Constable Evans 02: Evan Help Us

by Rhys Bowen

  “Thanks, love. Cheers,” Evan said, draining half the mug of McAffrey’s in one swallow. “I needed that.”

  “Everyone’s been talking about it,” Betsy went on. “No one can rightly believe it. Ted Morgan—he seemed like a chap who was full of himself, didn’t he? I’ve been looked at by enough men to know when a chap thinks he’s hot stuff. And that’s how Ted Morgan looked at me—even though he was almost old enough to be my father and I’d never have gone out with him anyway, even if he was rich.”

  Evan drained the rest of the glass. “It doesn’t look as though he did pull the trigger himself.”

  “That’s what I was wondering. I hear they took poor old Evans-the-Meat away for questioning. What do they think he might have to do with it?”

  “He did try to throttle Ted Morgan in full view of everyone last night.”

  “Oh that? That’s just Evans-the-Meat. You know how he is. All hot air, but harmless really, isn’t he? They should know that. Same again?” she took the glass without waiting for an answer and began to fill it. “I just hope he doesn’t act daft and start saying things he’ll regret later,” she went on. “You know, like threatening to kill the Queen of England or accusing the inspector of being an Englishman.”

  Evan smiled. “You’re right. He can be a bloody fool at times, can’t he? But you don’t think he could really kill someone, do you?”

  “By mistake, maybe, but I don’t see him going up to someone’s house and shooting them.”

  “Somebody did.”

  “I don’t know why they’re looking here,” Betsy said. “I mean, none of us knew Ted Morgan, did we? He went away before I was born and I don’t think he’s kept in touch with any of the people around here. Who knows what he had been doing for twenty years?”

  Evan nodded.

  “Probably some disgruntled woman that he walked out on,” Betsy said. “He was a flirt, alright. He looked at me like he wanted to undress me, if you know what I mean. What’s the betting she followed him here and gave him what he deserved.”

  “Have you noticed any disgruntled women wandering about Llanfair?” Evan chuckled. “Someone would have seen her.”

  “Not necessarily,” Betsy said with a knowing look. “It was the night of the big meeting, remember? Everyone was at the hall. Anyone could have come into the village, gone up to Ted Morgan’s cottage, and waited for him there. There were lots of strange cars parked and people driving away, weren’t there?”

  “Betsy, you know, you should have been a detective,” Evan said.

  “I’d settle for marrying one some day.”

  “Do you want me to ask Sergeant Watkins if there are any single blokes down at HQ?”

  Betsy made a face. “If I weren’t working here, I’d throw this glass all over you,” she said. “You can’t keep running for ever, Evan Evans.”

  “I have enough complications in my life right now without worrying about women,” Evan said.

  “Then you should go up to London and see who had a real reason to kill Ted Morgan,” Betsy said.

  “How can I? I’m not a member of the C.I.D. I’m the community police officer for Llanfair district, nothing more.”

  “There’s nothing to stop you from doing some snooping in your spare time, is there?”

  Evan grinned. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “And if you felt like taking someone with you to London … someone who’s been dying to see a West End show and do some shopping in Oxford Street?”

  “I’ll see if Sergeant Watkins is free this weekend,” Evan finished for her.

  This time she threw an ice cube at him. Evan dodged and nearly backed into someone who had just come in. “Oh, Annie, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there,” he muttered. “I was being attacked.”

  “So I saw,” Annie said. “I can’t stay. I left the little one watching the telly, but I saw you going into the pub and I wanted to buy you a drink, to thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

  “Me? It was nothing, Annie. I was just doing my job.” Evan was beginning to feel hot and uncomfortable. He was very aware of Betsy’s critical stare.

  “Oh you did far more than that and you know it,” Annie went on. “You’ve been such a comfort to me, to know that you’re there, just in case.”

  “In case what?”

  “I need protecting, I suppose,” she said simply. “I thought I could get along just fine without a man in my life, but there are times when it’s good to have a big, strong bloke around.”

  “Can I get you something, miss?” Betsy asked in Welsh.

  Annie looked blank.

  “She doesn’t speak Welsh, Betsy,” Evan said. “She’s just moved here.”

  “She’d better learn in a hurry if she wants to know what people are saying, hadn’t she?” Betsy said, also in Welsh.

  Evan turned to Annie. “She was asking what you were drinking, and I’m paying, by the way.”

  “But I wanted to treat you.”

  “Treat him to what?” Betsy muttered in Welsh.

  “I won’t hear of it,” Evan said.

  Annie gave him a dazzling smile. “I do like a man who’s forceful and masterly. Thanks then, I’ll have a quick lager and lime.”

  “A lager and quicklime?” Betsy asked with the barest hint of a smile.

  Evan decided there was nothing wrong with Betsy’s brain. She might act like a dumb blonde sometimes, but her wit was sharp enough when needed. She poured the drink and Evan handed it to Annie.

  “Have you got time to sit for a minute?” Evan asked.

  She glanced at the door. “I really shouldn’t leave her too long, but we could sit by the window, couldn’t we, so I could keep an eye on the front door. I told her not to move until I get back. She should be fine.”

  She led the way to the table in the window and sat down.

  “I was that shook up today,” she said. “Finding out that my gun was missing and knowing what they’d think. I felt so stupid that it didn’t cross my mind before, but honestly, I don’t think I even remember seeing it when I unpacked. I just shoved all my undies into the drawer and the gun must have been with them.”

  “What if it wasn’t?” Evan asked. “What if someone had taken it before you moved? Is that possible?”

  “Who would do that?”

  “I thought you might be able to tell me.”

  Annie shook her head. “No one that I can think of. I was staying with a girlfriend. I told you, I hadn’t even thought about that gun for years. But it was lucky that I thought I heard a prowler, wasn’t it? Or you’d never have been at my house all evening and they might have suspected me.” She took a sip of her drink. “But I hear they already got the bloke that did it. Do you reckon he was the one who broke in when you and I were on our little walk on Sunday?”

  “I’ve no idea,” Evan said. “They took fingerprints from your cottage today, didn’t they? We’ll just have to see if any of them match.”

  “Llanfair for peace and quiet. Who’d have thought it.” Annie laughed loudly. She drained the glass. “Oh well. Must run, I suppose. But I’ve got another bottle of wine in the fridge. You could always stop by later, if you wanted.”

  Evan was conscious of his instructions to encourage the friendship with Annie. “I’ll see if I have time,” he said.

  “Thanks for the drink. You’re a real gent,” Annie said, getting up. “Say good-bye to her behind the bar for me, will you? I don’t know how to say it in Welsh.”

  * * *

  The next morning Betsy was up early and saw Bronwen standing in the middle of the school playground surrounded by her pupils. She took a deep breath then went up to her.

  “Bronwen Price, you and I have to talk,” Betsy said.

  Bronwen looked around at all the eager little faces.

  “Not now, Betsy. It’s time for them to get in lines.” She clapped her hands. “In lines, everybody. No pushing, Gwillum. No running now.”

  With much scuffling the childre
n formed themselves into two lines: boys and girls.

  “Soon, Bronwen. We have to talk soon.” Betsy followed Bronwen as she walked to the head of the line. “Or it may be too late.”

  Bronwen looked up with interest. “Too late for what?”

  “Us. You and me. I never thought I’d be on your side, but we Llanfair girls have got to stick together.”

  “Over what?”

  “Have you seen that woman yet?”

  “The one who’s just moved in?”

  “The one who is making a beeline for Evan.”

  Bronwen flushed. “Evan would never—”

  “Yes he would,” Betsy insisted. “You know how willing he is and how naïve too. She’s fluttering her eyelashes and saying how grateful she is for his help and he’s lapping it up.”

  Bronwen laughed nervously. “You know Evan. He just likes to be helpful.”

  “She invited him to her house for a glass of wine again last night and he didn’t say no. I was listening.”

  Bronwen could see the children were getting restless. “Alright everybody. Lead into the classroom. No pushing. No talking. Off you go, Sian, ladies first.”

  The two lines of children began to file into the school. Bronwen glanced back at Betsy. “I don’t know what you think we can do.”

  “Something,” Betsy said. “we can’t just stand here and watch that woman get her claws into him, can we?”

  “I think you’re overreacting, Betsy,” Bronwen said. “Evan’s not stupid. If he says he’s only trying to be helpful, then he is.”

  “But don’t you see that’s how she’ll hook him,” Betsy hissed as the last child passed into the classroom. “Men feel important when they’re needed. She had him help her put the little kid to bed the other night—I heard her say so. You don’t want him getting to like the daddy role, do you?”

  Bronwen looked at her thoughtfully. “So what do you think we should do? I’m not about to play the helpless female myself to lure him back.”

  “Of course not,” Betsy said. “What you must do, Bronwen Price, is to start dressing sexier.”

  Bronwen was so surprised that she laughed. “Me? Dress sexier?”

  “Of course. You’ve got to compete with her, haven’t you? Look at those jeans she was wearing—looked like they’d been painted onto her, didn’t they? And look at you in all those skirts—you’d never even know you’d got legs under there.”

  “But that’s just me, Betsy. It’s the way I am. Evan knows that.”

  She started to move toward the schoolhouse door. “I have to go in. I can’t leave them alone in there.”

  “Think about it, Bronwen Price,” Betsy said. “Men like to see a bit of flesh occasionally. I do my best in that department, but it seems that Evan Evans has got a eye for you right now. And I’d rather you got him than that outsider, so I’m prepared to help, if I can. I could lend you some clothes, if you like. I’ve got a lovely neon-green spandex top with a low neck, or a see-through blouse, or how about a strapless sundress. You’re welcome to come over and try them on anytime.”

  Bronwen gave another nervous laugh. “You’re very kind, Betsy, but I can’t see myself in spandex somehow.”

  “You don’t want to lose him to her, do you?” Betsy demanded.

  “No, of course not,” Bronwen flushed.

  “Then think about it. And maybe you should find yourself another bloke, just to make him jealous. That usually works like a charm.”

  “Betsy I’m not the type who plays little games. If Evan doesn’t like me as I am, then he’s not the one for me anyway.”

  “Fine, if that’s how you want it,” Betsy said, “But I’m not giving up without a fight. I’ve sent for one of those black pushup bras from a catalogue. See yer, Bronwen.”

  She gave Bronwen a friendly wave and ran off across the school playground. Bronwen turned and went into the schoolroom. Ridiculous, she thought. Betsy obviously meant well, but neon spandex? Bronwen had to laugh at the thought. All the same, she sometimes wondered whether Evan actually thought of her as a woman or just another village buddy. Maybe she would buy a new dress for that date on Saturday—not neon spandex, but a little more form-fitting.

  Chapter 16

  Evan was on his way to the police station when his pager went. He hurried the last few yards to his office and returned Sergeant Watkins’ call.

  “Bad news, Evan. You were wrong about your butcher friend.”

  “Evans-the-Meat? Did he confess to something?”

  “Worse than that. They found his print on the doorway. He didn’t just stand there outside and then go home again. That’s enough for the D.I. He’s booked him for the murder. Case closed as far as he’s concerned.”

  “But what about the colonel? How does he explain that?”

  “We haven’t got that far yet.”

  “He didn’t kill the colonel, sarge. He couldn’t have. I was there in the pub. I saw Evans-the-Meat there after the colonel had left.”

  “So you think we’re looking for another killer altogether?”

  “Or you’ve got the wrong man.” Evan took a deep breath. “Listen, sarge, I’ve been thinking about taking a little trip to London, maybe this weekend. Any interest in going along with me?”

  “Strictly off the record, you mean?”

  “For me, yes. You could probably get permission, couldn’t you? Someone needs to check into the colonel’s life there, since we know for sure that Evans-the-Meat didn’t kill him.”

  “That’s true enough. The D.I.’s in a good mood this morning with all his fingerprint success. I’ll ask him if I can have Friday off. I’d quite like to be away this weekend, in fact. The wife wants the kitchen redecorated. She was talking about going to wallpaper shops, and you know how much I enjoy that.”

  Evan chuckled, then grew serious again. “About these fingerprints, sarge. Did Evans’ fingerprints show up on the gun?”

  “No, but the D.I. reckons he tried to wipe it or he held it with a handkerchief. It’s partially wiped clean.”

  “So Evans was stupid enough to touch the door on his way in and then wipe the gun clean?”

  “That’s what the D.I. thinks.”

  “And what do you think?”

  “I’m … keeping an open mind for the moment. Having met the bloke, I’m inclined to go along with you—it’s not his kind of crime.”

  “Any other interesting fingerprints in the room?”

  “Plenty. The house was let by the week, wasn’t it? But the only prints on the gun are the victim’s and your friend Annie’s. And we know she couldn’t have shot him because she was with you. They’re trying to run a check on her background, by the way. And she’s a hard one to trace. You just better pray that she doesn’t have some kind of criminal connection—the D.I. read way more into your friendship than you’d like.”

  “She hasn’t told me a thing,” Evan said. “I’ve dropped enough hints, but she’s stayed tight-lipped.”

  “That must be frustrating for you.” Watkins chuckled.

  “Give me a break, sarge. Not you as well. To me Annie Pigeon is one of my responsibilities in Llanfair, the same as Evans-the-Meat.”

  “But easier on the eye, right?” Watkins laughed. “I’ll call you to let you know whether it’s on for this weekend then. If the D.I. okays it, then he picks up the tab.”

  “In which case we stay at the Dorchester!”

  “And if not, we stay at a boardinghouse in Clapham.”

  “Fine with me,” Evan said. “I just want to feel that I’m doing something positive. It’s hanging around here feeling helpless that I can’t stand.”

  “I’ll see if I can get permission to take you with me, officially,” Watkins said. “After all, you were the one who knew the colonel. It might be useful to have you there. And the wife would be happier if I had someone to keep an eye on me.”

  “To make sure you don’t visit the girlie clubs?” Evan chuckled.

  “To make sure I don�
�t get lost,” Watkins confessed. “She doesn’t have a very high opinion of my map-reading skills. Ever since the time I wouldn’t ask directions on the way home from Liverpool and we wound up in Scotland.”

  Evan laughed as he hung up the phone. He had to agree with Betsy that Ted Morgan’s killer was more likely to be someone who had known him recently and that meant someone in London. Betsy was a sharp girl. In fact, if Bronwen hadn’t been around—he broke his thought off in horror. Bronwen! He had a date with Bronwen on Saturday night. Now he’d have to postpone it. He just hoped she’d be understanding.

  * * *

  Bronwen smiled to herself as she rode the bus up from Bangor. She had been to the new shopping center and actually found a dress she liked. It was far from Betsy’s neon spandex idea of what was sexy but it was definitely right. It was sleeveless, blue denim, the top embroidered with tiny flowers and very form-hugging when tied back at the waist. It matched her eyes perfectly and made her look tall and slim. It also complemented her healthy outdoor look that new woman definitely didn’t have.

  Bronwen was horrified to find herself thinking in terms of rivalry, but she couldn’t help it. Betsy had confirmed her own suspicions. The woman was definitely after Evan. Bronwen had observed her and it was all true. She was trying to lure him through her daughter and her sexy clothes. And he didn’t seem to be fighting too hard, either. Twice Bronwen had seen her approach him and twice he had gone with her.

  But after the date this Saturday, everything would be alright. They’d have a wonderful intimate dinner, they’d talk and laugh a lot, the way they always did. Maybe she could even persuade him to take a romantic latenight stroll along the seafront. He’d realize how much he enjoyed her company. She’d make him realize how much they had in common and the new woman would be history.

  Wrapped up in these warm, exciting thoughts, she was startled to see Evan coming out of the school yard as she walked up the street from the bus stop.