“Are you sure Inspector? He was a very gentle person. I find it hard to believe he could commit a rape, let alone murder?”
“There’s absolutely no doubt at all Sir, but we don’t know what the connection is.”
“I can’t help you there. I don’t know anything about his personal life, but I can assure you that he wasn’t involved with Emma Lewis.”
“Maybe, but perhaps some of your staff might know something about him?” he suggested.
“You’ll have to ask them Inspector,” Alex was finding it difficult to concentrate.
“Now if there’s nothing more I have some paperwork to attend to.”
“No, but thank you for your time, I’ll call round in the morning. Goodnight Mr. Lawton,” the call ended.
Alex sunk wearily into an armchair and closed his eyes as visions of Simon’s handsome face flashed before him. The last time he had seen him he was wearing an open necked polo shirt to show off the gold chain Alex had given him for his birthday. They had become very close over the last few months, and were planning a long overdue holiday to Thailand. Simon had an olive complexion and developed a golden tan after just a few days in the sun. Alex tended to cover up as his fair skin burned easily. He smiled as he re-called their first holiday together in Greece where Simon had hired a boat for the afternoon and lost his bearings; it was almost dark by the time they found their way back. The hire company were out searching for them all evening. There would be no more holidays like that; there might not even be a future for them now.
********************
Anne Parish was keeping a low profile; she was uncertain as to whether the police would connect Joseph’s and Emma Lewis’s deaths. It had been a big mistake to trust a naïve young fool like Joseph to do a man’s job. In fact, she could have made a better job of it herself, but he had served a purpose, albeit in an imprudent manner. She would take more care in the future with her selection of members; there could be no more misdemeanours.
Ben Preston and Alex Lawton, who were now both aware of her activities, had become too risky to pursue and unfortunately, she would have to persecute a fresh victim, but not before she had delivered a parting gift. Alex Lawton had been chosen as the recipient.
Anne had six close associates whom she could wholly trust, and now it was time to call on one of them to arrange the demise of Alex Lawton. Glen Meadows was an expert in the field of explosives, and a close friend who would be only too happy to oblige. When Lawton was out of the way, she would implement the final part of her plan.
She was aware that Glen had feelings for her although he had never said anything, but she sensed it by the way he stared at her. He would look into her eyes when she spoke, and hold his gaze long after she had finished speaking. It was time to take advantage of the doting idiot. Anne was flattered by his unrequited attention, but her long-term partner Toby, had threatened to “straighten him out” before she had assured him she was not interested in him. Her words had pacified him and calmed the situation; the last thing she wanted was tension amongst her fellow conspirators. She was not prepared to compromise years of dedication and hard work for the sake of schoolboy jealousies. When she had achieved her final act of retribution, Toby and Glen could brawl and squabble to their hearts content, until then they would have to keep their grievances to themselves.
Anne picked up her mobile phone and keyed in Glens’ number. He was pleased to hear her voice, and even more pleased to oblige, and listened intently as she specified the details. Without wasting time on pleasantries, Anne terminated the call and keyed in another number. She was quickly connected to the advertising department of the local newspaper and promptly placed her announcement. The receptionist read the advert back to her.
“Monthly meeting for A.I.D. on Tuesday 5th October usual place usual time; love A.” the girl repeated the request.
“That’s fine thank you, are you sure it’ll appear in tomorrow’s edition?” she asked.
“Yes, we can accept entries up until nine o’clock on the same day madam,” the woman assured her.
“Thank you.”
A.I.D- Animals in Distress- met on a monthly basis and always at the same location. Anne only revealed her plans to five members, whom she trusted unequivocally. No one suspected that the group of two women and three men- who arrived at five minute intervals- were anything other than a group of friends enjoying a quite drink in a somewhat scruffy bar. At the forthcoming meeting, she would divulge her intentions to the group, and afterwards the organisation would be disbanded for a few months. She had made plans to travel abroad with Toby until it was safe for them to return to Britain. Her final act of vengeance was to be the zenith of their efforts; but it would come at a high price and if anything went wrong, they would all have to suffer the consequences.
Trying to dispel these fears, she decided to have an early night. It was only 9.30 in the evening, but she suddenly felt very tired. As she made her way up the stairs, her mind wandered over the events of the last two weeks. She was disappointed that her plans had not turned out how she had expected, but the meeting on Tuesday would alter that. She was expecting Toby to return from his trip on the following afternoon, and she was surprised at how much she had missed him. Still thinking about her absent lover, Anne undressed quickly and slid into bed.
As she drifted off to sleep, Toby Lawrence was being taken into custody by The Irish Police Force. He had been under constant surveillance from the day he stepped off a plane in Dublin airport. On the following morning, he was to be handed over to the British Police, who were eager to question him about the deaths of two guests, who had been staying in the Lotus Hotel in Exeter prior to their demise. Anne slept soundly that night, blissfully unaware of her boyfriend’s predicament.
CHAPTER 14.
WEDNESDAY EVENING (9.30)
An air of solemn calmness had befallen the hotel and its remaining residents. The obvious police presence, and the public knowledge of Emma Lewis’s murder, had prompted the last guests to vacate their rooms. The remainder were harbouring antagonism towards each other and Alex, who was in the grip of a personal dilemma; and becoming more depressed with each passing day. His business was suffering irreparable damage, leaving him with no other option than to impose a temporary closure. Alone in his office, a knock on the door disturbed his melancholy.
“Come in,” he called out.
Ben opened the door, smiled nervously and asked, “Can I talk to you?”
“Of course, sit down.”
Perched uncomfortably on the edge of a chair, he faltered momentarily.
“I know that Police Inspector said Anne died a few years ago, but there has to be some mistake. The woman I was with was definitely my first wife; I can’t understand what’s going on.”
“I forgot to tell you, her father identified the body after the accident. The police phoned earlier but I’ve been preoccupied; I’ve had some bad news myself.” Alex revealed.
“I’m sorry do you want to talk about it, or would you prefer it if I left.”
“No stay; I’ll tell you about it later.”
“This woman you were married to; did she have a sister?” Alex asked changing the subject.
“No, she didn’t have any family except for her father. Her mother died of leukaemia when she was twelve years old. Her father’s a very successful man; he made a fortune on the Stock Market, and set up business selling luxury cars.”
“What’s his name; I’ve probably bought a car from him in the past.”
“Stanley Austin; he’s got at least a dozen showrooms in this country.”
“I know Stanley quite well; I bought a Bentley from him. He drives a hard bargain though, if you’ll excuse the pun,” he smiled for the first time in days.
“He’s a very rich man, but he refused to help us when we got married. He disapproved of my lowly status; a factory worker was not good enough for his daughter. When the twins were born, he was even more determined to split us up, but An
ne refused to yield to his domineering ways. I never saw him again, but I suspected Anne had made contact with him. When he dies, Anne stands to inherits everything, the business his house and all his assets. She’s his only living relative now the twins have both died,” Ben fell silent.
“So if Anne is dead; who’s this other woman?” Alex asked.
“She’s not dead, I promise you that. I don’t know how she’s done it, but the woman who died in that car accident wasn’t Anne Parish.”
“I could phone Stanley and invite him over here to sort this out,” Alex suggested.
“I don’t know if I want to see him,” Ben hesitated
“You don’t have to. He wouldn’t be surprised to hear from me; I’ll tell him I’m after a new car. Money always gets him moving.”
“Would he come here though? I think he still lives in London.”
“If he thinks I’m going to put a lot of money his way; he’ll drive all night! I’ll phone him in the morning.”
“O.k., but don’t mention me.”
“I won’t,” he paused. “Have you managed to sort anything out with Kate yet?
“No she’s refusing to let me into her room. I know I’ve hurt her deeply, but I never planned for this to happen.”
“If it was the other way round Ben, how would you feel?”
“I understand what you’re getting at; but it doesn’t make things any better does it?”
“No, only time will tell,” he wavered. “I don’t know either of you well enough to say for certain what’ll happen.”
“I got the impression that Kate was becoming fond of you, if you don’t mind me saying.” Ben waited for a response.
“Look Ben, Kate is a very nice person but she’s not my type, and she’s your wife.”
“That’s debateable,” he muttered.
“Perhaps I’m not making myself clear.”
“So what do you mean then?” Ben hadn’t understood his meaning.
“I’m gay,” he replied simply.
“Oh I see; is there anyone in your life at the moment?” Ben asked, embarrassed by his naivety.
“I’ve been living with my partner for ten years; but we had an argument a few weeks ago, and he left. I misread a situation and accused him of cheating on me; not too dissimilar to you and Kate but I was wrong, Kate wasn’t.”
“I didn’t go looking for Emma, it just happened. It wasn’t just a fling or a one night stand, I did love her.” Ben attempted to defend his actions.
“I know, that’s how I feel about Simon,” Alex stood up, walked towards the window and stared out into the darkness.
“Why don’t you phone him and tell him how you feel?” Ben suggested.
“He knows how I feel.” Alex turned to face him.
“Perhaps I should leave,” he stood up.
“He’s in hospital, he was involved in a car accident,” he replied solemnly.
“Oh, I’m sorry is he alright?” Ben asked.
“It depends what you mean by alright. He’s not going to die from his injuries, but he’ll never walk again. His motorbike was in a collision with a car on a blind bend. I told him so many times to get rid of the damn thing, but he would just laugh at me; and now he’s lost the use of his legs and for what?” The pain and distress was evident in his face.
“I’m really sorry Alex, but there’s so much that can done for,” he paused.
“Paraplegics; I think that’s the word you’re avoiding.” His face was fraught with emotion.
“Perhaps this isn’t a good time to discuss it.”
“When will it be a good time? I can’t force myself to visit him because I don’t know what to say to him; and I don’t know if I can live with someone with a disability. He’ll be totally dependent on me, and I can’t be with someone out of sympathy.”
“I didn’t realise you hadn’t been to see him; but you might feel differently when you see him face to face.”
“If you don’t mind Ben I’d prefer to be on my own now. I’ll phone Stanley in the morning.”
“Of course; I’ll see you tomorrow, Goodnight.”
“Before you go, I’ve decided to close the hotel for a couple of weeks. All this disruption is damaging to my reputation.”
“I’m sure it is,” he replied attempting to disguise his cynicism.
Ben left the room and took the lift to Kate’s room. Outside he tapped gently on the door.
“Kate please let me in, I need to talk to you,” he whispered.
“Go away Ben.”
“I’ve got something very interesting to tell you.”
Ben knocked again, and this time she opened the door.
“This had better be good,” she warned.
“It is,” he replied simply.
Kate listened intently without interrupting him. Her expression changed to obvious disappointment however, when he revealed Alex’s sexuality.
“What’s the matter?” Ben asked sensing something was troubling her.
“Nothing, why do you ask?” she replied guardedly.
“Are you disappointed?”
“Why don’t you just come to the point Ben; do I think Alex is handsome? Yes I do; and if he wasn’t gay I’d sleep with him,” she jeered at him.
Shocked by her candid response, he took a step backwards.
“I think you should leave now, I’m tired,” she snatched the door open.
“Can we talk Kate? I know you’re angry with me, but just give me a chance to explain.”
“You were having an affair, and she was pregnant. It doesn’t need any explaining. Just get out of my room.”
“She’s dead Kate; don’t you feel any sympathy for her or Charles?” he looked deep into her eyes.
“I’m not going to break down sobbing, or lose any sleep over it if that’s what you mean. I really don’t want to talk to you anymore.”
“We’re going to have to discuss this at some time; you can’t keep putting it off. If you are thinking of leaving me,” she didn’t give him a chance to finish his sentence.
“Thinking of leaving you; are you insane? There’s nothing to think about except where you’re going to live. Now get out,” she raised her voice leaving Ben with no doubt of her sincerity. Without replying, he walked along the corridor feeling frustrated at how badly he had handled the situation. At this moment he realised his marriage was over, but if there was even the slightest chance of reconciliation with Kate, he was prepared to fight for it.
CHAPTER 15.
THURSDAY MORNING OCTOBER 6th
Despite the unexpected autumnal sunshine, the demeanour of the hotel staff and guests remained ominous. Charles Lewis was in the grip of a severe hangover, whilst Kate glared across the table at her errant husband, incapable of expressing any compassion or forgiveness towards him. Charles repressed any attempt at conversation as he swallowed glass after glass of orange juice.
Ben poured a cup of tea and slid it across the table towards his wife.
“We can’t stay here forever Ben; I have to get back to work before I lose my job. I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I’ve asked for part of my holiday allowance to cover my absence, but my boss is becoming impatient with me. I just hope he doesn’t sack me.”
“Won’t the police need to talk to you?” he asked.
“I don’t think so; you’re their number one suspect.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well you’re the one who claims that a dead woman is going round killing people.”
“It’s the truth Kate, and I intend to prove it.”
“Will you two shut up; I’ve got a terrible headache,” Charles interrupted them.
“That’s your own fault, you shouldn’t drink so much,” Ben had no sympathy for the man.
Charles stood up and walked off muttering an inaudible response under his breath, and almost collided with Alex who was entering the room.
“Good morning Charles, have you slept well?” he asked.
; “Not too bad; but I’ve got a thumping headache. The police have phoned me; I can collect Emma’s belongings this morning. Is there a local taxi firm, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to drive today, too much alcohol swimming round my system,” he ran a hand across his forehead.
“Don’t worry about that I’ll get Tony to drive you there; he’ll jump at the chance to get behind the wheel of the Bentley.”
“Are you sure, I don’t mind getting a taxi.”
“No, I insist. The staff have too much free time due to the lack of guests; I need something to justify their salaries. When do you want to go?”
“Well its 9.30 now; let’s say about an hour. I need to take a shower.”
“I’ll arrange it for you.”
“Thanks a lot Alex. I’m going to my room now.”
Alex took a seat between Ben and Kate and explained about the forthcoming closure of the hotel.
“Well I’ll be leaving in the morning,” Kate informed him.
“You’re quite welcome to stay, but the kitchen will be closed. I have to go to Taunton later today, but I should be back this evening. I’ll phone Stanley Austin before I leave,” Alex glanced in Ben’s direction.
“Thanks, then perhaps we’ll be able to sort this mess out once and for all so we can all go home and get back to normal; whatever that is,” he sighed.
“Who’s Stanley Austin?” Kate asked.
“My ex-father-in-law,” he replied.
“Are you planning a family reunion?” she asked.
“He might have the answer to this mess; and he’s a friend of Alex’s,” Ben explained
“Oh I see,” Kate replied assuming he was a gay friend.
“No I didn’t mean
“You’ve told her then,” Alex smiled.
“You could have told me yourself, I have several gay colleagues and I enjoy their company,” Kate returned the smile.
“I did try to tell you, but there’s been so much going on. I have to make some phone calls now so I’ll leave you alone to have a chat; I think it’s over due. If you want breakfast just ring the service bell.”
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