A Bombing Enigma

by Angelika Lansdale

  They left immediately for the police station after Elizabeth came down. Elizabeth had explained the situation to Mrs. Simpson. Cynara drove while Elizabeth gave her directions. Her mind was finding it difficult to come to terms with the situation. She decided to not think but instead just concentrate on driving Elizabeth’s car. Cynara did not want to get into any accident. It took them fifteen minutes to reach and Cynara pulled up in the front. David was standing at the steps leading into the building. Elizabeth thanked Cynara for driving her and stepped out of the car. David immediately walked over and solicitously put his arm around her. They went inside. Cynara drove back to the manor house.

  Cynara attempted to progress with some work over the next few hours. She finally gave up trying and just sat in front of the computer thinking. The arrest seemed to confirm Ruth’s involvement in the whole business. Was she really the friend who had plotted with Jimmy? Did that mean she killed Mr. Qureshi? It seemed quite fantastic. Jane did not believe in Ruth’s guilt at all. However, the agents must have some conclusive incriminating evidence that led to the arrest. Cynara felt the onset of a headache as all these conflicting thoughts crowded her mind.

  Elizabeth returned while they were having their afternoon tea in the kitchen. She joined them at the table. Jane and David had brought her back. She looked drained and refused to eat or drink anything. They were all hesitant to broach the topic and enquire about Ruth. Elizabeth finally sighed and said softly, “It was all a blunder. The authorities have released Ruth.”

  “That is wonderful news Ma’am,” Mrs. Simpson said happily. “We were sure that would be the outcome. I am glad the police realized their mistake so soon.” The rest of them also proclaimed their heartfelt relief.

  Elizabeth and Cynara proceeded to the study. Elizabeth collapsed tiredly on a sofa, leaned back, and closed her eyes. There were many unanswered questions in Cynara’s mind but she restrained herself from voicing them. Instead, she patiently waited for Elizabeth to recoup. After a few minutes, Elizabeth sat up wearily. “Today has really been a challenging day.”

  “Yes but I am glad the police released Ruth,” Cynara said.

  “Thank God for that,” Elizabeth agreed.

  “Why did they arrest her in the first place?” Cynara asked.

  “It is a long story,” Elizabeth sighed. “They found a friend of Abaan Khalid’s at the mosque, Javed Akram. He is from Pakistan and had been visiting his family. Javed returned from his trip last week and went to the Mosque for prayers. The Imam spoke with him and realized he had been closely acquainted with Abaan. He informed Mr. Daniels. Upon being questioned by the agents, Javed revealed that he and Abaan had been quite friendly a few years ago. At the time, he had met Jimmy as well as Abaan’s girlfriend, a woman called Ruth.”

  “Ruth!” Cynara exclaimed in confusion.

  “Yes Ruth. Our Ruth. She finally disclosed all the facts about their relationship today,” Elizabeth said.

  “I cannot believe it,” Cynara said.

  “It was hard for us to hear as well. We had no inkling,” Elizabeth said.

  “When was this?” Cynara asked.

  “About a year prior to Abaan Khalid’s arrest. Ruth bumped into Jimmy while she had gone to Bradford for some work. He was on his way to Abaan’s apartment for an authentic Arabian meal and asked her to come along. Abaan Khalid was his closest friend and he was keen to introduce them. She hesitantly agreed and accompanied him. Abaan turned out to be the most courteous host. He was rakishly handsome and had a very old-fashioned chivalrous attitude towards women. Ruth was immediately enamored by him,” Elizabeth recounted.

  “They had an actual affair?” Cynara asked.

  “Yes it led to that. Ruth and Abaan started meeting by themselves. Ruth was totally taken in by his charm. Their brief affair started. It did not last long. One day Ruth witnessed a fight between Abaan and two skinheads. It got ugly. That is when Abaan got the scar on his face. One of the attackers slashed him. Abaan still got off lightly. He beat the two of them quite savagely. None of them reported the incident as they did not want to get involved with the police,” Elizabeth said.

  “It must have been harrowing for Ruth,” Cynara said.

  “More than harrowing, it was a wakeup call. Ruth realized her mistake at dating someone from an unknown background, someone with such a violent streak. She broke it off. Even Abaan was done with her. It was a mutual parting of ways. She made Jimmy promise to not mention the affair to anyone, especially in the family. And Jimmy kept his word and never said anything.” Elizabeth said. “After Jimmy’s death, Ruth was afraid to come forward. She did not want anyone to know about her relationship with Abaan Khalid Fakhri.”

  “So she kept quiet all his time,” Cynara said.

  “Yes. Ruth believed that Abaan was no longer in the country and so she did not think it possible he was involved in Jimmy’s actions. This conviction kept all guilt at bay. Then we found the letter and it changed everything,” Elizabeth said.

  “But she still did not say anything,” Cynara commented.

  “No, she was too ashamed to admit to the affair but it weighed heavily on her mind. Then the agents arrested her today. She confessed everything. That is the extent of her involvement. She claims she had nothing to do with Jimmy’s suicide and the bombing. Ruth also does not know what girl Abaan Khalid was referring to in the letter. She and Jimmy had totally stopped communicating after she broke up with Abaan,” Elizabeth said.

  “Why?” Cynara asked puzzled.

  “Ruth regretted the Abaan episode in her life and wished it had never happened. She was embarrassed by it. Therefore, she avoided Jimmy all together. He contacted her after moving back to York. She helped him in finding a job with us. Other than that, they did not interact at all. His death was as much a shock to her as to us.” Elizabeth explained. “She also has no idea about Mr. Qureshi’s death.”

  “The agents believe her?” Cynara asked.

  “They spent a long time interrogating her. She took the polygraph. They have no confirmation of her involvement with the bombing or the murder. So ultimately they let her go.” Elizabeth said. “The family was all there at the CPS office other than my in-laws. I need to visit them and give them all the details.”

  “Do you need me to drive you?” Cynara asked.

  “No, I am fine now. Thanks,” Elizabeth said.

  She stood up slowly and left the room. Cynara still felt amazed at learning about Ruth and Abaan’s affair. Moreover, Ruth had hidden it for so long. It was quite overwhelming. What a traumatic day for the family. She was glad that the police and investigators had no evidence against Ruth other that her liaison with Abaan Khalid. It was not a crime to be romantically involved with someone.

  The next couple of days were relatively quiet. They all needed time to recover. It was good to get a respite from the agents and any other troubling developments. Cynara just wanted the week to pass swiftly as Charles was arriving on Saturday, June 28. She spent the evenings setting up the spare bedroom, making it as comfortable as possible for him.

  Elizabeth went over to her in-laws after lunch on Thursday. It was her father-in-law’s birthday and they had a family get together that evening. She packed an overnight case and took it with her, as she was planning to spend the night. Cynara hoped the dinner party would give her some moments of peace and cheerfulness. She really needed to get out of the house and be entertained.

  The next morning, after a quick shower, Cynara walked to the manor and rang the doorbell. No one opened the door. Usually Mr. Drake was prompt to respond. Elizabeth was probably not back from her in-laws. Where was everyone else? Was nobody at home? She rang the bell again. Mrs. Simpson finally answered the door. Her eyes were red from crying. She looked terrible.

  Cynara was gripped with a feeling of dread. “What is it?” she enquired fearfully.

  “Ms. Ruth is dead,” Mrs. Simpson whispered brokenly.

  Chapter 12

  Mrs. Simpson ushered Cyna
ra into the kitchen where all the other servants were assembled. They all looked very somber. Mrs. Keene had also been crying. Cynara asked, “Do you know how she died?”

  “She apparently took her own life. Oh dear, dear Ms. Ruthie,” replied Mrs. Simpson and began weeping.

  “Another suicide?” Cynara was flabbergasted.

  “Yes,” Mrs. Keene said solemnly. “She slit her wrists during the night.”

  “My God!” Cynara exclaimed.

  “Seems unbelievable but its true,” Mr. Drake whispered miserably.

  “How did you find out? Where is Mrs. Stewart?” Cynara asked.

  “She is still there. We got a call from senior Mr. Stewart’s housekeeper, Cynthia,” Mrs. Keene replied.

  “Where did this occur?” Cynara asked.

  “She was in her own home when she, when she…,” Mrs. Keene uttered emotionally and then started sobbing.

  Cynara stopped herself from asking any more questions. They were all teary eyed and Mrs. Keene seemed inconsolable. Mr. Keene was patting her on the back trying to calm her down. “Its okay old girl. Its okay old girl,” he kept muttering.

  “We have all known Ms. Ruth since she was a tiny toddler,” Mr. Drake explained.

  Cynara nodded her head in understanding and asked, “Shall we all drink some tea?” She quickly walked to the electric kettle in one corner, filled it with water, and turned it on. Mrs. Simpson helped her make tea for everybody. They sat around the kitchen table as she silently handed out the cups.

  “Do you know what happened?” Cynara asked tentatively after a few minutes.

  “Cynthia told us that Ms. Ruth was distressed at the party yesterday evening. She barely spoke with anyone. Then her father and brother started giving her a hard time about that Muslim fellow. Cynthia overheard bits of their conversation while serving dinner. Finally complaining of a headache, she left early and walked back home. Her house is close by,” Mr. Drake said.

  “Ms. Jane and Mr. David went over this morning. They were all going out for breakfast. They rang the doorbell but Ms. Ruth did not open the door. Finally, Ms. Jane used a spare key, which was always in one of the flowerpots by the front door, and let herself in. She found Ms. Ruth in her bathtub. It was already too late,” Mrs. Simpson said. She started sobbing in earnest. Cynara quickly reached across the table and held her hand in sympathy.

  “I am sorry for asking about it,” Cynara said apologetically. She felt very disquieted especially after hearing that Jane had been the one to find Ruth. How ghastly! Why did Ruth commit suicide? Was it due to guilt over her affair with Abaan Khalid? Or was it due to shame at the relationship now being in the open? Could she have been involved in Jimmy’s activities? Was she responsible for Mr. Qureshi’s death? One could not help but conclude that.

  They all solemnly drank their tea. There was a plate full of biscuits but no one took any. Cynara felt at a loss as to how to console them or what to say to ease their sorrow. “Please be strong for the sake of the family and Mrs. Stewart. Just imagine what they must be going through right now. Mrs. Stewart will need your support once she comes home,” she implored.

  “You are right Miss,” Mrs. Simpson sighed. “We do not understand why but we have to accept it.”

  Cynara went to the study and tried to continue working but was unable to concentrate. It was terrible. She started walking up and down the room jittery with anxiety. There was no use thinking about it. She forced herself to sit down at the computer and start viewing the files on the next pen drive. The day dragged with no visitors coming to the house. Mrs. Stewart remained at her in-laws. She called and spoke with Mrs. Simpson before lunch and was grief-stricken. Cynara sympathized with the two brothers, George’s father and Ruth’s father. No matter what the circumstances, there was nothing more devastating than burying your child.

  Elizabeth came home just after tea for a short time and briefly came into the study. She looked anguished. Her eyes were sunken with despair. Cynara did not know what to say to her. Elizabeth enquired about their paper work. Cynara assured her that she would just continue with cataloging files and there was enough to keep her busy for a few days. Elizabeth then went upstairs to pack some essentials. She was going back to stay the night again with her in-laws.

  After her departure, Mrs. Simpson walked in and sat down on the chair across the desk from Cynara. She looked very restless. “I am so worried about Mrs. Stewart. It does not look like she has had anything to eat today. A gust of wind might just blow her over,” she said.

  “It must be so traumatic for all of them. Having another death in the family in less than a year is very unfortunate,” Cynara replied.

  “And that too a suicide!” exclaimed Mrs. Simpson. “Why did Ms. Ruth do such a thing? What could have led her to this? Did it have anything to do with that letter?”

  “I do not know,” Cynara said. “It is a police matter. We will only know after they conclude their investigation.”

  “Will the police be conducting an autopsy?” asked Mrs. Simpson.

  “Yes, they will have to. And I am sure there will be an inquest as well,” Cynara replied.

  “The family will probably schedule the funeral after the autopsy,” Mrs. Simpson said.

  “Yes, most likely. How awful it all is! I cannot imagine the state of Ruth’s parents,” Cynara said.

  “They must be heartbroken. Her mother is the sweetest thing. I don’t know how she will deal with it,” Mrs. Simpson said grievously.

  Cynara sat silently as Mrs. Simpson battled to control her tears again. She felt so inadequate in helping any of them through their grief. What could she say? It was all just too appalling. How could Ruth do this? No matter what the reasons, nothing was worth one’s life. How could the family endure such a loss? Cynara yearned to call Jane and offer her condolences, but decided against it. She did not want to intrude.

  Cynara had a very troubled night with abstract and nightmarish dreams. All of them had the recurrent theme that she was trying to reach home, but was unable to. She finally gave up all pretext of sleeping and got out of bed at 5 a.m. It was already light outside. She changed into her tracks and went for a long jog. It refreshed her and finally got her excited about Charles’ arrival later on that afternoon. His flight was due to land at Heathrow, London, around 10 a.m. and then he was taking the train up to York.

  Cynara threw herself into a flurry of activity. She cleaned the cottage, had a quick shower, took the bus to the city center, and bought more provisions. It was good to be about early in the morning as there were no long lines at the stores. As she was heading back to the manor, Charles rang. He had landed and was on his way to the train station. She asked him to text the arrival time, as she wanted to be there to receive him.

  Jane called as she was neatly arranging her pantry. Cynara quickly took the call and said, “Jane, I have been thinking about you since yesterday. How are you holding up?”

  “I still have the jitters. It was horrible. You see I found her,” Jane replied.

  “Yes, I heard from Mrs. Simpson. I am so sorry. What an absolute tragedy,” Cynara said.

  “Tragedy is what it is. I still cannot comprehend that Ruth is dead, that she killed herself,” Jane bemoaned.

  “You have to be strong for her parents’ sake,” Cynara said gently.

  “It is hard. I just cannot get the image out of my head, Ruth lying there in the bathtub with blood everywhere. At first, I did not understand what was going on. I thought somebody had shot her. There was so much blood. I screamed in fright and David, who was waiting downstairs, ran up. He realized that she had slit her wrists and was already dead. We could not do anything other than call the police,” Jane said tearfully.

  “I am so sorry. Please stay strong. You must,” Cynara repeated.

  “Yes I know. I am trying. Thank God, David was there with me. I could not have dealt with it on my own,” Jane said.

  “Yes that was a blessing,” Cynara agreed. “How are Ruth’s parents d
oing?”

  “Aunt Fiona is inconsolable. She was hysterical yesterday. We had to give her a sedative. Uncle Michael is in denial. It is hard for him to accept that Ruth is dead. She was not in the best of moods when we all met on Thursday. Uncle Michael and Kevin were rather mean to her about Abaan during dinner. They are now suffering from major pangs of guilt. They are both blaming themselves for her suicide,” Jane said miserably.

  “Did Ruth leave a note?” Cynara asked.

  “No. There was nothing. It still seems so unreal. I keep thinking it is a bad dream and I will hopefully wake up,” Jane said.

  “These are really difficult days for all of you. I hope they pass quickly,” Cynara said.