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Mercy or Mercenary?

Page 14

by Sheila Parker


  Isabel and Elspeth looked at each other and, without prompting, said simultaneously, ‘You tell Duncan!’

  ‘Marina, Kieran’s partner, is Ralph’s illegitimate daughter and she intends to claim against his estate,’ echoed Duncan five minutes later. ‘Is she likely to come here?’ Then, before either could comment, ‘I’m going to phone the inspector.’

  Inspector Kershaw replaced the receiver and, aware of Tom’s undisguised curiosity, summarised the conversation with Kieran and concluded, ‘O’Brien’s really worried about Marina.’

  ‘But he knows she was taking a party of Germans to the Cotswolds,’ said Tom. ‘I’m surprised she didn’t phone him during the lunch break.’

  Kershaw nodded then recalled Hoskins’ comment, ‘She’s a liar’, which referred to Marina’s remark that the house should be worth a fortune. Hoskins’ next comment, ‘She’s greedy’, had been explained by Marina’s request for £5,000. The solicitor had said that Marina’s expression changed yet again when he told her that he would have to inform Isabel and Elspeth and that he would be in touch. Her reply had been abrupt and she had departed in a bad temper.

  Kershaw glanced at his watch, wondered how Isabel and Elspeth were reacting and if Peter Hoskins was still with them. He considered that this case was becoming more involved, and he certainly didn’t want any more complications. There was only one sensible way to find out: ring Peter, but he would give him a little longer to return to his office.

  Fifteen minutes later, Kershaw learnt that Isabel and Elspeth were shocked and that Isabel had immediately realised she had met Marina at the dinner party.

  ‘Were they alone when you left? And although she should be with a party of Germans, was there any sign of Marina in the vicinity?’ asked Kershaw.

  ‘Duncan had gone to the library, but he’s probably back by now, and I’m glad to say there was no sign of that unpleasant young woman. I certainly didn’t tell Isabel and Elspeth that Marina was in an aggressive and bad-tempered mood when she left.’

  ‘They should be all right if Duncan’s there and Marina does call,’ said Kershaw.

  ‘Surely you don’t think that Marina would call at the house and do something stupid?’

  ‘I think that young woman is capable…’ Kershaw stopped abruptly, then reached for the handset Tom was holding, saying, ‘Duncan’s on the other line. I’ll speak to you later.’

  ‘Did you know that Peter Hoskins was going to call on Isabel, and the reason for his visit?’ demanded Duncan and before Kershaw could reply, ‘How long have you known that Marina was Ralph’s daughter? When did you find out? Surely you could have warned Isabel?’ and, without pausing for breath, ‘To think we went to that dinner party and Marina never gave any indication. She must be a cold-hearted bitch!’

  Kershaw took advantage of the pause to remind Duncan that Hoskins was dealing with Ralph’s estate but was unprepared as Duncan’s tirade continued: ‘I’m amazed that Hoskins could calmly deliver this news and then leave them alone in the house.’

  ‘I’m sure they’re both very–’

  ‘If Marina’s determined to get her hands on Ralph’s money, there’s no knowing what that young woman might do,’ interrupted Duncan. ‘No doubt Kieran is still at the hotel, but do you know where she is? Have you any idea what she’s likely to do if her claim isn’t recognised?’

  ‘Please, Mr Sinclair, calm down.’ Kershaw wondered if Isabel or Elspeth could hear Duncan and resumed, ‘Your attitude isn’t helping anyone.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Inspector. I got carried away. So much has happened and now this – to learn that Ralph had an illegitimate daughter.’

  ‘I agree; it is a shock, and while I doubt that Marina will do anything untoward, why don’t you stay with Isabel and Elspeth for a couple of nights?’

  Kershaw heard Duncan give a deep sigh of relief and then, ‘Thank you for that suggestion, Inspector. I’m probably behaving like a fool, but I’d never forgive myself if anything happened.’

  ‘Sinclair certainly got you rattled. What was it all about?’ asked Tom as Kershaw gratefully sank into his chair.

  ‘Hoskins’ visit and Marina. Could you organise some tea please, and I’ll tell you.’

  ‘Will you arrange for someone to check the McGuire neighbourhood around the time that Marina’s due to finish her escort duties?’ asked Tom after he had heard of Duncan’s concern for Isabel and Elspeth.

  Kershaw looked thoughtful. ‘Although we know Duncan will be in the house, it might be a good idea to have someone there, but not Sergeant Lovell. Marina would probably recognise her.’

  19

  Marina sat behind the driver talking to the youngest member of the German party, still amazed that so much had happened in such a short time.

  The minibus had been parked outside, and a group of men were standing in the foyer when she arrived at the hotel that morning. As she approached, one of them detached himself from the group, came towards her and took her hands in his exclaiming, ‘Marina! How marvellous to see you!’

  The moment she looked into Fritz’s deep blue eyes she had felt herself trembling as she remembered the many happy hours they had spent together whenever she had been staying in his parents’ hotel. This was situated near Lake Constance and she had been a courier in charge of a party of holiday-makers. At the time, she knew that Fritz was engaged, but she now noticed that he was not wearing a wedding ring; however, this was not always significant. The other men, all considerably older, had smiled and nodded with approval as he kissed her on both cheeks and taken it for granted that the young couple would sit together.

  In spite of the emotional turmoil which overwhelmed her, Marina had pointed out familiar landscapes then, as they drove into the country, left the older men to enjoy the picturesque villages, some very tiny, the golden-stoned houses and cottages. This was achieved by turning off main roads and negotiating narrow lanes but Adam, the driver, was accustomed to this.

  Fritz had taken this opportunity to whisper that, much to his parents’ disapproval, he had broken off his engagement and waited patiently for Marina’s next visit but this did not happen. Unfortunately, he did not have her home address and, after discreet enquiries, he had been bitterly disappointed to learn that the travel agents for whom Marina had worked would no longer be sending groups to his parents’ or any other hotel in that town.

  During their coffee break when, much to the others’ amusement, he had manoeuvred her towards a table for two, she had agreed to spend the evening with him, saying she would have to go home to change. Fritz had then pointed out that this was unnecessary; there were probably shops or a boutique at wherever they were stopping for lunch when they could buy a dress and whatever else she needed. He was sure the older men, who had appreciated the brief stops in order that they could take photographs, would be happy to spend some time on their own. It would give them an opportunity to buy postcards and possibly souvenirs for their families.

  After lunch, which was enjoyed at the leading hotel in the centre of the village of Broadway, Fritz had seen and swept her into a smart boutique where he insisted that she try on the stunning black cocktail dress which was in the window. This had been a perfect fit and, to her amazement, he had chosen matching lingerie and high-heeled sandals.

  Back in the minibus, the afternoon passed swiftly, their first brief stop being at Stow-on-the-Wold where the Germans had been intrigued at the number of antique shops and narrow streets. At Bibury, some had admired Arlington Row – a row of charming cottages – or the Swan Hotel, while others had visited the church.

  It was some time later that Fritz had whispered, ‘Where shall we spend the night? I’m sure you don’t want to stay at my hotel,’ and, as she hesitated, ‘if you’d prefer somewhere out of town but are worried about getting in for work tomorrow, that’s no problem. I’ll have to come back myself and we can easily organise a taxi.’
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  Delighted that Fritz, now an affluent hotelier and, to her astonishment, unmarried, should suddenly appear claiming that he was still in love with her, Marina named two hotels on the outskirts of Bristol. She was even more amazed when he produced a list of Bristol hotels, studied this and then took his mobile from his pocket. A few seconds later, he told her, ‘That’s all arranged.’

  It was as Fritz replaced his mobile that Marina suddenly realised she hadn’t phoned or even thought about Kieran and quickly decided that, although he would be annoyed, she would phone him after the tour. She would tell him that she was spending the evening with one of the girls from the agency who had suggested that, instead of returning to Henleaze, she should stay the night. Dimly, she heard Fritz say, ‘We’re going to have a marvellous time.’

  Detective Sergeant Tom Small looked up expectantly every time the phone rang on the inspector’s desk, but it was mid-afternoon when it rang yet again. Kershaw’s voice changed and Tom was pleased to see him smiling. The conversation was brief and Kershaw concluded, ‘I look forward to receiving your fax.’ Then, looking at Tom, ‘It’s amazing what forensics can find. The hairs from Marina’s brush and comb match those on the coat, the fibres on Ralph’s bedspread were from Stefan Baumgarten’s coat, and the tissue that he found in his pocket was the same as those in the packet Rowena found with Marina’s other toiletries. And we already know why that particular tissue was used.’

  ‘So we can now bring Marina in for further questioning.’ Tom hesitated. ‘But she’s probably still working.’

  ‘In which case, we’ll see Mrs Cole and then go on to Henleaze.’ Tom and Detective Sergeant Rowena Lovell had called at the flat on Saturday morning when they learnt that Eunice was spending the weekend in Weston-super-Mare.

  The first-floor tenant informed them that Eunice would be returning Monday afternoon.

  Detective Sergeant Norman Quigley had already seen the photograph taken by Tom and observed that Marina looked very different, pointing out that she had been wearing a courier’s uniform when the original photo was taken.

  At the time he saw her in Whiteladies Road, standing behind Duncan, her gloved hand on his back, she was wearing a nondescript tracksuit. He had noted her height and dark hair which, although he only caught a glimpse of her profile, was sufficient for him to say that she was the same person. Quigley had again apologised that he had not run after her; he had been more concerned about Duncan.

  Kershaw stood up and tore off the sheet of paper which had just emerged from the fax machine, studied this, nodded, and handed it to Tom with the comment, ‘Marvellous what modern technology can do.’

  ‘Do you think Kieran knows that Marina borrowed Stefan’s coat and could be responsible for Ralph McGuire’s death?’ asked Tom a few minutes later, as they fastened their seat belts.

  ‘No, but he certainly sounded very concerned about her.’

  Kershaw had been surprised to receive a phone call from Kieran late that morning when he recounted Marina’s admission that she was Ralph’s illegitimate daughter and that she had not phoned him, as promised, after her visit to the solicitor. He recalled the urgency in Kieran’s voice: ‘She doesn’t answer her mobile which I know she usually keeps switched on, even when working.’

  Kershaw had learnt that Marina was due to meet a party of Germans after her appointment with Hoskins and, according to the agency, there had been no complaints that this excursion was not proceeding as planned. He had then suggested that Marina might phone during her lunch break, but when Kieran had phoned again at half past two, he had still not heard from Marina and sounded even more agitated. ‘I’m worried, concerned that if the interview with the solicitor didn’t go as she hoped, she might do something silly.’

  Kershaw’s comment that she was obviously with the German party was quickly interrupted with, ‘Marina was so determined that she should inherit a substantial legacy, she might think of going to see Mrs. McGuire, possibly when she returns this afternoon. That would be a terrible shock for Isabel who I thought was a very charming person. If I can’t contact Marina, how can I stop her?’

  ‘I’m sure you’re worrying unnecessarily, Mr O’Brien.’

  Kershaw decided there was no need to inform Kieran of Hoskins’ visit to the McGuire household and continued: ‘Marina will probably come home at her usual time and apologise that she was too busy to phone you.’

  ‘I hope so. We don’t usually have long together then. Sometimes she doesn’t get in until half past five and I like to be back at the hotel by six o’clock.’

  ‘So he’ll be in for a shock when we arrive,’ said Tom.

  ‘How can I help you, Inspector?’ Eunice Cole had apologised that she couldn’t see them earlier, poured tea and indicated slices of a delicious-looking sponge.

  ‘My niece made that this morning.’

  ‘It’s about the afternoon you met Duncan Sinclair. I realise that’s ten days ago; however, I’m wondering if you recognise this young lady.’ Kershaw placed the photograph of Marina on the table and continued: ‘I doubt she was wearing that uniform.’

  ‘Imagine her in casual clothes,’ suggested Tom. He had just helped himself to a slice of sponge and now bit into this, his eyes lighting up with obvious enjoyment.

  Eunice looked thoughtful. ‘As I told that nice Mr Sinclair, there were several people all around me and I couldn’t see exactly who was behind him.’ Eunice drank some of her tea, studied the photograph again and then said, ‘I’ll just close my eyes and think.’

  ‘Take your time.’ Kershaw’s gaze travelled around the room, from the tiny white-haired woman sat opposite him to the small dining table and four chairs in a corner, to a small bookcase where he noted several of Duncan’s books. Although slightly faded, the patterned carpet and plain curtains were clean, and all the furniture highly polished.

  Aware of a slight movement, he looked at Eunice who said, ’I think there were three people between me and the road.’ Then looking at the photo once more, ‘She’s a tall young woman and there was a tallish person in front of the young boy who was in front of me. But I did notice that this person was wearing a grey tracksuit which looked rather scruffy. The hood, which had been pulled up, fell back and the hair, which was slicked back, was dark. I couldn’t tell whether it was a man or woman. You can’t these days, some men have long hair and…’

  ‘Did you see her face?’

  ‘No, I’m afraid I didn’t. There was such a rush to cross. It’s amazing Mr Sinclair didn’t fall, but he did look dazed when I reached the edge of the pavement. From the way he spoke, I thought that he and this other person were together. Everyone who had crossed was going in different directions and I don’t remember seeing anyone in a scruffy tracksuit on the opposite pavement. She could have turned back in the scramble, got caught up with those who came from the other side – that often happens – and walked up towards Whiteladies Road.’

  Kershaw noticed that, although he was taking notes, Tom glanced up and considered that they were both probably thinking the same thing: Quigley had suggested that Marina could have been heading for Blackboy Hill.

  ‘Why should Marina, if it is her, threaten Duncan about the biography and want to harm him? What would she gain?’ asked Tom some ten minutes later, as he drove across the Downs, towards Henleaze.

  ‘Perhaps she thinks that if anything happened to Isabel he would inherit some of the money left to her by Ralph.’

  ‘According to Belinda Baumgarten, he was very attentive towards Isabel during the dinner party,’ said Tom.

  ‘That’s not surprising. It was the first time she had been out since Ralph’s death. And don’t forget, they knew each other years ago. Elspeth told me, in confidence, that Duncan’s mother died suddenly, leaving him with the responsibility of caring for a physically handicapped younger sister.’

  ‘I wonder if he and Isabel will eventually get to
gether again?’ hazarded Tom.

  Inspector Kershaw and Tom both took a step backwards as the front door was flung open. Kieran snapped, ‘Where’s your key?’ and then apologised. ‘I’m sorry, Inspector, I thought you were Marina. However, please come in.’ Then, as they all stood in the hall, ‘I haven’t heard from Marina. Her mobile is still switched off and, as you can guess, I’m angry and frustrated. She knows I’m due back at the hotel. I don’t know how she can be so inconsiderate.’

  ‘Perhaps something unexpected has occurred,’ offered Kershaw.

  ‘I phoned the agency ten minutes ago. There hasn’t been an accident or breakdown.’ Then, glancing from one to the other, ‘Why are you here? Has there been an accident?’

  ‘No, we want to talk to Marina.’

  At that moment, the phone rang. Kieran grabbed the receiver and, unable to control his frustration, demanded, ‘Marina, where are you? I’ve been frantic with worry – you promised to phone and I couldn’t ring you. Your mobile’s been switched off all day.’ Kieran’s expression changed from one of concern to bewilderment. ‘This is very sudden. You’re usually talking about a girls’ night out days beforehand, and I’ve never known you to stay with anyone.’ Kershaw and Tom watched as Kieran shook the receiver. ‘Damn it, she’s rung off.’ After he had attempted, unsuccessfully, to call Marina, he said, ‘She’s switched off again. What’s going on? It doesn’t take long to come home and change.’

  Kershaw silently agreed, wondering why Marina was acting so strangely – there was no way she could know he was waiting to question her. It was possible she had bought something new to wear this evening, but Kershaw quickly dismissed these thoughts. Marina had been in charge of a party of German businessmen who would probably want her undivided attention all day.

 

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