Mercy or Mercenary?

by Sheila Parker

  ‘That sounds rather typical of her. I’m sure she won’t be very happy until she sees you but don’t let that spoil your weekend.’ Kershaw was about to replace the receiver when he suddenly asked, ‘Have you spoken to Isabel or Elspeth about this?’

  ‘No. I don’t think there’s any point in doing that until I’ve met Marina. However, have you anything to add to yesterday’s conversation?’

  ‘Yes. A local sergeant called on the Bushells’ neighbours who were both very voluble and happy to talk about Marina. Apparently, Frank Bushell was very knowledgeable about everything that grew in his garden. The neighbour had been a keen gardener himself and they would often see Marina and her grandfather walking around when he would ask her to identify the various flowers, shrubs and different trees. They both knew that Frank was very proud of Marina, her fluency in languages, but in particular, her interest and knowledge about everything that grew in his garden. Apparently, there was a laburnum tree in the Bushells’ garden so Marina’s adamant denial that she didn’t recognise the tree in the Baumgartens’ garden was another lie. As we already know, Stefan’s neighbours saw her reach over the hedge and take something from the tree on the Saturday morning before the dinner party.’

  ‘What do you propose to do now? Are you going to bring her in for further questioning?’ asked Peter.

  ‘No. We’re still waiting for results from forensics.’

  Kieran had noticed that Marina had been in an irascible mood ever since Friday and having seen for himself the legal notice regarding Ralph McGuire’s estate, wondered if Mr Hoskins’ reaction had upset her.

  Knowing that she liked to talk about her trips with the different European businessmen who frequently visited Bristol, he learnt that the trip to Wells with the French party had been a great success. They had all been very impressed with the cathedral, reluctant to leave the lovely old building, and the quaintness of the city.

  It was Sunday afternoon. They were sat on the patio browsing through the papers and he wondered if he should tell her that he had seen Duncan and Isabel on Friday evening, when he had been introduced to Elspeth McGuire. He had only met Ralph McGuire on one occasion, when he had lunched at the hotel, and again Kieran considered that Elspeth did not resemble her brother: she was an attractive and smartly dressed woman.

  Kieran’s thoughts about Elspeth were suddenly interrupted as Marina said, ‘There’s something I have to tell you. I should have done so a long time ago.’

  Kieran dropped his paper, guessing what was coming, but in a light-hearted manner he joked, ‘You’ve heard from one of your ex-husbands?’

  ‘No, it’s nothing like that. It… it goes back further.’ Marina sat up straight and swung her feet to the ground so that she was facing him. ‘I’m illegitimate. Ralph McGuire was my father.’

  ‘Good God!’ Kieran feigned surprise. ‘Who told you that? His solicitor?’

  ‘No. I’ve known for some time. My mother told me on my eleventh birthday. She had always told me my father died when I was a baby but felt it was time I knew the truth.’

  ‘Did you get in touch with him, see him?’

  ‘No, why should I after the way he ignored us? Apparently, my mother told him she was pregnant and later of my birth but, while he acknowledged this, he never asked to see me or offered any financial assistance.’

  ‘The cold-hearted bastard!’ exclaimed Kieran. ‘Surely your mother could have…’

  ‘No. She didn’t want to get involved with anything like suing him for maintenance. Fortunately, my grandparents were very supportive.’

  ‘Why didn’t you tell me before?’ And when there was no immediate reply, ‘Have you seen him since you came to Bristol?’

  ‘What do you think?’

  Kieran had also moved so that he sat facing Marina. ‘Then why are you telling me all this now?’

  ‘Because I’m going to see Ralph’s solicitor in the morning. Ralph ignored me during his lifetime. He could have made my mother’s life easier, so why shouldn’t I have something?’

  Kieran was about to mention the dinner party when she had met Isabel but said, ’You’ll need proof.’

  ‘I’ve my birth certificate – Ralph’s named as my father – and letters from him to my mother. I intend to fight for whatever is due to me.’ Marina gave a deep sigh and stood up. ‘After all that I’m going to make some tea.’

  Kieran leant back on his lounger, thinking he had contributed very little to the conversation and that Marina might not find it quite so easy to acquire what she considered her entitlement.

  ‘I don’t understand why, having lived in Bristol for the last six years, you didn’t visit your father.’ Peter Hoskins regarded Marina as he continued. ‘Even though you were employed as a courier, which involved a lot of travelling, you still had many opportunities to do so.’

  ‘I thought about it… I was apprehensive. It was a difficult situation and then I heard that he had become ill.’

  ‘So you couldn’t face up to his illness?’ Peter had studied Marina’s birth certificate and learnt that she had been told of her father’s identity when she was eleven. He had questioned her about her mother and maternal grandparents and heard that they had never referred to or spoken about her father. He had scrutinised the letters from Ralph, particularly that one in which he acknowledged that Marina could possibly be his child, but there was no suggestion from him that he would have a blood test or would make an allowance towards her maintenance and later, her education.

  He, Peter, also knew that Marina and her mother had lived in her grandparents’ home until the time came when they admitted they couldn’t cope with such a large house and garden. Mr and Mrs Bushell had moved into a residential home, one of the more luxurious kind. The house had been sold to pay for this and help towards the rent of the flat which her mother had taken.

  ‘I was sorry that I didn’t go when he was in good health.’

  ‘So you’ve never been to the house? You don’t know where…’ Peter stopped abruptly. It wasn’t for him to question Marina along these lines. In fact, he didn’t like his predicament – that he was acting as a stool pigeon for the police. On the other hand, it was his duty to protect Isabel and Elspeth’s interests and, aware that there was only three minutes before his next appointment, he said, ‘I suppose you realise this, or rather your existence, will be a great shock to Isabel and Elspeth.’

  ‘Who’s Elspeth?’

  ‘Ralph’s sister, your aunt.’ Peter noticed Marina’s expression change and persisted, ‘That is if you’re really who you say you are.’

  ‘Of course I am! You’ve seen my birth certificate, the letters and also my passport, but I need that for my work.’

  Peter bit back the words… you could’ve picked them up, stolen someone’s handbag… thinking that was exactly what Kershaw would say and told her, ‘There are certain formalities to be completed when something like this occurs. I’m sure you realise this could be a costly procedure.’

  ‘But not if I get what I’m entitled to. That house alone must be worth a fortune…’

  It was said before Marina realised, but Peter immediately recognised the mercenary streak, that Marina was an accomplished liar and said quietly, ‘As you’re aware, I’m acting on Ralph’s instructions, so if you’re claiming against the estate I can’t act on your behalf.’

  Marina pointed to the papers on the desk. ‘You’ve the proof. Can’t it be satisfied without all this legal fuss and bother? Couldn’t I have a cheque for £5,000 – just to start with?’

  ‘Of course not!’ Peter was disgusted at this suggestion and his voice was brusque. ‘I thought you were an intelligent young woman but now I doubt it. These things take time. It could be months, in some cases even years, before monies can be paid out of a deceased person’s estate.’

  ‘Surely you could hurry up the process?’ persisted Marina. />
  ‘Probate hasn’t been granted. It could take several months. Another thing: Isabel and Elspeth must be informed of your visit.’ Peter stood up as he spoke. ‘My next appointment is waiting for me. I’ll be in touch.’

  18

  ‘Stupid old fool! He could easily have given me a cheque,’ expostulated Marina as she stood on the pavement, unaware she was receiving curious glances from passers-by. Marina stood for a moment, staring into a window but not seeing the contents, then, glancing at her watch, realised she only had twenty minutes before she was to meet a party of German businessmen.

  As she made her way to the hotel where the Germans and the minibus driver would be waiting for her, Marina’s thoughts were confused. The knowledge that Isabel had completely recovered and Duncan had not suffered any injuries as a result of being pushed off the pavement was bad enough, but to learn that Ralph had a sister had certainly been a shock. And as for the solicitor – he had been very observant; she would have to be careful what she said when she next saw him.

  For a moment, Marina remembered her grandparents’ house – the high-ceilinged rooms, all spacious and tastefully furnished, large lawns and well-tended flowerbeds – which she had hoped would be hers. She had always thought they were very wealthy and had been bitterly disappointed when the house was sold.

  Her thoughts then turned to the large house in Clifton. It was definitely too large for two women, and the furniture she had seen, and probably that in the other rooms, was dark and old-fashioned. If the house was modernised, redecorated and completely refurnished, it could look so different and she would really enjoy living and entertaining there.

  Marina’s expression was grim as she resolved that Hoskins would soon learn of her intention to have the larger part of Ralph’s estate.

  ‘There’s something about that young woman I don’t like,’ said Peter Hoskins. ‘For a start she’s a liar, and she’s greedy – she wanted something at once, £5,000 – would you believe it? And is she really Ralph’s daughter?’ The solicitor had agreed to meet Inspector Kershaw for a quick lunch and, in addition to handing over the tape, had elaborated on the interview.

  ‘Yes, she is Ralph’s daughter. We had the records checked and have a copy of the birth certificate she gave you,’ said Kershaw.

  ‘Did you know she’s been to the house or rather, seen it?’

  ‘No, but I’ve had no occasion to question her regarding that.’

  ‘I hate to agree with her on principle but she’s right: that house would probably fetch a good price, if sold.’ Peter ate some of his quiche and continued. ‘I daresay there’s some collectors around who would love to own some of that furniture. It’s not to my taste, but Elspeth has made sure it’s all in good condition.’ And without pausing for breath, ‘Any news from forensics?’

  ‘No, but I’m hoping to have the results later today. However, when do you intend to tell Isabel and Elspeth about Marina?’

  ‘This afternoon. As soon as Marina left I rearranged two appointments and phoned Isabel. I realise they’ll be shocked, want proof, so I’m taking a photocopy of the birth certificate, Marina’s passport and one of Ralph’s letters.’

  The two men ate in silence then it was Peter who spoke again. ‘You’re probably thinking the same as me, that if Marina is in any way responsible for Ralph’s death, she couldn’t benefit from his estate. However, I must advise them of her existence.’

  Kershaw nodded. ‘I’ve spoken to the two men I met briefly at Ralph’s funeral. Their names were on the list supplied by the funeral director. They were at the College of Further Education in Bournemouth at the same time as Ralph. After prompting, they both remembered Felicity Bushell. One described her as a pretty young woman who worked in the bursar’s office while the other said her parents were a charming friendly couple who lived on the outskirts of town. However, neither had ever seen Ralph with her or any other female, but this did not deter our enquiries. Having acquired the Bushells’ address, we learnt from elderly neighbours that Felicity, together with her daughter, had lived with her parents until they moved into a residential home. The old man remembered that the grandparents had been very kind to the little girl – it was a pity her father had died when she was a baby.’

  ‘I suppose that was the best story to tell the neighbours and anyone else,’ said Peter. ‘So it sounds as though Marina is who she says she is.’

  ‘Unfortunately, the officer didn’t have a photograph, but they described the child as having brown hair and dark brown eyes.’ Kershaw noted that Peter had finished his quiche, asked the waitress to bring two coffees and resumed, ‘I’m sorry Isabel is going to have another shock. There seems to be one thing after the other happening in that household.’

  ‘Marina may not find it as easy as she thinks. I’m dealing with Ralph’s estate, looking after Isabel’s and Elspeth’s interests so, dependent on their reaction and what you learn this afternoon, it may be necessary for Marina to find someone else to act on her behalf.’ Peter paused as coffee was placed before him, and when the waitress moved away, ‘As I said before, that young woman is very determined to get her hands on Ralph’s money.’

  Kershaw held his breath. Peter had been very co-operative and already knew about the expected call from forensics, but Kershaw considered this was not the moment to tell him that on the Saturday afternoon Ralph had died there had been three sightings of a person wearing an Austrian-styled coat walking along the road where Kieran and Marina lived.

  Although it was only a short time since he had lunched with the inspector, Peter accepted a cup of tea and glancing at Isabel and Elspeth, he said, ‘I’m afraid I have some news which will come as rather a shock.’

  ‘Is there something wrong with Ralph’s will?’ asked Isabel.

  ‘No, not exactly.’ Peter hesitated; he had never found himself in such a delicate situation and struggled to find the right words.

  Elspeth leant forward and, almost as though she was reading his thoughts, she asked, ‘Is there someone claiming against his estate?’

  ‘One of his pupils?’ hazarded Isabel.

  ‘Yes, there is a claimant but not a pupil.’ Peter looked from one to the other and then, emboldened, ‘It’s his daughter – his illegitimate daughter.’

  ‘What!’ exclaimed Isabel and Elspeth together and then the latter said, ‘It’s impossible.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Peter, thinking she was about to tell him that Ralph was impotent or, for some reason, had had a vasectomy. That would certainly upset Marina.

  ‘I’ve never known him to look at a girl or young woman until he met Isabel again. I can’t imagine…’ Elspeth’s voice faded and she looked across at Isabel, ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘Yes, it’s just the shock.’

  ‘Her name is Marina Bushell,’ offered Peter.

  ‘Marina Bushell!’ echoed Isabel. ‘Unless there’s someone else of that name, I’ve met her.’

  ‘What!’ exclaimed Elspeth while Peter looked perplexed.

  Isabel resumed. ‘She’s Kieran O’Brien’s partner. She was there, at that dinner party.’

  ‘When you…’ Elspeth’s voice had become a whisper and she glanced at Peter who knew Isabel had been very ill, and who now resumed, ‘She’s twenty-seven.’

  Peter noticed Elspeth’s raised eyebrows but continued, ‘She produced her birth certificate on which Ralph is named as her father. Normally, if a child is born out of wedlock, the father’s name doesn’t appear. However, Ralph said in one of the two letters that he wrote to Felicity, Marina’s mother, and which Marina also produced, that he was agreeable to his name appearing.’

  ‘Felicity Bushell.’ Elspeth shook her head. ‘Even though it’s a long time ago, I’ve never heard of anyone of that name,’ and glancing at Isabel, ‘have you?’

  ‘No. I’m still flabbergasted,’ then, turning to Peter, ‘Marina’s be
en in Bristol for six years and, while it would have been a shock to all of us, why didn’t she make an attempt to see Ralph before he became so ill?’

  ‘She said she was apprehensive.’

  ‘But she’s not apprehensive about claiming against the estate,’ retorted Elspeth.

  ‘Marina certainly wasn’t very happy when she left my office. I told her that if she intended to claim against Ralph’s estate she would have to find someone else to act for her.’ Peter omitted to say that he had refused Marina’s request for what he considered to be an outrageous advance and, in view of her statement that the house was probably worth a fortune, considered her mercenary and a liar.

  ‘Do you think Marina will come here, want to see us?’ Isabel looked at Elspeth as she closed the front door behind Peter Hoskins.

  ‘Why should she? Marina has already met you, although she didn’t make herself known as Ralph’s daughter.’

  ‘She might want to meet you. You’re her aunt, her closest and only relative.’ They were now back in the lounge, sitting in the two shabby armchairs.

  ‘I hadn’t thought of that, but the fact that she didn’t attempt to make herself known while Ralph was alive doesn’t endear her to me.’ Elspeth looked thoughtful. ‘As we’ve said before, so much has happened in a comparatively short time. Ralph died, you suffered from food poisoning and there were those attacks on Duncan but no one has been arrested.’ Elspeth paused but only for a moment. ‘Damn it, it’s three weeks since that dinner party. It must have been Kieran or Marina, so why are the police taking so long?’

  ‘I’m sure the inspector is doing his best.’

  The front door opened and closed while Isabel was speaking and, as he stood in the doorway, Duncan asked, ‘What’s the matter?’ Duncan knew about Hoskins’ visit and glancing from one to the other, ‘Has something else happened?’