by Sally Rigby
‘I went outside to be with Dylan and phoned 999. They told me to wait for the police to arrive.’
‘I understand Mr Fletcher is out playing golf. Did you phone to let him know what had happened?’
‘He doesn’t take his phone out onto the actual course. None of his friends do. I’ve left a message for him to come home straight away, but he might go to the bar before checking his phone. I’ve no idea when he’ll be back.’
‘What time did he leave this morning?’
‘Seven. He goes the same time every week to meet with his friends and play a round. He’s usually back by one, in time for lunch.’
‘Were you friends with the Barker family?’
‘We’ve known them since we moved here eight years ago.’
‘And are there only five of them?’
‘Yes. David, Gill, Keira, Harvey, and Tyler.’
That eliminated the theory that one of them could’ve killed the rest.
‘Did you see them socially at all?’
‘We’d usually sit together at school events, and sometimes I’d go over for coffee with Gill. Or she’d pop over here. We seldom socialised together in the evenings because we had separate friends.’
‘What were they like as people?’
‘Nice. Ordinary. You know, like the rest of us around here. Gillian and David were friendly and would always stop for a chat. Gillian would always volunteer to help at any community events. David, too, if he was around. Although his work did take him away a lot.’
‘And the children?’
‘Well-behaved. They were good kids. I never minded Harvey coming over here. He was always polite and friendly. Like they all were. It’s …’ She paused for a moment. ‘Do you know how they died?’
‘The pathologist is there, and she’ll make her report to us in due course.’
‘She’ll have to do a post-mortem on all of them, won’t she?’
‘That’s correct. Have you noticed anyone hanging around the area recently looking suspicious?’
‘No. I don’t think so. We take neighbourhood watch seriously around here, so even if I haven’t seen anything, someone else might have.’
‘We’re making house-to-house enquiries and should discover if there have been any sightings. If anything comes to mind that you think we should know, please contact me. Here’s my card. Dylan, have you seen anyone hanging around here? Or did Harvey mention that he’d seen anything strange going on?’
‘No.’ He shook his head.
‘Mrs Fletcher, what were you doing last night?’
She frowned. ‘We had four friends over for dinner. Two couples. Why?’
‘We like to check on everyone’s whereabouts during investigations like this. Someone may have witnessed something important. What time did your friends arrive?’
‘The Andersons were here at half past seven and the Whites ten minutes later. I remember because we laughed about the Andersons being first because they’re usually late.’
‘What time did they leave?’
‘Around midnight, but I can’t be totally sure. I’d had a few glasses of wine by then.’
‘What were you doing while your parents’ friends were here, Dylan?’
‘In my bedroom playing video games until I went to bed.’
‘Mrs Fletcher, please can you give me the contact details of your friends so we can confirm their timings and to enquire if they saw anything?’
They might also serve as an alibi, but Whitney wouldn’t know that until they had Claire’s report.
‘Yes. Of course.’
Whitney passed over her notebook and the woman wrote down the full names and phone numbers for the two couples.
‘We’re going now, but we may wish to speak to you again, Dylan. You’ve done well. Before we leave, is there anything else you’d like to tell me that I haven’t already asked?’
He stared at his mum and then shook his head.
‘I’ll see you out,’ Mrs Fletcher said.
They headed back into the hallway. ‘Thank you for your time, Mrs Fletcher.’
‘What shall we do now?’
‘A family liaison officer will be here soon, and they’ll be able to support you. I suggest you look into some counselling for Dylan, as this is likely to affect him for a long time.’
‘Yes. Yes, I will.’
‘Where to now, guv?’ Brian asked once they were outside.
‘Back to the station. I’ll meet you there.’
She returned to her car and before moving, pulled out her phone. She had to speak to George. This couldn’t wait.
Chapter 4
Dr Georgina Cavendish sat in the drawing room of her parents’ home in London pondering the situation the family had found themselves in. Nothing was going to be the same again, and she’d been called back to assist.
Her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was no longer able to operate. It had been a huge blow to him, and his patients, as he was a top international cardiac surgeon, courted by heads of state and top celebrities worldwide. He’d also received notice that his court case had been scheduled for six months’ time. He’d been charged with tax evasion, along with many other high-profile people. His lawyers were hopeful that he’d avoid a prison sentence, but it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. George suspected he’d been told that in order to give him a modicum of hope, although she hoped she was wrong.
She glanced up as her father came into the room. Already his right foot was dragging slightly, and it would soon get worse.
‘Oh, there you are,’ he said.
‘Is there a problem?’
‘No. I just wondered what you were doing. Your brother’s coming over for dinner tonight for a family conference.’
Her younger brother, also a heart surgeon, was similar to her father in many ways and she would need to bring her A game, to quote Whitney, to prevent them from pushing her into a position she didn’t wish to be in.
‘There’s nothing more to discuss. We’ve been through everything, Father.’
Her parents were deliberately ignoring her advice. It shouldn’t be a surprise. It had happened her entire life. Her accomplishments were viewed as second-class when compared with what her parents and brother had achieved. Their attitudes didn’t worry her. Ross, her partner, and Whitney were more offended by them than she was.
‘Well, I think there is. Considering my prognosis, it would be best for you to move in with your mother and me.’
‘There’s nothing I can do, Father, as I’ve already explained.’
‘I’m going to be on my own when your mother is working overseas, and we have the mortgage to pay. It’s a case of all hands on deck.’
She stared at him. In all her life, he’d never shied away from facing difficulties, but now he was different. This ostrich mentality wouldn’t get him anywhere. He had to face his situation.
‘You should sell the house and buy something smaller that you can pay for outright.’
He dropped down on the chair opposite her. She’d never seen him so defeated. It was an odd sensation, but he had to deal with this himself.
‘I have no desire to move. You could work in London at one of the universities and contribute to our upkeep. I know the chancellors at all the top places and could arrange something.’
‘I’m respected enough in my field not to require an introduction. But it’s a moot point, because I’m living with Ross in Lenchester, as you are fully aware.’
‘You could both move in here. We have enough room.’
She stifled a groan. She would no more inflict her family on Ross, as she would give up her profession. And that was never going to happen.
‘That’s neither practical nor possible, Father.’
‘What happens when I’m unable to get around? I’ll need support.’
‘As yet, we don’t know your prognosis or how fast it’s going to progress.’
‘I can no longer operate,’ he said, folding his
arms.
‘But you can still consult. You should consider finding a surgeon who can operate under your guidance. I’m sure there must be someone you’ve been cultivating for such time as when you retire.’
‘No one is ready.’
‘Maybe not at the moment, but you must have been tutoring your successor so they can continue your work.’
‘Easier said than done,’ her father muttered.
Her phone rang, and she pulled it from her pocket. It was Whitney.
‘I have to take this call,’ she said, glad for a reason to be able to walk away. She left the room and stood in the large, high-ceilinged hall while she answered. ‘Hello, Whitney, is everything okay?’
She assumed it wasn’t, or the officer wouldn’t have contacted her. Her friend was fully aware that George had been summoned to her parents’ residence.
‘I’m really sorry to bother you when I know you’re needed there. How’s it all going?’
‘It’s tricky, but my parents will have to deal with their situation themselves. I can’t be there for them all the time, as I’ve explained.’
‘Is that what they want you for? To sort them out. After everything that’s gone on between you over the years?’
Even George didn’t miss the acute incredulity in Whitney’s voice.
‘We’re having discussions which I hope will soon be resolved. You don’t need to hear about my family issues. Why are you calling? Is it important?’
‘You could say. I’m not asking for your help, because of the situation you’re in. But I’d hate for you to hear about this case in the media and then wonder why you hadn’t been informed.’ Whitney paused.
George tapped her foot on the ornate Italian floor tiles, waiting for her friend to get to the point. She often had a penchant for the melodramatic.
‘I don’t have all day, tell me what it is.’
‘Sorry. Five deaths all in the same family. It hasn’t yet been confirmed that it’s murder, but I can’t see how it could be anything else. They were all found tied to chairs and seated around the dining room table with an untouched meal in front of them.’
A staged scene. What was the message? Whitney was correct. Her interest was piqued.
‘Do you know the cause of death?’
The mode would most certainly be an important factor in determining motive.
‘I’m waiting to hear from Claire, but she did suspect that it might be drugs. Until she’s had the bodies at the morgue, and she’s done her work, she wasn’t prepared to commit to an answer.’
‘I’m surprised she told you that much.’
‘You and me both. But as there weren’t any outward signs of death, no blood, or wounds, I think she felt safe in telling me her opinion.’
‘Describe the scene to me.’
‘Like I said, it’s a family of five, two adults and three children, and they were all seated at the table, tied to chairs to keep them from falling.’
‘Were there any other family members missing?’
‘According to the mother of the boy who found them, the immediate family were all there.’
‘Who discovered the bodies?’
‘The teenage friend of the middle child. I’ve just been to see him. In total shock, obviously.’
‘I don’t doubt. A most disturbing scene to encounter.’
‘It’s going to be crazy when the news gets out. Five deaths in the same family. It’s going to be a media frenzy.’
‘In that case, you’ll need me back immediately. I’ll let my parents know.’
‘Are you sure you can up sticks and leave? I thought your parents needed you at home. What is it, by the way, you haven’t told me? Unless you’re not allowed to.’
She’d forgotten Whitney didn’t yet know.
‘It hasn’t been made public, so this is confidential. My father’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and will be unable to continue with his surgical work.’
‘Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry. Of course, I won’t say anything. He must be devastated. How will he cope? I know how important his work is to him.’
George hadn’t actually considered how it might affect her father’s mental disposition.
‘It will take some adjustment, but he has no choice. I hope he has insurance to cover his loss of earnings. It’s not something I’ve had time to discuss. He’s also concerned because the date has come through for his court case.’
‘Crap. Talk about a double whammy. Is your mum there to help with everything?’
‘Yes, but she’ll be continuing with her legal work, which takes her all over the world.’
‘Is she going to take some time off?’
‘I don’t believe so. Should she?’
‘George, what planet are you on? That’s what people in relationships do. I’m sure you’d be there to help Ross, should he need it.’
‘This is different. My parents aren’t like us.’
‘More’s the pity, by the sound of it. You should suggest to your mum that she takes some compassionate leave.’
Whitney really didn’t understand, but she could hardly blame her. She came from a normal, loving family background.
‘They asked me to move back here to assist.’
Voicing it out loud made the idea seem even more ridiculous than it really was.
‘So, your mum can continue with her work? What about Ross?’
‘He could move here, too.’
‘That’s bloody stupid. How could he work stuck in the centre of London?’
‘They have a basement which he could use for a studio, but they’d have to do something about the lighting.’
‘You’re talking as if you’ve decided to go.’
‘Not at all, I was answering your query regarding Ross’s work.’
‘But if you left, that would be the end of us working together.’
‘That’s exactly why I’m not going,’ she said to reassure her.
‘You can’t be staying because of me because that makes no sense. I know we’re friends. Good friends. But even so. I’m not sure I’d make a life decision based on a friendship.’
‘There’s a whole raft of reasons why I’ve decided not to go, and that’s only one of them,’ she clarified, not wanting Whitney to blow it out of proportion.
‘I still don’t really understand why it’s you they need. It’s not like they’ve ever asked you to be at their beck and call in the past. If anything, they’ve left you to your own devices. Well, apart from when they wanted you there so you could all play happy families for the press when your dad was arrested for the tax evasion. Don’t they think about your career at all?’
‘My parents aren’t good at considering others’ needs. My brother and his wife live in London. They will have to help when required. My life and work are in Lenchester.’
‘It sounds like you’ve made a decision. A wise one, at that. When are you proposing to come back?’
‘I’ll leave later today and will be at the station tomorrow. I’m still on annual leave so it won’t affect my work.’
‘Wow, I didn’t think you’d be coming back that soon. But that’s fantastic. I’ll see you in the morning.’
George ended the call, a sense of relief washing over her at the thought of leaving the stifling atmosphere of the family home and being back with Whitney and Ross, who understood her and didn’t try to force her hand.
Ross would be pleased to see her. She’d call him before breaking the news to her parents.
‘Hey, I was just thinking about you. How’s it going at Chateau Cavendish?’ he asked, answering almost immediately, and using the nickname he’d given to her parents’ home following his first visit.
‘I wanted to let you know that I’ll be returning home later today.’
‘Cool. How come? I thought you’d decided to stay a little while longer to help your father with the transition.’
‘I’ve had a call from Whitney. There’s a case she needs my help on.’
‘Oh, that makes sense. Whitney always comes first.’
She bristled. ‘What do you mean by that?’
‘I’m kidding, George.’
‘I didn’t realise.’
‘You should know me well enough by now. I’m happy you’re coming back because I’ve missed you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s because of Whitney or not.’
‘I’ll see you later. I’m looking forward to it, too.’ She had missed him, but she wasn’t as expressive with her feelings as he was.
‘Can’t wait.’
She ended the call and returned to the drawing room. Her mother had joined her father.
‘I have to return to Lenchester.’
‘Why? I thought you were going to be staying for a while,’ her mother said, her brow furrowed.
‘Some issues have arisen that I need to deal with, and I can’t from this distance.’
‘Don’t tell me it’s police work,’ her father said, turning his nose up.
How did he know that?
‘Yes, it is, Father, and my expertise is required. I also have my university work and Ross to consider.’
‘We’re your family and we need you.’
What about the times when she’d needed them in the past? Where were they when her best friend had committed suicide at school and George had found her? Or when she’d discovered that she had an issue with blood and was unable to fulfil her dream of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a surgeon. Or when …
Stop.
‘I’ve already explained, I’m not in a position to help. You should sell the house and buy something smaller, so you have no mortgage and sufficient money to live on. I assume you have a private pension and insurance for if you can’t work, Father.’
She looked at her parents, both staring at her as if she’d asked them to do the unthinkable.
‘Yes, I do, but it won’t pay anywhere near the same as my surgical work.’
‘Then, I repeat, you need to sell this property and adjust your lifestyle. Which you’d have to, anyway, with your illness.’
‘That’s why we need you here. You’re the only one in the family who’s lived a more frugal life, so you should be able to guide us.’
‘Then listen to me. I will not be moving here. That’s not up for negotiation. For the umpteenth time, you should sell the house and buy something small. And when you go out, you don’t need to take the best seats when you go to the theatre. Or go to the most expensive restaurants. James is here if you need anything.’