Kitty Neale 3 Book Bundle

by Kitty Neale

  She had never been given any house keys: the locks served both to keep intruders out and her in. With her ears pricked for any sound of movement, Adrianna rifled through Vince’s pockets and with relief her hand closed on his keys.

  Stan and Bert were on this floor, and at the front door Adrianna prayed they wouldn’t hear as she carefully inserted one into a lock and turned it. It hadn’t made a lot of noise, but there was still the other one and then the bolts. With no idea if they were heavy sleepers or not, Adrianna put on her shoes before tackling the other lock and bolts.

  To Adrianna’s ears, the noise she made was deafening, but at last she wrenched the door open and ran down the steps, her eyes searching frantically for Kevin’s car. Headlights flashed momentarily and she fled towards them.

  As she scrambled into the car, Kevin hissed, ‘Did you leave the door open?’

  ‘Yes, but I’m scared. What if you get caught?’ she cried, her own safety paramount. ‘That means I’ll be done for too. Can’t we just go?’

  ‘I’m not leaving that bastard to come after us,’ Kevin said. He reached for a can in the well of the car and then dived out.

  Adrianna would never know how she managed to just sit there, while all the time her mind was screaming at her to run, but at last Kevin returned and they were driving away.

  ‘Did … did you do it?’

  ‘Yeah, and I poured so much petrol around that there’s no chance of him, or anyone else, getting out. The hall was blazing nicely when I left and the flames were heading for the stairs.’

  Adrianna looked back over her shoulder, but so far nothing was visible from the outside. She hated Vince, and his heavies, but even so, the thought of them burning to death made her shudder.

  ‘They deserve it,’ Kevin said, reading her expression.

  She forced the images from her mind. ‘Where are we going now?’

  ‘Down to Dover. After an overnight stop we’ll be on a ferry to France and from there we’ll drive to Spain where I intend to buy a nice villa.’

  ‘You’ve got the money?’

  ‘Of course I have.’

  ‘That’s good, because I’ve only got the clothes on my back and a handbag with a bit of make-up and my passport inside.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’ll buy you everything you need before we head for France in the morning.’

  Adrianna was glad to get away from Vince, but she would still be dependent on a man, this time Kevin Dolby. What she really wanted was to be independent, to run her own life. Surely there’d be work abroad for an exotic dancer? In the meantime she’d stick with Kevin – but only for as long as necessary.

  Just before turning the corner, Adrianna looked over her shoulder again, but they were too far away to see anything. What if Vince survived? What if he came after her? The thought made her feel sick with fear, and she longed to get out of the country as soon as possible.

  When darkness had fallen in Hampshire, Dolly, though still peeved, decided to take up Pearl’s suggestion. She had rung the police, but after checking they had called back to say none of the hospitals had admitted Bernie and that there were no reports of any traffic accidents. If he still hadn’t returned in twenty-four hours, they would list him as missing, but in the meantime there was nothing further they could do.

  Dolly didn’t know what Bernie was up to, but as he hadn’t taken any of his clothes with him, she was sure he’d turn up. When he did she’d give him a piece of her mind, but finally, fed up with waiting up for him, she had gone to bed.

  However, when Dolly woke up on Wednesday morning, she saw that Bernie’s bed hadn’t been slept in, and at last she felt a tinge of concern. He hadn’t been in an accident, he wasn’t in hospital, so where was he? She still couldn’t believe that he’d left her, but what if he had? What if he’d sussed out what she’d been up to? He had control of all their money, and other than the house, Dolly knew she’d be left with nothing. There was no way she was going to stand for that. She had to find him!

  Dolly heard the doorbell ring and after throwing on her dressing gown she hurried downstairs.

  ‘Mrs Dolby?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, finding herself looking at a policeman and woman.

  ‘Can we have a word with Mr Dolby?’

  ‘He isn’t here. I rang the station yesterday to say that he’s missing, and as he didn’t come home last night, I was going to ring again this morning.’

  ‘I see. May we come in?’

  ‘Yes, all right.’

  As they stepped inside, the constable took a notebook from his pocket and after looking at it for a moment, he said, ‘Does your husband drive a green Morris Minor Traveller?’

  ‘Yes, yes he does.’

  ‘I think you should sit down, Mrs Dolby,’ the policewoman said.

  ‘I don’t want to sit down,’ Dolly snapped. ‘I just want to know why he’s asking me about Bernie’s car.’

  ‘Mrs Dolby, we’ve had a report from the Sussex constabulary that a green Morris Minor Traveller, registered in your husband’s name, has been found at the bottom of the cliffs at Beachy Head.’

  ‘What? Never! Bernie loved that car,’ she protested, but then the full implication of his words sank in and she gasped, ‘You’re … you’re not telling me he was in it?’

  ‘At this point your husband’s body hasn’t been recovered, but there are indications that he was in the vehicle.’

  ‘What do you mean? What indications?’

  The constable hesitated, but then said, ‘I’m afraid there were traces of blood, and indications that he may have been washed out to sea.’

  Dolly at last staggered to a chair. They were telling her that Bernie was dead, and probably expected hysterical tears, yet in reality all she could feel was shock mingled with relief that Bernie hadn’t left her, or run off with their money. She placed both hands over her face and forced a groan. ‘Oh, Bernie, Bernie.’

  ‘Mrs Dolby,’ the policewoman said as she crouched down in front of her. ‘Is there anyone we can contact to stay with you, a relative?’

  ‘My son. I want my son.’

  ‘Do you have his telephone number?’

  ‘Yes, it’s on that pad over there, but it’s been out of order.’

  She stood up, asked the constable to try the number and then said, ‘Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?’

  ‘Yes, yes, please.’

  When the constable couldn’t get through, he asked for Kevin’s address and then said that he’d arrange for a local station to send someone round to the house.

  Dolly just nodded. She was still dry-eyed, but hoped they’d think it was because she was in shock, and this proved to be the case for they then rang her doctor. He knew her history and Dolly knew she would have to be careful, but at least she didn’t have to worry about fooling Bernie any more.

  He was dead, and soon she’d have all the money she needed to help Kevin.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Rupert knew that Kevin wasn’t going to return. Though he hadn’t wanted to believe Kevin’s father, Bernie had planted a seed of suspicion that Rupert couldn’t ignore. He wasn’t a businessman, but there had been so many clues: the necessity of a cash payment, as well as the sales contract that Kevin had with him so conveniently. He had played along with it, but inwardly Rupert’s heart had been breaking.

  He’d been made a fool of so many times in the past, and though this time at least he’d been prepared, it was little consolation for Rupert. He had got up that morning, his emotions still in tatters and his eyes soon filling with tears. He still loved Kevin, despite everything, and the future now stretched out bleak and lonely without him.

  When there was a ring on the doorbell, Rupert went to answer it, his red-rimmed eyes widening when he saw the police constable.

  ‘Mr Dolby?’

  ‘No, and he isn’t here. He left yesterday and I don’t expect to see him again.’

  ‘I need to speak to him urgently. Have you a forwarding add
ress or any other means of contacting him?’

  ‘I’m afraid not,’ Rupert said, curious to know why the police were looking for Kevin. ‘Can you tell me what this is about?’

  ‘We were asked by the Hampshire constabulary to contact Mr Dolby as the telephone number they were given for this address is out of order.’

  ‘Yes, I found out yesterday and an engineer is coming today to fix it. However, as the Hampshire police are involved, I would guess that this has something to do with Kevin’s – sorry, Mr Dolby’s – parents?’

  ‘Do you know the family, sir?’

  ‘Yes, very well,’ Rupert said, exaggerating. ‘Dolly, his mother, is a lovely woman and I saw his father recently.’

  ‘In that case, when your telephone is repaired and if Mr Dolby rings you, would you tell him to get in touch with his mother urgently?’

  ‘Oh dear, is she all right?’

  ‘It’s his father, sir. I don’t know the details, but it seems he died in some sort of car accident.’

  ‘Goodness, that’s dreadful. Yes, yes, of course I’ll pass on the message.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’

  Rupert waved his thanks away before closing the door. Of course he wasn’t expecting a call from Kevin, but as an awful thought crossed his mind, he shivered with fear.

  He’d been so hurt – then incensed, and so intent on making sure that Kevin didn’t get his hands on his money, that until now Rupert hadn’t thought of the consequences. He’d made a fool of Kevin and he must be seething with anger. What if Kevin wanted revenge? What if he came back to punish him?

  Rupert began to feel very alone and frightened. If he told the police that Kevin had tried to rob him, perhaps they’d help, offer him protection … But then he shook his head, realising it was a foolish hope. Kevin might have tried to rob him, but he hadn’t succeeded, and he doubted the police would show an interest in what they’d see as a minor offence.

  Though far too early, Rupert went into the drawing room and poured himself a large whisky, and then another, deciding after a third that if Kevin was going to come back he’d have done so by now.

  Surely he was worrying about nothing?

  In Hampshire, Dolly had seen the doctor. She had feigned grief, though hadn’t gone over the top, and when she told him that she was taking her medication, he had looked reassured. The doctor then had a word with the constables before he left, and Dolly gladly closed her eyes, tired of all the acting.

  She heard the telephone ring, but before she could get to her feet the policewoman answered it. ‘Mrs Dolby,’ she said, replacing the receiver, ‘a constable has been round to the address you gave us, but your son no longer lives there.’

  ‘He moved out? But if he isn’t there, where is he?’

  ‘I’m afraid we don’t know. He didn’t leave a forwarding address or any means of contacting him. Is there any other way you can get in touch with him?’

  ‘No … but he might be coming here,’ Dolly said hopefully.

  ‘Mrs Dolby, I’m sorry, but the doctor told us that you shouldn’t be left on your own. Is there anyone else who can stay with you?’

  ‘Yes, of course there is,’ Dolly lied. ‘I’ll ring them now, but you don’t have to wait until they arrive.’

  ‘That isn’t a problem, Mrs Dolby.’

  Dolly held her temper, her voice calm and reasonable as she said, ‘I don’t mean to sound rude, but I’d rather you left. This has been such a shock and I really would like a little time to myself before all my relatives turn up.’

  The policewoman looked at her colleague and when he shrugged his shoulders, she said, ‘All right, we’ll leave now, but if we have any more information about the … err … accident, we’ll let you know immediately.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Dolly said, relieved when they left. She would make a telephone call. She had to tell John about his grandfather, but for now her mind dwelt on her son. As though he could hear her she whispered, ‘Please, Kevin, where are you? I need you.’

  Kevin had problems of his own and his parents were the last thing on his mind as he stood in the bank, arguing with the manager.

  ‘Now look, I know I’ve got the funds so don’t muck me about.’

  ‘I’m afraid the amount you’re requesting exceeds the monies in your account.’

  ‘Leave it out. I paid a cheque made out for cash into my local branch yesterday, and now I want to draw on it.’

  ‘I’m sorry, sir, but that cheque was invalid.’

  ‘How can it be invalid?’

  ‘Because the bank it was supposed to be drawn from went out of business many years ago and all the accounts were closed. I’m afraid the teller didn’t notice this until after you left, but your branch has been trying to contact you, though obviously without success.’

  ‘I’m not going to stand for this. That cheque was made out to cash and there must be something I can do.’

  ‘The error was noted before the money was paid into your account, and therefore I can only suggest that you take it up with the signatory.’

  ‘Oh, I will, you can be sure of that, but I’m not happy with you lot. I want to clear my account and then you can close it.’

  ‘Very well, sir,’ the manager said.

  Kevin waited impatiently and when the small amount of money was given to him he stormed out of the bank. He had thought there was something strange in Rupert’s expression when he’d handed over the cheque, but had disregarded it. Now he knew that Rupert had deliberately made a fool of him.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Adrianna asked as he flung open the door and climbed into the car. ‘You’ve got a face like thunder.’

  ‘The money isn’t in my account,’ Kevin snapped.

  ‘What are you talking about? You said you’ve got it!’

  ‘I thought it was in the bag, but he’s made a mug out of me and there’s no way he’s getting away with it. We’re going back to London and this time I’m not leaving until I’ve got the money in my hands.’

  ‘Are you mad?’ Adrianna said, her tone high with what sounded like panic. ‘I don’t know who you’re talking about, but we can’t be sure that Vince died in that fire. There’s no way I’m going back to London.’

  Kevin’s head was thudding and he couldn’t think straight. He needed time to calm down, to work out a plan. ‘We haven’t got any choice, but for now we’ll go back to the hotel.’

  ‘I’m not going back to London,’ Adrianna repeated.

  ‘Fine,’ he snapped, thankful that she was in a sulk and didn’t open her mouth again until they were in their room.

  He lay on the bed, his temples still throbbing and the sunlight pouring through the window burning his eyes.

  ‘Adrianna, I’ve got a pounding headache. Do me a favour and close the curtains.’

  ‘I’ve got a couple of painkillers in my bag. Do you want them?’

  ‘Yeah, all right,’ he said, and after taking them he closed his eyes, soon drifting off into fitful sleep.

  Adrianna watched Kevin until his face relaxed in sleep. They had spent one night together and she’d been tense, expecting him to try it on, but he hadn’t. Kevin had been a proper gent, telling her that he was prepared to wait until she was ready, and despite the fact that she was just using him, it had impressed her.

  She wasn’t impressed now though and her mind was racing. Kevin said he could still get his hands on the money, but it would mean going back to London and, as she’d told him, there was no way she was going to do that.

  Adrianna knew that if she had money of her own she could just bugger off, then, struck by a thought, her eyes went to Kevin’s jacket. He’d paid for the hotel in cash, and maybe he had more in his pockets.

  It felt like déjà vu as she searched his jacket, but this time Adrianna didn’t pull out any keys, finding instead a small wad of notes. She swiftly counted them, disappointed at the measly amount. She only had the clothes she stood up in and though she’d rinsed out her knickers in the sink,
they were her only pair. She wanted to get as far away as possible, and if this was at least enough to get her to France, she’d have to sacrifice buying any new clothes.

  Adrianna’s eyes narrowed in thought. Maybe she’d be able to nick a few bits, and now she quickly stuffed the money into her handbag. With her hand on the doorknob, she was about to open it when Kevin woke up.

  ‘Adrianna, wait!’ he cried out croakily.

  ‘I thought you were asleep,’ she said nervously.

  ‘I’ve got too much on my mind for that. I know what you’re up to, and I don’t blame you, but you won’t get far on that paltry amount of money.’

  ‘I know I shouldn’t have taken it, but I don’t want to go back to London.’

  ‘You won’t have to. I’ve been thinking and there’s no reason why you can’t wait here. I won’t be that long, and though it’s a delay, it’s only a short one.’

  ‘It’ll have to be, Kevin. Unlike you, I haven’t got any spare clothes.’

  ‘You can keep some of that money to buy yourself a few bits and pieces, and then tonight we’ll be on our way.’

  ‘What if you’re seen?’ she asked worriedly. ‘If Vince survived the fire and you’re followed, it would lead him to me.’

  ‘I won’t go anywhere near Vince’s territory.’

  With her hand still on the doorknob, Adrianna considered her options. If Vince had survived the fire, he’d be looking for her, putting out the word, and she wouldn’t be safe anywhere in England. She needed to go abroad to be safely out of his reach.

  At last she came to a decision. ‘All right, I’ll wait, but if you aren’t back by nightfall, I’m leaving.’

  ‘I will be,’ he assured her.

  And with that, for now, Adrianna had to be content.

  Chapter Thirty

  John had been upset about Kevin’s lies, subdued that morning, but he had gone to school. Pearl hadn’t mentioned Dolly’s call. She didn’t want John to worry, and as Dolly hadn’t rung again, it probably meant that Bernie had turned up.