‘And I’m very pleased to hear it. That is one big step you have agreed to take.’
‘Oh, Jackie, you made me jump. Didn’t hear you get up. Did I wake you?’
‘No, I think it was the smell of the coffee.’ She raised her mug in salute. ‘I took the liberty of getting myself one.’
‘Great, I was going to bring you one up shortly. I had two messages on the answer phone. The other one was from …’
‘I heard them both,’ interrupted Jackie. They sat, one either side of the desk.
‘I’ve been a total idiot, haven’t I?’ admitted Trish.
‘No. You went through a major trauma, gained comfort in drink and it took over your life. Now I think it is safe to say you’re on the way back. But there will still be the odd set-back on the way so you must be prepared and not let it, or them, stand in your way.’
‘Thanks, Jackie, for everything.’ She reached across the desk and took hold of her hand. ‘I’ll pop over and see Mack and thank him too, now that I’m sober.’
‘A good idea, but leave him for a while, he didn’t get much sleep last night.’ She looked at the wall clock. ‘On second thoughts I expect he’s getting The Study ready for his early drinkers. Ooops! Sorry, I think customers would have been a better word to use. Gosh, I wish Mack wasn’t a publican. Right, Miss Lister, what are your plans for the rest of the day? That’s assuming you are up to doing anything of course.’
‘Cow! First of all I’ll pop over to Maxfords for the sketch, I’m dying to see what dream-boy looks like. Er… Jackie, before I do that, a difficult question for both of us. For me to ask and for you to answer. Please don’t be cross, but could it have been possible that Victoria had got herself involved in, or forced into, anything, shall we say… unlawful?’
Jackie smiled and soothed the apprehension she heard in Trish’s voice. ‘I’ve been expecting a question like that. No, definitely not. I knew my sister so well I could have detected if there was anything going on.’
‘Did they have passports? Mind you, if they did, it is likely Michael’s was held by the police until he was sentenced.’
‘Well, yes, doesn’t everybody. They went abroad most years. Having said that I must admit to not seeing them even though I’ve tidied through everywhere in their flat for the last two years. Why do you ask?’
‘Identity. If Michael did not kill Victoria and if our ‘twin’ was involved, the question is, ‘Why?’ During my sober moments of recent days I have posed this question to myself many times and I can only come up with one answer. Identity. She wanted to become Victoria. For what reason I cannot imagine at this stage, but it would have to be something pretty drastic if she was prepared to kill for it. I’ll phone Doctor Ingles and get him to ask Michael where their passports are kept.’
Twenty minutes later Ingles returned the call. ‘They’re in the safe in the main bedroom,’ said Trish as she replaced the receiver, ‘and Michael has given us the code. He also confirmed, via the Doctor, that his passport was initially held by the police, but he’s not sure where it is now. I suppose it’s possible it could have been returned to his parents. Anyway it’s not so important as it’s Victoria’s we are hoping to find. Or not!’
Jackie looked puzzled. ‘Safe, I didn’t know they had one. This is the first time Victoria has kept something from me. I hope there are no more secrets about to be uncovered, particularly after what I’ve just said to you.’ She was concerned that she had not been told.
‘No, Jackie, don’t fret, it was fitted two days before she died so I’m sure she would have told you. It’s behind the headboard. I think we should take a look as soon as we can. How about after Maxfords if you are free?’
*
Trish moved the bed and raised the oatmeal coloured velvet curtain hanging behind it. ‘Look, it’s here, just as Michael said and it’s open.’ Her hopes of an important discovery rising rapidly. ‘And can you see there is a little brick dust on the carpet where it had not been cleaned properly after the safe was fitted.’
‘Doesn’t say much for my cleaning, does it?’ said Jackie, moving forward for a closer look.
‘Don’t worry, I won’t tell on you. Careful now, don’t touch anything, Jackie, just in case.’ Trish put on a pair of latex gloves she’d taken from her handbag and kneeled in front of the safe. She used a pencil to fully open the door. ‘I know it’s over two years, but if we go to the police they may wish to have a close look and I don’t want my prints all over.’ She removed two white envelopes. On one was typed ‘holiday money’ and contained sixty pounds. The other read ‘Passports and Driving Licences’. It was empty. They both stood silent for a few seconds each trying to assess what this meant.
‘Identity?’ asked Jackie.
‘Identity, it has to be,’ confirmed Trish, holding her hands out in front of her. ‘Just look at me, I’m shaking and getting sticky again. Can we talk about this over a coffee or something?’
‘A coffee, yes. A ‘something’, no. There’s a small café just up the road from here where Victoria and I used to go when we wanted a quiet chat together. The owners are a wonderful couple, must be well into their sixties. I haven’t been there since… since Victoria died so it’s possible they are not there now.’
*
‘It’s Miss Jackie,’ shouted Joe as soon as he saw his new customers. ‘Wendy, come quickly, it’s Miss Jackie.’
‘Hello, Joe, how are you both? It’s been a long time.’
‘I know, Miss Jackie, too long. It was a terrible time, we couldn’t believe it and it took such a long time to accept it had happened.’
‘I know, Joe, it was the same for all of us, but we are slowly putting our lives back together.’ They hugged.
‘Mind the grease on my apron,’ said Joe as he tried to pull it from between them.
Wendy removed her apron and joined in the hugs. ‘Wonderful to see you. We miss you both so much. You always got up to mischief when you came, it was such fun.’
‘Thanks, Wendy. This is Trish, a friend of mine. We are working on a project together. Can we have two cups of your special coffee, big ones, and two home-made cream buns.’
‘They are about to come out of the oven. Give me five minutes to get them ready. Joe’s got something to tell while you are waiting. A bit spooky it was too.’
‘It was that alright,’ confirmed Joe. ‘It was a real shock for me, I can tell you. Why don’t you go over and take your usual table in the corner and I’ll bring over the coffee.
They sat at the table and looked out over Draycliffe Marina to the open sea. ‘What a fantastic view,’ commented Trish. ‘I’m ashamed to say I’ve lived here all my life and never seen the marina from this angle before. It really is beautiful.’
‘Best make the most of it, they are extending the marina even more. According to the local press, next to the shopping area over there,’ Jackie pointed to the eastern boundary of the marina, ‘building has just started on a major housing project that will include three high-rise blocks and that will be good-bye to this view.’
‘And half my trade with it,’ added Joe setting the coffee down on the table. He wiped his hands on the tea-towel pinned to his white chefs jacket and sat down with them. ‘I don’t wish to bring back the pain, Jackie, but only two weeks ago if I hadn’t known better, I would have said Victoria was sitting at this very table. I thought I’d seen a ghost, but the woman was real enough alright. I dashed into the kitchen to get Wendy and she almost passed out, poor dear.’
Jackie struggled to retain control and put her hand over her mouth hoping to hide her surprise. She left it to Trish to speak first.
‘Was she alone, Joe?’
‘No, Miss, she was with a man. Big chap he was too and plenty of tan.’
‘Wouldn’t have been this man by any chance?’ asked Trish showing him the sketch she had earlier collected from Maxfords.
‘Well, I’m blowed. What a coincidence. I reckon it is h
im, you know. Let’s see what Wendy has to say.’
‘Here you are, ladies, I’ve put an extra layer of cream on top.’ She saw the sketch on the table. ‘My God, Joe, look at the picture. It’s him, the man who was with Victoria. Oh… I’m sorry, Miss Jackie, I shouldn’t have said it that way, but you know what I mean.’
‘That’s okay, Wendy, no problem. Take a closer look at the picture just to make sure.’
‘No need, definitely is him,’ she confirmed, ‘but I think he may have his sideburns a little longer now. Level with the bottom of his ears, I’d say.’
‘Did they speak to you in good English or with an accent?’ continued Trish.
‘Oh, yes,’ said Joe, ‘she sounded perfect Queen’s English. The man spoke as if he was from Essex or maybe London. Quite Cockneyish, he sounded, although I’m not good at that sort of thing. I would also say they were more than work colleagues. All over each other they were.’
‘Did you manage to catch any of their conversation, Joe?’
‘No, not really because they stopped when I got near, although I did get the idea they were from the marina because I thought I heard them talking about an extra boat trip that night.’ He looked over his shoulder as a group of six entered. ‘I’d best get back to work, beginning to get busy again. Don’t leave it so long this time before you come and see us. Promise?’
‘Promise,’ said Jackie and waited for Joe to greet his new customers. ‘What do you make of all that, Trish?’ continued Jackie, the colour beginning to return to her face.
‘Remember that one of the Maxfords girls had said the man was tanned as if he’d worked at sea all his life. Looks like another question has been answered. Could be that things are beginning to fall into place. Look, I need to get as much information as possible about the marina and its occupants, starting with the commercial operators.’
‘Trish, slow down will you. You’re making me nervous. What’s going on in your head?’
‘I’m thinking how right you were not to screw up Michael’s letter and toss it in the bin. I’m beginning to feel we could be close to making some interesting discoveries.’
‘What do you mean? Do you think he is innocent?’ Jackie was getting herself fired up.
‘Calm down, Jackie. Take some deep breaths. At the moment I think it is just a possibility and no more. I still need to know some more about our two friends before we decide to go back to Inspector Deckman.’
‘Do you fancy a glass of wine, Trish? I could do with one.’
‘Yes, but be careful, you know what drink can do. You could end up like me and Draycliffe couldn’t possibly cope with the two of us.’
They were laughing as they left the café, but knew the drink would have to be put on hold until after they had visited the marina. And Jackie was happy the need to obtain information was stronger than Trish’s craving for a drink, at least for the moment.
*
Jackie parked in the marina’s main public car park and they walked to the promenade overlooking the harbour. It was one of those beautiful English autumn afternoons. A cloudless sky, a gentle breeze and a warmth of sun that had you guessing as to whether it was alright to leave your jacket or jumper at home.
Draycliffe Marina was one of the largest in the UK with almost 1,400 berths available and twenty-four hour access to the sea. A five star hotel was opened six months ago at the eastern end of the harbour straddling the lock that allowed access to the boatyard located in the inner harbour. The remainder of the inner harbour area had yet to be fully developed, although construction had already commenced on the apartment blocks.
‘I love the atmosphere of the marina,’ said Jackie. ‘It’s like an airport, both have that something very different and very special. I envy those people who are lucky enough to work here.’
Trish made no comment, she was busy reading the ‘Vacancies’ list in the Security Office window. One vacancy in particular had caught her eye:
‘Temporary Marina Security Officer.’
Required to cover maternity leave.
Five day week, six hour shift.
Flexibility necessary.
Details from Marina Reception on the main jetty.
‘Jackie, take a look at this. Could be just what I’m looking for; a better cover would be impossible to find. I’ll go and see if it is still available.’
*
‘Yes, we still need someone,’ said the man at the desk, ‘but I’m afraid the job has only two months left to run. The last relief decided to leave a week ago, saying she’d got enough money in her pocket to take a holiday and was off to Ibiza to try and get a bit of winter sun. Left us right in the cart she did. Who’s going to take on a job for two months?’
‘I might. Look, I’ll be honest with you. I was a private investigator with my husband, but when he ran off with a client I took it rather badly and have been out of action for six months. My friend, here,’ she pointed towards Jackie who was leaning on the railings daydreaming of how it would be to own one of the more luxurious boats in the marina, ‘has got me back together again. It is certainly worth thinking about as it might be a good starting point for me if you are willing to give me a chance.’
‘Don’t see why not. Here, take an application form just in case you decide to give it a go. It’s not difficult and the people are super. One of the jobs I need doing is a survey of how berth holders feel about the marina and its security. Other work includes manning the radio and telephones as required and acting as relief receptionist. Quite varied and interesting.’
‘Sounds great, I’ll think about it overnight and let you know. Thanks for your time.’
‘You look happy,’ said Jackie, ‘have you got the job?’
‘If I want it. Told him I’ll think about it.’ They turned to make their way back to the promenade when Trish grabbed hold of Jackie’s arm. ‘Look, over there on the next jetty, it’s her. It’s the ‘twin’,’ Trish whispered.
Both women froze. The hairs on Jackie’s arms and neck stood on end.
‘This is unreal. It is a perfect likeness, but my Victoria would never wear such expensive clothes.’
‘Let’s just watch where she goes,’ said Trish.
From their raised vantage point outside the office it was possible to view the whole harbour. ‘It’s like the control tower at an airport,’ said Jackie. She was nervous and found it impossible to remain silent.
‘Shh, Jackie. Just watch for the moment.’
The woman walked from the main jetty on to the pontoon used by the larger craft.
‘She’s going towards that big cruiser, what a beauty. Jackie, I’m going to have that job. It’s a golden opportunity to find out things. Wait here while I arrange for an interview.’
‘Made your mind up already?’ said the man as Trish shut the door behind her.
‘Well, standing outside and looking around was enough. What a wonderful place to work, even if it is a little on the quiet side and only for a few weeks. Who do I see to arrange for an interview?’
He smiled. ‘Yes, it is quiet today, but don’t be fooled. The summers are frantic and weekends, even at this time of year can be very busy. With regards to the interview, I’m Greg, the manager and you are having it now. If you wish to, that is?’
Trish nodded. ‘Please. I’m Trish Lister.’
‘As it is for such a short time my directors have told me to go ahead on my own. Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t bother to employ for two months, but the survey is becoming an urgent issue. I was going to an agency next week, but looks like you saved me the bother; the job is yours if you want it? I’ve got one question though, can you start tomorrow at twelve?’
‘Wow. The best interview I’ve ever had, and the quickest. Yes, but I do have an appointment at 7. 30 tomorrow evening.’
‘Great, no problem, you’ll be finished at six.’ He looked down at her feet. ‘Not the best shoes for walking on the pontoons. Flat shoes and t
rousers are the order of the day. Clothing needs to be practical here, not necessarily elegant.’
‘Not a problem, my wardrobe is full of practical clothing. See you tomorrow at twelve and thanks. By the way, the big boat over there, is it private? It’s gorgeous.’
‘No, it’s commercial. Owned by Star Boats. It’s Red Star, and is used for luxury cruises. They have a smaller boat, Blue Star, which is used for fishing and diving trips etc. Red Star is a dream, best boat in the harbour by a mile. Been out on her several times, she’s fantastic.’
‘Thanks, Greg, see you tomorrow.’
‘From the smug look on your face,’ said Jackie, ‘I would say you have got yourself another job.’
‘I start tomorrow at twelve, but I finish at six so no problem with the AA meeting. Got my first piece of information already. The large cruiser is Red Star and is used by its owner, Star Boats, for luxury cruises. They have a smaller boat, Blue Star, for other work such as fishing trips and diving excursions. When we get home I’ll get on to the internet and see what I can find out about them. Companies House is always a good place to start.’
‘Be careful, Trish, are you sure you should be doing this? They could be nasty people. Isn’t it better to go to the police?’
‘No. Like I said before, we don’t have anything definite to give them yet and we don’t want to end up with egg on our face do we? Just be patient and we will get what we are after.’
‘Okay, but please be careful. Anything I can do while you are working?’
‘Good point, can’t have you loafing around doing nothing. Can you make a list of all travel agents in the area? Use the Yellow Pages, local paper and the internet. I’ll divide a local map up into areas and you can mark where they are. It’s important I know whether Victoria’s passport has been used.’
‘How will you do that?’
A Perfect Likeness Page 8