charged with obstructing the course of justice,’ Whitney said.

  ‘I do remember a couple of weeks ago Jess and I were talking about the gun because it’s now hers. But please don’t tell Gordon I told you that. Jess loves guns. She took it out of the cabinet and went into the garden and shot at a target for a while.’

  Was Jessica the murderer? Was she practicing? All guns are different. If she wanted to make sure to kill Ryan instantly, then it would help to be familiar with the weapon.

  But why? What would be her motive?

  ‘Did you see Jessica replace the gun?’

  She bit down on her bottom lip. ‘I believe so.’

  ‘Only believe?’

  ‘You’re confusing me. I have to think.’ She paused. ‘Yes. She put it back. I remember now.’

  ‘Where are the bullets kept?’

  ‘In the locked cabinet. They weren’t there either when your officer and Gordon looked.’

  ‘Are you sure Jessica replaced the gun? Do you think she could have taken the gun away with her?’ Whitney pushed.

  ‘What are you saying? That Jessica took the gun and gave it to Scott to shoot Ryan? No way would my daughter do anything like that. She might have inherited her father’s ruthlessness but also his moral compass.’

  Whitney bit back a retort. The man managed to get away without paying his taxes. What sort of moral compass was that?

  ‘Before we go, is there anything else you can think of that might help us?’

  ‘Nothing. Except that Jessica had nothing to do with it, I’d stake my life on it. She wouldn’t have given Scott the gun.’

  They left the house and headed towards the car.

  ‘If Jessica’s our killer, we need proof that she left the house during the time of the murder,’ Whitney said.

  ‘Look, there’s a camera.’ George pointed to the opposite side of t
he road. ‘Suppose Jessica did go out without her parents knowing. It might have been captured.’

  They crossed the road, walked up the drive and knocked on the door. An older woman, in her sixties, answered.

  ‘I’m Detective Chief Inspector Walker and this is Dr Cavendish,’ Whitney said as she held out her warrant card for the woman to check. ‘We noticed you’ve got a camera focussed on the road. Does it capture right across to the houses on the opposite side?’

  ‘Yes, it does. We had it set up so my husband can keep an eye on what’s going on. We were burgled once while we were upstairs in bed.’

  ‘We’d like to take a look at your footage from Saturday night, the sixth of March, through into the early hours of Sunday morning, the seventh, if that’s possible.’

  ‘Yes. Come on in. I’ll need to access my husband’s laptop.’

  She took them into a study and sat at the desk where she called up the recording from the time Whitney had asked.

  ‘An Audi four-wheel drive left the house opposite at fourteen minutes to one.’

  ‘Do you recognise that car?’ Whitney asked, walking around the desk and peering over the woman’s shoulder.

  ‘Yes. It belongs to Mr Elliott.’

  ‘Can you enlarge the image so we can see who’s driving?’

  ‘I don’t think so.’

  ‘Please could you email me the footage and I’ll get one of my officers to take a look.’ Whitney pulled out a card and handed it to the woman.

  ‘I’m not sure how to do it,’ she said, her hands twitching.

  ‘I’ll do it,’ George said.

  The woman gave a sigh of relief and got up from her seat. George sat down and quickly sent the footage to Whitney.

  ‘Thank you for assisting us,’ Whitney said to the woman as she saw them out. ‘We really appreciate it.’

  ‘I’m glad to help.’

  They walked back over the road to where George had parked.

  ‘I’ll send this to Ellie so she can take a look while we’re on our way back.’