Kevin gave no thought as to whether Betty could have had the strength to strangle his wife and carry her into the cave, but just felt relieved to finally get this information out. It was up to the police to do what they wanted with it, but all he hoped was that they wouldn’t think of him as the only suspect.
“Did Lucy tell you this?” Dimitris asked, stirring Kevin out of his thoughts.
“She admitted she was having an affair, but not who with. She did also mention a couple of times that she was having coffee with Don, but denied there was anything else in it.”
“That’s all it could have been then; coffee, Mr. Fowler. It doesn’t mean they were lovers, sir.”
“Perhaps not, but they were getting close; I’m sure of it. My brother, Paul, said she arrived at the drama group all made-up, but she didn’t leave or come home like that. She must have made up her face in the car. She obviously did it for Don. I mean she knew Paul would be there, so she wasn’t exactly being discreet.”
“Did you not try and find out who this man was when your wife was alive?”
“No, I’m afraid I wasn’t bothered. Our marriage was pretty much over and I didn’t care.”
“And are you seeing another woman, sir?”
“Me? No, there’s a lack of single English women here and I have no interest in the married ones. None at all.”
Dimitris smiled, thinking that Kevin was certainly trying to make himself out to be innocent in the breakdown of his marriage.
“Well, thank you, sir, for this information. It must have been difficult for you to come here and tell me this.”
Kevin got up, feeling confused. Did the police believe him? And were they going to interview Don or not? He had decided not to mention Ken. The more he thought about it, the more unlikely it seemed that Ken had been having an affair with Lucy. After all, Ken and Jan did seem very happy and content with each other.
I’d better not get too unrealistic with my suspicions; otherwise the police might think I’m making it up to take suspicion off me.
Kevin and Dimitris shook hands and Kevin went outside. He didn’t feel much better than when he had gone in and was certain that he was still at the top of the suspect list.
Dimitris looked out of the window and watched Kevin walk to his car, wondering if he was telling the truth. He possibly was, but he thought it unlikely that Lucy Fowler was having an affair with Don Jones. And was he strong enough to strangle her and carry her to the cave? And could Betty? She was a bigger woman than Lucy and perhaps she could have strangled her, but he very much doubted if she could have carried her any great distance. After all, both Don and Betty were in their late sixties. No, if Lucy was having an affair, Dimitris was almost certain it was with someone else.
* * * *
Half an hour later, Dimitris looked up and saw Don Jones waiting outside his office.
Now Mr. Jones is here and I bet it’s got something to do with the murder of Lucy Fowler. This is not going to be an easy day.
Dimitris called Don in and he entered nervously. Dimitris was very interested to hear what he had to say.
“Mr. Jones, what can I do for you?”
“Chief Inspector, I have a confession.”
Dimitris sat up.
Have I got it wrong? Is he going to confess to the murder of Lucy Fowler? Am I actually going to have one up on that terrible woman, Eve Masters?
Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as he had hoped.
“My wife, Betty, believes I was having an affair with Lucy Fowler,” Don began, feeling that it would be best to get straight into the subject. “I was not. We were friends, good friends. Her marriage was rocky and so is mine. We got to know each other at the drama society that Eve runs and we went out for a coffee whenever we could. Occasionally we had lunch out, but that’s all. My wife has said she will tell you we were having an affair, but we weren’t.”
“Your wife has actually threatened to tell me about this?”
Dimitris couldn’t believe that Betty Jones would actually come to the police station to report her husband for having an affair, even though it was with a murder victim.
“Yes, and she says everybody will know about it soon.”
“I find this strange behavior. Why would she want to tell me this?”
“She is very angry with me at the moment and wants to hurt me. I think perhaps she hopes that you will suspect me of killing Lucy Fowler. Of course, I didn’t.”
“I’m sure you didn’t. Nevertheless, I had better take a statement of what you were doing between the hours of seven and ten on the evening of Lucy’s murder.”
Dimitris called in Stavros while Don sat still, feeling sick.
I haven’t got an alibi for the whole evening. Why on earth did I come here? But if I hadn’t, Betty would have told them a pack of lies, so I suppose it’s better this way.”
“Well,” Don mumbled once Stavros had come into the room. “I was at home with Betty until eight o’clock. Then I drove to the supermarket in Kalives on my own and after sat on a bench near the beach for a while. I got home at about nine fifteen. Betty was out, but she came home around nine thirty.”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Jones, for that information.”
“Is that it?”
“Yes, yes I think so.”
Don left not knowing one way or the other if Dimitris Kastrinakis believed him.
Watching him go, Dimitris realized that Don had had plenty of time between eight and nine fifteen to kill Lucy. Looking at him just now, he did seem reasonably fit for a man his age, so perhaps he would have been able to carry her body to the cave. He could have dragged it part of the way after all.
This case is definitely not going to be straightforward, Dimitris thought. On top of everything, I hope I don’t have to deal with Eve Masters poking her nose into everything.
* * * *
Jane was parking her car when she saw Don leave the police station and get straight into his car. She wondered what he had been doing there. Perhaps he knew something about the murder, though of course he could have been there for a completely different matter.
What a pity I didn’t get here a bit earlier, Jane thought. I could have discreetly asked him what he was doing here, or I might even have overheard something while he was talking to the police. That would have been much better. I don’t know if I’d have had the nerve to ask him anything....... Oh well, no point worrying about it now. I've got to set my mind to the task ahead. Gosh, I’m trembling. I wish Eve had been prepared to come with me. I don’t feel comfortable with these Greek policemen, but I’ve got to do it; it’s my duty.
In the end, Jane had decided to go without Paul, and in fact had not told him anything yet. The fewer people who knew the better. She didn’t want Yiannis to find out she had let the cat out of the bag, not to mention that Eve wanted to keep their investigation low key. Jane was relieved that Eve had decided to do this. She didn’t want to get poisoned again or, God forbid, something far worse.
Jane walked slowly towards the police station, all the while contemplating turning back. However, when Dimitris came out of his office, he saw a very nervous girl standing near the front door of the station.
“Miss Phillips,” he bellowed. “Can I help you?”
Jane was startled and was barely able to speak. In fact, she almost whispered to him.
“Oh, yes sir........um, I have some information which may be helpful in the case of Lucy Fowler’s murder.”
“You have?” Dimitris asked, flabbergasted. “Well, come into my office.”
He couldn’t believe it. Nobody had turned up with information in the two previous murders, but here they all were; one English person after the other. Dimitris called Stavros over yet again.
Well, well, Dimitris thought. What has this misfit got to offer? Not more information on Don Jones? I hope not. I still find it hard to believe that he’s capable of murder, especially not with that awful wife looking over his shoulder all the time. If he w
as going to murder anyone, I would have thought it would be Betty.
“So, what have you got to tell me, Miss Phillips,” Dimitris asked as soon as they had all sat down.
“I believe Lucy Fowler was having an affair,” Jane said quickly, not wanting the meeting to drag on.
She was desperate for it to be over. Jane was scared of what Yiannis might do to her, but however long or short a time she stayed in the office would make little difference. She would still be the one who had turned him in.
Dimitris sighed and Jane noticed he didn’t seem surprised. Had someone told him already?
“And do you know the name of the person she was supposedly having an affair with?” Dimitris asked.
“Yes, yes I do. I saw him giving her a kiss. It was Yiannis; Yiannis Neonakis.”
Dimitris Kastrinakis was unable to hold back how surprised he was. He raised his eyebrows and looked as if he was about to say something, but then changed his mind. He shook his head instead.
He’s surprised, Jane contemplated. He thought I was going to say somebody else. My goodness, perhaps Don came in with different information. However, would he report Pete if he thought Lucy was having an affair with him? They are pretty good friends. Or perhaps it was someone else? Wait until I tell Eve!
“You look surprised, sir?” Jane ventured, suddenly feeling a little bolder.
“I am,” Dimitris replied, quickly gaining his composure.
Dimitris Kastrinakis did not like to show any emotion or weakness in front of the public and he certainly didn’t want this woman to have any clue as to what he was thinking. He knew she was a friend of Eve Masters, and would probably tell her everything that went on during their meeting.
“I’m surprised because they seem so unsuitable for each other. I mean Lucy Fowler must have been at least fifteen years older than Yiannis, if not more. I know he’s a great womanizer, but he doesn’t usually go for women quite that old. Also he usually likes them, how should I put it so as not to offend, well more attractive.
“You’re not offending me at all, sir. Lucy and I weren’t the best of friends and yes, she was quite ugly.
Dimitris smiled. If it had been almost anyone else, he would have added them to the list of suspects, but he was sure Jane was completely innocent.
“Well, thank you for this information, Miss Phillips. We will of course follow it up.”
Jane’s face fell and she suddenly looked as if she were going to cry.
“What’s wrong?” Dimitris asked, feeling at a loss. He hated it when women cried, never knowing what to do.
And why would she cry? She had no association with Yiannis.....or did she?
“I’m scared what Yiannis will do when he finds out it was me who turned him in to the police.”
“We will not be telling him where we got the information from, I assure you. Are you certain he didn’t see you when he was with Lucy?”
“As certain as I can be.”
“Good. And does anyone else know? Paul for example.”
Jane was amazed that Dimitris knew about her relationship with Paul, but then news did travel quickly around the Greek villages.
“No, I haven’t told Paul,” Jane said and then hesitated. “And I haven’t told anyone else.”
She felt herself burning up and hoped that Dimitris hadn’t noticed. She didn’t want to tell him that Eve knew. If she did, it would give him the idea that Eve could be thinking about investigating the murder and it was for the best that Eve kept a low profile. They didn’t want word to get back to David that she was on the trail of a crazed killer.
“Well, keep it that way, Miss Phillips. It’s the safest thing to do.”
Jane got up and shook the detective’s hand, relieved that it was all over. He, however, was wondering whether or not she was telling the complete truth. Had she really not told Eve Masters anything about Yiannis? Dimitris Kastrinakis doubted that she had kept this news from her. In fact, he thought that it was probably Eve herself that had told Jane to come to the police. Yes, Jane Phillips was a nervous young thing and would have been too scared to have done this on her own.
Damn. Will that insufferable woman, Eve Masters, never stop? No, I doubt it, not until she’s six feet under.
* * * *
As Jane left the police station to go home, Betty Jones was parking a little way down the road in the opposite direction. Jane was wiping away a few tears and didn’t see her.
Betty was in a foul mood and for once it had nothing to do with Eve Masters.
I’ll show Don, fooling around behind my back. How dare he? I shall tell that detective right now. I doubt for one minute that Don did kill Lucy, but he deserves to pay for his infidelity. He’ll go through hell as a suspect, absolute hell.
“Serves him right,” she said as she stormed though the doors of the police station.
Dimitris Kastrinakis was getting a coffee from the vending machine and saw her almost immediately.
Oh no, not Betty Jones. She’s someone I could do without. Is she coming to plead for her husband? She certainly doesn’t look as if she’s going to; more likely turn him in. My God, I thought us Greeks led complicated lives, but they’re nothing compared to the English.
“Ah, officer Kastrinakis, I’m pleased you’re here. I must talk to you. I have some important information concerning Lucy Fowler. It’s imperative that I tell you.”
“Well, Mrs. Jones, then you must come straight into my office. There’s no time to lose.”
His sarcasm was wasted on Betty, who nodded seriously and rushed into the room he indicated. Stavros was already seated there.
When they had also sat down, Dimitris smiled at Betty, ignoring the fact that she looked as miserable as sin.
“So, Mrs. Jones, tell me what’s so important that you have to speak to me right now.”
“Well....” Betty began and then suddenly burst into tears. “Oh my goodness, I don’t think I can tell you after all. I feel so ashamed. How could he do this to me? I’ll be the laughing stock of the village.”
Betty, once she’d started crying, couldn’t stop and Dimitris felt embarrassed yet again.
“Now, now, Mrs. Jones, I’m sure nobody will laugh at you. You’re very well respected.”
“I was until that awful woman came here.”
“What woman?”
“Eve, Eve Masters, of course. She thinks she’s better than everyone and she hates me. When she finds this out, she’ll be delighted, I know she will.”
“It's not important what she thinks, or anyone else for that matter, Mrs. Jones. You must take no notice. Now, please, you must tell me what you know. We have a killer to catch and lock up before he possibly strikes again.”
“Well,” Betty started, feeling the tears welling up again. “I’m pretty sure my husband was having an affair with Lucy Fowler.”
“And how do you know that?’
“I unexpectedly went to Chania with Annie Davies one day and I saw them, Don and Lucy, together in a cafe. He hadn’t told me he was going to meet her,” Betty said, as the tears started to flow again. “When I questioned him, he said that they had met for coffee. She was having marital problems and needed to talk to someone. Come on, do you think I was born yesterday?”
“He could have been telling the truth, Mrs. Jones. He’s seems like a kind and considerate man to me.”
"Hmm, men and women can’t be friends in my opinion. The say they can, but it’s impossible. There’s always this awful thing called lust involved.”
“I disagree, madam. I do have friends who are women, but that isn’t the point. Even if they were having an affair, it doesn’t mean that your husband killed Mrs. Fowler. He could have done of course; perhaps in a fit of rage if Lucy ended their relationship. However, there are other suspects.”
“Thank goodness,” Betty sighed.
“Really?” Dimitris asked. “You came here to turn him in and now you’re pleased that there are other people who could have killed Mrs.
Fowler.”
“I didn’t turn him in,” Betty bawled. “I wanted to tell you about his affair myself before anyone else did, otherwise it would look as if Don were guilty. To tell you the truth, he couldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Most people have a secret side, Mrs. Jones.”
“Heavens above, Don and I have been married for forty-six years. Do you not think I know him inside and out?”
“Perhaps.”
“Well, I think this is the last time I shall confide in you, Mr. Kastrinakis,” Betty remarked sternly. “I’m certain Kevin Fowler had much more cause to kill his wife. Their marriage was in a terrible state.”
“We’re looking into lots of possibilities, Mrs. Jones,” Dimitris replied, now having had enough of Betty Jones.
“I’m glad to hear it. Well, I must be going if there’s nothing else you want to ask?”
“While you’re here, you could tell me where you were between the hours of seven and ten p.m. on the night of Lucy Fowler’s murder.”
“I don’t believe it, now you think I killed her? As if I could carry her into the cave! A woman my age.”
Dimitris kept silent as Betty’s voice rose in anger.
“If you must know,” she continued. “I was at home with Don until about eight and then I went to Georgioupolis on my own to buy a piece of jewellery. I think I still have the receipt. It may even have the time and date on it. Now that would that prove my innocence, wouldn’t it?” she said smugly.
“I am not accusing you of anything, Mrs. Jones. This is just routine, though of course the receipt would be helpful. What time did you return home that evening?”
“About nine thirty. Is there anything else?” Betty asked gruffly.
“No thank you, that’s all.”
Betty turned and walked out swiftly without bothering to say goodbye. As she left, Dimitris shook his head again, wondering what was wrong with the English. He couldn’t imagine a Greek woman going to the police to turn in her husband for having an affair. Shoot him yes, but not betray him to the law!
Death in the Aegean Page 9