Mercy or Mercenary?

by Sheila Parker

  ‘Ring the agency again,’ suggested Tom. ‘She might still be there.’

  Kieran dialled and when there was no reply Kershaw asked, ‘Could you phone her friend?’

  ‘I don’t know who it is; she didn’t mention anyone by name. I can’t understand why she hasn’t come home to change or why she didn’t say anything last night, or this morning.’ Kieran sighed. ‘She’ll probably turn up tomorrow and say she did tell me, but I know damn well she didn’t. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go. I’m sorry you’ve had a wasted journey, Inspector.’

  It was as he unlocked his car that Kieran glanced at the two detectives who were standing on the pavement. ‘By the way, why do you want to see Marina?’ and without waiting for a reply, ‘Can I give her a message? Ask her to contact you?’

  ‘No thanks, we’ll catch up with her.’

  20

  ‘Give me the agency number, please. I’ll try it again before we decide on our next move.’ Seated in the car outside Kieran’s house, Inspector Kershaw was about to give up when a surprised male voice said, ‘Hullo, we’re closed. There’s no one here.’

  ‘I realise that, but who are you?’

  ‘I’m Adam, the minibus driver,’ and, sounding belligerent, ‘who are you?’

  As so often happened, Tom found himself listening to a one-sided conversation and glanced at the inspector as he identified himself and said that he needed to contact Marina Bushell, who had not yet returned home to Henleaze.

  ‘And I don’t think she will tonight. She’s probably with that German chap – he was the youngest in the group.’ Adam’s voice was now quite loud; then, as an afterthought, he asked, ‘How do I know you’re really a inspector? You could be Kieran checking up on her.’

  ‘I’m not O’Brien. I’m with Detective Sergeant Tom Small. You can ring HQ if you want to check on us.’

  ‘I wouldn’t do that. I say,’ Adam now sounded excited, ‘is something exciting happening? Can I help you with your enquiries?’ And then, in a rush, ‘Marina and this Fritz were sat together, behind me, talking all the time. They certainly weren’t strangers. I wasn’t eaves… eavesdropping, but I heard him ask her out for dinner. I’m sorry I don’t know where they’re going.’

  ‘You’ve been very helpful Mr… Adam. Thank you.’

  Kershaw was about to switch off when Adam offered, ‘He… this Fritz, was talking about dining at a hotel outside of Bristol, spending the night there, but Marina will be in to work tomorrow morning. We’re booked to take another French party to Bath.’

  ‘That’s most interesting. Thank you.’ Kershaw then learnt that Adam had been standing beside the minibus and the Germans were in the hotel foyer when Marina arrived, that this Fritz chap had immediately come forward to greet her.

  ‘He kissed her on both cheeks,’ burbled Adam.

  Kershaw grinned. It was obvious this driver was thoroughly enjoying himself then Adam resumed, ‘Marina doesn’t usually turn up at the pick-up point but apparently she had an early appointment. Whatever it was must have upset her. She looked very annoyed as she approached the bus, but as soon as this Fritz appeared everything about her changed.’ Kershaw reached for a pen and pad as Adam said, ‘I’ll give you my phone number. I’ll be home all the evening if you need any more information.’

  ‘So where do we go from here?’ asked Tom.

  ‘As far as Marina is concerned, nowhere at the moment. According to Adam, she’ll be at the agency before starting off with a party of French teachers. There’s no point in contacting Kieran; he’s working and thinks Marina is still with a girlfriend.’ Kershaw glanced at Tom. ‘That’s it for today. We’ll see Marina first thing in the morning.’

  ‘Perhaps this Fritz will want to take her back to Germany. D’you think she would go?’

  ‘Not until she’s got what she considers to be her share of Ralph’s estate.’ Kershaw paused. ‘Hoskins confirms my opinion, that she’s a mercenary young woman.’

  ‘What about Quigley? Is he still watching the McGuire household?’

  ‘No. He’s been told to return to the station.’

  ‘Why don’t you sit down and relax?’ Isabel watched as Duncan stood at the window, gazing up and down the road. ‘I doubt that Marina would have the nerve to call without phoning.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just amazed that you’ve accepted the news that Ralph had an illegitimate daughter so calmly.’ Then, as he crossed the room towards the settee on which Isabel was sitting, Duncan continued: ‘I’ve done some stupid things in my life and leaving you like I did, all those years ago, was the most stupid. I should have told you that my mother had died and, even before that, that I had a younger, physically handicapped sister. Losing my mother so suddenly was a terrible shock to both of us. My sister was devastated and wouldn’t let me out of her sight. When Ralph asked me…’

  Duncan stopped abruptly as the doorbell rang and gazed at Isabel with tender reassurance, but before he could move he heard a young female voice say, ‘Hullo, Aunt Elspeth. How are you? I thought I’d pop in to see how you and Isabel were, and I met this young man on the doorstep.’

  At the sound of the male voice, which he instantly recognised, Duncan hurried into the hall. ‘Quigley, what are you doing here?’

  ‘The inspector asked me to stay in this area in case Miss Bushell came here after work; however, I’ve just heard that this is now highly improbable and that I’m to return to the station.’ Then, glancing down at Joanna, who was gazing up at him with a bemused expression, ‘And I met Miss McGuire.’

  ‘It’s very good of you to let us know. Would you like a drink before you go?’

  ‘No thank you, sir. I’m still on duty.’

  ‘I’ll see you out,’ offered Joanna. As she accompanied the young sergeant to the front door and opened it, Quigley was heard to say, ‘Thank you, Miss McGuire,’ and in a rush, ‘could we meet sometime, for a drink?’

  ‘Yes, I’d like that.’ Elspeth and Duncan grinned at each other then quickly composed their features as Joanna, her face slightly flushed, turned and asked, ‘Who’s this Miss Bushell?’

  ‘Come into the lounge and we’ll tell you about it. But before we start, would you like a cup of tea? Can you stay for supper?’

  ‘I’m not bothered about tea but yes, supper would be great.’ Joanna glanced at Duncan. ‘You’re working late.’

  ‘Duncan’s staying with us for a couple of days,’ said Elspeth.

  ‘What’s happened? What’s going on?’ asked Joanna.

  Elspeth gave Joanna a gentle push. ‘Go and say hullo to Isabel. I’ll join you in a minute.’

  Some fifteen minutes later, during which Joanna had uttered comments of surprise and anger, she exclaimed, ‘It’s incredible!’ Then, her head turning as she looked from Elspeth to Isabel, ‘You say Uncle Ralph knew about Marina but he never mentioned her existence to either of you?’ And when they shook their heads, ‘I know he was a strange man, always absorbed in books – other people’s and his own – but to ignore her completely, it’s… it’s inhuman.’

  Joanna had also learnt of Hoskins’ visit and now asked, ‘If Marina knew he was her father and has been in Bristol for the last six years, why didn’t she get in touch, come to see him?’ But before anyone could reply and looking at Isabel, Joanna resumed, ‘You and Duncan met her at that dinner party. What did you think of her? Did she look like Uncle Ralph?’

  ‘She was very pleasant and, no.’

  ‘It’s no wonder Kieran has been looking so worried. He’s such a nice person, always polite and very capable. All his staff like and respect him, as do the management. I only saw him for a few moments before I left, when he seemed even more worried.’

  ‘He’s probably concerned about Marina’s strange behaviour. Apparently, she didn’t phone him, as promised, after she’d seen Hoskins,’ offered Dun
can, who had learnt this from his conversation with Kershaw.

  It was later, as they all sat around the kitchen table eating shepherd’s pie, carrots and peas that Joanna suddenly said, ‘It’s all my fault. I should never have allowed Marina in.’

  ‘You didn’t. Mr Gresham, from opposite, saw her push the door open and barge in,’ said Isabel. ‘And she went straight up to Uncle’s room, almost as though she had been there before. But she hadn’t, had she?’ asked Joanna

  ‘No,’ chorused Isabel and Elspeth.

  ‘It must have been her that gave Uncle all those tablets. He was all right before she arrived, a bit crotchety but that’s nothing new. I know he was ill and extremely awkward, that he could hardly speak and everything was getting more difficult for you. But why did she wait so long?’ And when there was no reply: ‘So now she intends to claim…’ Joanna stopped abruptly, looking thoughtful and then resumed, ‘If the police have evidence that Marina was responsible for Uncle’s death she wouldn’t be allowed to benefit.’

  Joanna ate the remainder of the shepherd’s pie that was on her plate. ‘That was delicious,’ then, looking at Isabel, ‘It must have been Kieran or Marina who poisoned your food at that dinner party. Have the police found out who was responsible, and what are they doing about it?’ Barely pausing for breath, Joanna turned to Duncan. ‘How do you know Sergeant Quigley and why are you staying here?’

  ‘Really, Joanna; I’m sure Isabel and Duncan don’t want to go over all this again,’ remonstrated Elspeth.

  ‘It’s all right,’ said Isabel. ‘Although you’ve phoned, we haven’t seen you since I came out of hospital. You’re part of the family and it’s understandable you want to know what’s been happening. Duncan can tell you.’

  Isabel glanced at Duncan who nodded and quickly told Joanna about the berries from the laburnum tree, threatening phone calls and attempts to push him off the pavement. ‘Sergeant Quigley rescued me the second time and our only regret is that by him doing so, the perpetrator got away.’

  ‘He seems rather nice, the sergeant, I mean.’

  Joanna looked thoughtful for a moment and then asked, ‘Was it the same person on both occasions? Have you any idea who it was?’ Then, before Duncan could reply: ‘Are you staying here because this person is watching your flat?’

  ‘Good heavens, no!’ exclaimed Duncan. ‘On learning that Marina left Hoskins’ office in a bad temper, I was concerned that she might come round here and create a fuss. However, you heard what Sergeant Quigley says, so we can all relax.’

  ‘But where is Marina? What’s going to happen now?’

  ‘Now I’ve found you, I don’t intend to lose you again.’

  Fritz spoke quietly as he gazed at Marina across the candle-lit table. ‘Come back to Germany with me.’

  Marina gazed back at Fritz, revelling in the luxury of the elegant dining room and the attentiveness of the maitre d’hotel and waiters. She had been thrilled to discover a bottle of champagne in their suite and forgot everything else as Fritz gathered her in his arms, kissing and caressing her, at the same time removing her clothes. His sensuality and passion were as intense as when she first met him, and now she was overwhelmed by the ardour in his voice. Although Fritz had said he was still in love with her, he hadn’t mentioned marriage and, shaking her head, she told him, ‘It’s not as simple as that.’

  ‘You mean you ARE married to this Kieran? Or to someone else before you moved in with him?’

  ‘No, it’s to do with my father.’

  ‘Bring him to Germany.’

  ‘He’s dead,’ and before Fritz could speak, ‘it’s rather complicated, but I’ll try to tell you as quickly as I can.’

  Fritz listened as Marina, pausing only when their plates were removed and the main course served, told him that she was the illegitimate daughter of Ralph McGuire who had recently died, and that she intended to claim against his estate.

  ‘There’s no need for you to do that. I can take care of you.’

  Marina ignored this. She knew that in addition to the hotel Fritz had inherited from his parents, he now owned another hotel in the same area, and continued: ‘Although he acknowledged that he was my father – his name appears on my birth certificate – he completely ignored my mother and I. His wife (who he married years later) and sister live in a large house which, together with the contents, must be worth a fortune. It’s only fair that I should have something,’ then, realising this sounded a bit mercenary, ‘tell me more about your life in Germany.’

  Marina already knew that there was a capable young manager in charge of each hotel but, despite this, Fritz checked daily that his high standards were maintained. She was sure that, as his wife, she would achieve the lifestyle which she had always craved, but first she must acquire her share of Ralph’s estate. However, in the meantime, as she enjoyed the delicious fillet steak, she learnt about his newly built house and holidays to exotic destinations.

  At the same time that Marina and Fritz were studying the sweet menu, Stefan Baumgarten was spooning sugar into his coffee but looking at Kieran with concern then, calling the waiter who was re-laying an adjacent table, told him, ‘Take my coffee to my office please, George.’ The young waiter nodded, placed the cup and saucer on a small tray while Stefan rose to his feet and approached Kieran. ‘Can you spare a few minutes?’

  ‘Is anything wrong, Mr Baumgarten?’ enquired Kieran as he stood just inside the general manager’s office.

  ‘No, certainly not with the hotel or me, but what’s troubling you, Kieran? Are you ill or is it a problem you’d like to discuss?’

  ‘I’m sorry; I shouldn’t bring my problems to work.’ Kieran hesitated and then, ‘I don’t really know if it’s Marina or me. I don’t understand her or the way she’s behaving.’

  ‘Come and sit down,’ invited Stefan, pulling another chair alongside his, behind the desk. ‘Is Marina still unhappy, dissatisfied?’

  ‘There’s more to it than that.’ Kieran looked thoughtful then quickly told Stefan what he had learnt on Sunday and that Marina had visited Ralph’s solicitor that morning. ‘She promised to phone me, to let me know what happened. I know she was working, but they always have a coffee and lunch break, and she takes her mobile with her. She didn’t phone until I was about to leave home this evening and then told me she was going out with one of the girls from the agency and would be spending the night at her place. Marina didn’t mention what had happened with this Mr Hoskins, just rang off abruptly. And that’s another thing: the inspector and his sergeant were there at the time, wanting to see her. But they didn’t tell me why.’

  Stefan wondered if Kershaw had heard from forensics, if the hairs on his coat had been identified as belonging to Marina and what was going to happen. Then, looking at Kieran’s pale face and creased brow, he asked, ‘Was Marina very fond of her father, upset when he died?’

  ‘Although she’s lived in Bristol for six years, she’s never met him.’

  ‘But she thinks she’s entitled to part of his estate?’

  ‘Oh yes,’ and although he knew it sounded disloyal, Kieran found himself saying, ‘she’s most determined about it – asserts that he ignored her and her mother. Inspector Kershaw said he’d catch up with her tomorrow but didn’t clarify if he means to be at the agency first thing in the morning.’

  ‘I know this sounds trite, but try not to worry. I’m sure Marina is capable of answering whatever questions he asks,’ said Stefan.

  21

  In spite of a restless night, Joanna arrived at the hotel very early and, although surprised, the night duty manager greeted her in his usual amicable manner, assuring her that everything was in order.

  Joanna was about to turn away from Reception when she heard Kieran speak and, turning, immediately noticed the dark shadows under his eyes. Recalling the lengthy conversation about Marina that had taken place during and after
supper the previous evening, Joanna guessed that, while she had been concerned about Isabel, Kieran had probably spent a sleepless night worried about Marina. ‘How are you?’ she asked, at the same time that Kieran asked, ‘How is Isabel?’

  ‘Fine. In fact, I had supper and spent the evening with them.’

  ‘Then you…’ Kieran stopped abruptly and Joanna said quickly, ‘Neither of us are due on duty yet. Let’s go and have a coffee, maybe something to eat, in the staff dining room.’

  ‘I expect you know that Marina was Ralph McGuire’s illegitimate daughter,’ said Kieran some ten minutes later as they sat opposite each other and when Joanna nodded: ‘I only heard about it on Sunday.’

  Joanna gazed at Kieran, amazed. ‘Marina hadn’t told you? Even though you’ve been together for six years.’

  ‘She obviously didn’t think it was important.’

  Kieran helped himself to a slice of toast, buttered and cut it in half. ‘She also told me she was going to see Ralph’s solicitor. Her appointment was yesterday morning before accompanying a party of German businessmen on a tour of the Cotswolds; however, I haven’t seen her since. She promised to let me know the outcome of that interview, but she didn’t phone until I was about to leave for work. She then told me she was going out with one of the girls from the agency and would be spending the night at her friend’s place. She didn’t say anything about the interview.’

  ‘Didn’t she come home to change?’

  ‘No, which was most unusual. She always likes to get out of her uniform.’

  Joanna nodded and reflected that Marina had probably decided she needed a night out. She had obviously gone straight from the solicitor’s office to the hotel where she was to meet the German party, but why didn’t she phone Kieran? There must have been ample opportunity. What had happened during the day to make her so thoughtless?