A Step Too Far
Page 29
‘As you can see,’ the Inspector held the button with its remnant of cloth against the tear in the coat, ‘the match is indisputable. This,’ he glanced at the button, ‘was discovered clutched in the hand of James Slater when his body was examined at the mortuary; I must also tell you we have a witness.’
A witness! Katrin’s senses reeled. Someone had seen her kill Jim Slater!
Pausing while the constable helped her to a chair, the Inspector went on, ‘Perhaps I can answer a question for you Mrs Whitman, why did the witness not come forward at the time? He was on active service. It was not until he was repatriated that he learned of Slater’s death. The two had spent time together that same evening, and though Slater had taken some drink he was still far from drunk when they parted company at Spring Head, Slater saying he was to meet a woman he named as Kate Hawley. The man came to the station and there, before a lawyer as witness, he signed a sworn statement.’
Returning the button to his pocket, he went on firmly. ‘Katrin Whitman, I arrest you on a charge of suspicion of murder.’
Rising to her feet, the constable’s hand at her elbow, Katrin touched a finger to the lavender silk draped about her shoulders. A laugh bitter as aloes preceded her murmur, ‘Where there is life . . .’
About the Author
Meg Hutchinson lived for sixty years in Wednesbury, where her parents and grandparents spent all their lives, but now has a quiet little cottage in Shropshire where she can indulge her passion for storytelling. It is a passion that has reaped dividends, with her novels regularly appearing in bestseller lists.