by Joy Kluver
‘What about Rupert Fox?’
The priest shook his head. ‘No. Not his thing. I know Rosa was staying with them as an au pair but Harriet told me last week that she’d left.’
‘Did Rosa come to confession?’
Father Adrian hesitated.
‘So she did come to confession,’ said Kerry.
The priest raised his hands in a sorry gesture. ‘Once. I can’t possibly tell you what she said. It’s between her, me and God.’
‘Can you at least tell us when she came here?’
Father Adrian scratched his head. ‘It must be at least three weeks ago.’
Bernie bit her lip as she weighed up what to say next. Rosa’s ID wasn’t officially confirmed but most likely would be in the next twenty-four hours.
‘Father Adrian, I fully appreciate you can’t tell us Rosa’s confession. I’d also like you to keep quiet what I’m about to tell you. A young woman was found murdered on Thursday morning. It’s not confirmed yet but we believe her to be Rosa. Does your confidentiality about the confession still stand?’
The priest covered his mouth with his hand and shut his eyes for a few seconds. Bernie wondered if he was praying. He pulled his hand away.
‘Oh, the poor child. Does Harriet know?’
‘Yes. She may want to talk to you but she doesn’t know we’re here. It would be better if she comes to you.’
Father Adrian nodded quickly. ‘Yes, of course.’
Bernie pulled out a card. ‘Here’s my number.’
He paused before taking it. ‘I’ll need to seek advice about Rosa and come back to you. I risk excommunication if I reveal her confession. But something I think I can say, is that she was very frightened. Frightened for her life.’
21
Bernie pondered on what Father Adrian had said on their way back to headquarters. Who had Rosa been scared of? Rupert Fox? Her new boyfriend? Or someone else altogether?
‘Penny for them,’ said Kerry.
‘What? Oh, I was thinking about what the priest said.’
‘Me too. And what Harriet said about social media and no pictures. Have we looked for any accounts for Rosa yet?’
‘No, without a photo it was a bit pointless. Definitely worth doing now. Do you know if Tom’s in today?’
‘I don’t think he is. We might be able to get him tomorrow though. You want him to check out her phone number.’
‘Yes. It would be good to know who she was texting and calling.’ Bernie glanced at the clock on her dashboard. It was four forty-five p.m. They were only five minutes away from headquarters. ‘I would consider getting him in now but I don’t think Worthless would be too happy. Wouldn’t like the additional cost. Actually, that’s just reminded me. Both Harriet and Olivia said that Rosa had cost them something. Not sure what to think about that.’
Kerry shifted in her seat towards Bernie. ‘Yeah, me neither. With Harriet, you could argue that Rosa had some responsibility there but Rupert Fox is the main culprit. And as for Olivia, Rosa didn’t know she’d put someone out of a job. Let’s hope Anderson’s managed to find out more.’
The chairs were still in their neat rows in the briefing room – Worth’s personal touch. Bernie really missed Detective Chief Superintendent Wilson and his somewhat chaotic nature.
‘Someone’s been busy with the chairs,’ she muttered. She caught Anderson’s eye.
‘It was me. Under instruction. Waste of my time.’ He shook his head.
‘Not a good day then?’
‘I’ll tell you later.’
Worth clapped his hands. ‘Right, now that we’re all here. Let’s start.’
They all took a seat. Jane had joined them too.
‘Thank you for all your hard work today. It may seem we haven’t got very far but we’re starting to build up a picture of Rosa Conti. From what DI Noel told me earlier, there was definitely a man on the scene, apart from her “relationship” with Rupert Fox. Did you find anything else this afternoon?’
Bernie told the team about meeting Father Adrian and what he had said. ‘Of course, it might be that Father Adrian isn’t allowed to tell us but I’m hoping in this instance that he’ll share what Rosa said.’
Worth paled a little. Bernie wondered, if the priest decided to disclose Rosa’s last confession, would it cast a bad light on Rupert Fox?
The DCI coughed. ‘We’ll have to see. Catholic priests can be real sticklers for the rules. What about in Salisbury itself? Any luck with the clubs, et cetera?’
Moving on quickly again. ‘Kerry and I didn’t find anyone but Mick and Matt checked out the clubs this afternoon.’
Mick shook his head. ‘No joy there. They were only just opening to get ready for tonight so mostly bar staff and cleaners in. No one recognised her from the photo. Thought it more likely the bouncers would know. We’ve passed the photo on to Salisbury police and they’re going to ask on patrol this evening.’
Worth tapped his pen against his mouth. ‘Hmm. Bernie, Harriet definitely said Rosa went clubbing?’
‘Yes, sir. Said she didn’t normally come home. Maybe it wasn’t in Salisbury.’
‘Perhaps.’ Worth sighed. ‘I think it’s fair to say that DS Anderson and myself have had a fairly traumatic day. Dealing with a victim’s family is never easy but harder still when they’re in a different country. I want to thank DS Anderson for his help today. Without his language skills, it would have been very difficult.
‘Rosa’s parents were killed in an earthquake about three years ago and she’d been living with her grandparents since then. She was fairly troubled as a result and her behaviour became unruly, particularly in the last year. Her grandparents thought that coming to the UK to be an au pair would be good for her. She would be in a family environment, learning a language, gaining life experience in a safe place. Understandably, they’re devastated. Rosa was their last close family member.’
Worth lowered his eyes for a moment. As much as Bernie had wanted to be on the call, she now thought she had dodged a bullet. She glanced at Anderson. His face was solemn. It clearly hadn’t been easy.
Worth looked up and continued. ‘Inspector Gabriel De Luca is our contact with the Florence police. He’s taken DNA samples from Rosa’s grandparents and an Italian lab is going to process them and send the results to our Forensics team, hopefully by the end of play tomorrow. Likewise, he’s asking the family dentist for dental records. He’s also going to look into Rosa generally for us.
‘Right, I think that’s it for now. Jane, we’ll wait for DNA results before issuing anything to the press. And I’ve asked Tom to come in tomorrow to look at Rosa’s telephone number.’
‘Social media accounts too, sir,’ said Bernie. ‘It might be that Rosa was actively avoiding them.’
Worth glared at her. ‘Yes, of course. Thank you for the reminder. Please write up your notes for HOLMES and then go home. Looking at the roster for tomorrow, I’m not expecting DC Hart or DC Parris to come in. DC Taylor and DS Allen, you’re due to be in. And DS Anderson and DI Noel, you have a rest day too.’
‘Sir, I’m more than happy to work my rest day and take it later next week,’ Bernie said. ‘The super normally lets me.’
‘I am not the super. Take your rest day.’
‘But, sir—’
‘That’s an order, DI Noel. Let’s get cracking with those notes and maybe we can all have an evening at home with our friends or family.’
Bernie was fuming as everyone got up from the chairs and headed back to the main office and their desks. She was used to working rest days in the early stages of a big investigation. Now wasn’t the time to reduce the team. What was Worth playing at?
Bernie glanced at her watch. It was gone five thirty. She figured she’d be in for another hour. She pulled out her phone and texted Alex.
Hoping to be home for seven. Do you want me to pick up some take-out?
Bernie started to type up her notes. She hated how victims were reduced to words on a sc
reen. Surely Anderson and Worth had found out more about Rosa, about her character.
‘Anderson.’
He turned round at his desk to face her. ‘Yes, ma’am.’
‘The DCI didn’t give a particularly full account of his time today. Did you get more from Rosa’s grandparents?’
‘Some, yes.’
‘Then why didn’t he say so? It feels like I’m being shut out here. Being sent on house-to-house enquiries rather than talking to the family, and now told to take my rest day.’
‘Look, I don’t know what his motives are but I’m happy to fill you in. Do you want to go for a drink after this?’
Bernie’s phone pinged. ‘I promised Alex I’d go home. That’s probably him now.’ She opened the text, expecting to see Alex’s choice of takeaway.
Sorry. Cos I hadn’t heard from you I’ve gone out on the lash with Ali. I might stay over at Mum’s. See you tomorrow?
Bernie was annoyed. She’d told Alex she’d text him but he’d gone ahead and made new plans without her. She looked at Anderson. ‘Alex has gone out so I’m free after all.’
‘Good. Do you want to make it dinner then? I know a great pub. It’s a bit further out but I’m happy to drive. That way you can have a drink. Looks like you need one.’
Bernie laughed. ‘Thanks for that.’
‘Well? You can either get the low-down from me over a very nice dinner or you can watch Saturday night TV in your PJs scoffing pizza. Your choice.’
The thought of spending Saturday night alone wasn’t very appealing. ‘OK. You’re on.’
22
Bernie popped home first to shower and change. She was sticky from walking around Salisbury. She sighed when she saw that Alex hadn’t stripped the bed. He’d put his dirty football kit in the washing machine with his clothes from the previous night but hadn’t switched it on. He’d obviously forgotten before going out. She changed the bedding and bundled it into the machine with her suit. Even if Alex wasn’t going to be there tonight, it would be nice to get into a clean bed and hopefully have a lie-in. As cross as she was with Worth for making her take a break, she looked forward to not getting up early.
A car horn tooted outside. Bernie looked out and saw Anderson. She waved to him. A quick check in the mirror and she was ready to go.
‘You look… different,’ he said as she got in the car.
‘What? Like a normal person?’ Bernie laughed. ‘Actually, it’s a relief to wear jeans and a top. And you were right earlier, I probably would have changed into my PJs if I’d stayed home. So where’re we going?’
‘Over towards Chippenham to a little hamlet. Lovely pub by a small river. It’s very popular. And as lovely as the Marchant Arms is, this one is a little bit better. Although Sue still does the best chips.’
Anderson was right about the pub. It was definitely a step up from the Marchant Arms and worth the longer drive to reach it. A real gastropub with gastro prices. Bernie wondered if she could afford it. The pricey steaks were a definite no but there was a nice-looking chicken and ham pie on the menu.
As a late booking they’d been pushed out into the beer garden but Bernie didn’t mind. There was a slight chill in the air but an outdoor heater was keeping her warm as she sat next to the little brook, waiting for Anderson to return with the drinks. She was glad he’d offered to drive as she really needed a glass of red. Worth was pushing her to the edge.
Anderson appeared a couple of minutes later.
‘Sorry it took so long. They’re busy tonight. Do you know what you want to eat?’
‘Yes, I think so. Do you have to go back in?’
‘Yes, but that’s fine. I figured you really needed a drink and I wanted to make sure the wine was good first.’
‘Oh, you’re one of those people. Hang on – you tasted my wine?’
Anderson laughed. ‘Not in that glass. Try it.’
Bernie took a sip. ‘Wow. That’s lighter than I was expecting. It’s really good.’
‘Italian.’
Bernie laughed. ‘Well, that explains it. It’s probably the wrong wine to go with it but I’m going to have the pie.’
‘Good choice. I’m going to have a steak.’
‘They’re not cheap.’
‘No, but my half of the house has come through. Got a bit of cash to splash.’
‘So you’ve been here before then?’ Bernie asked.
‘Yeah, a few times. I like to get out and about on my days off. It’s good to clear my head.’ Anderson picked up his orange juice. ‘Cheers.’
Bernie clinked her glass with his. ‘Cheers. And thanks again. For suggesting this. So how was your day with old Worthless?’
Anderson’s face softened a little and half a smile appeared. ‘I can see why you call him that. Despite what you may think, I’m not his lackey.’
Bernie laughed. ‘I’d never suggest that. You’re no one’s lackey. Did he say anything about me?’
Anderson’s lips tightened briefly.
‘Well?’ she said.
‘Only that you’d gone off on one yesterday evening. That you had no basis to question Rupert Fox the way you had.’
‘Did he speak alone with Fox after I left?’
Bernie was sure she knew the answer already.
‘Yes, for a few minutes. I saw him give Fox his card. Told him to ring if he or his wife thought of anything that might help.’
Bernie shook her head in disbelief. ‘You’re giving away a lot of stuff. Why are you helping me?’
‘Because you stood up for me back in May with DCS Wilson. I’m returning the favour.’
Bernie half-laughed. ‘So we’re quits after this then.’
‘Contrary to popular belief, I don’t hate you, Bernie. Far from it.’ Anderson sighed. ‘If you’re happy with Alex, then I’m happy for you. Truce?’
Bernie looked at Anderson, his eyes drifting briefly to hers. She already knew it was better to have him with her than against her. ‘Truce. Go and put the food order in and then you can tell me about Rosa’s grandparents.’
While they waited for their food to arrive, Anderson added more detail to what Worth had said earlier. ‘Rosa was in a bad way when she arrived at her grandparents. She’d been injured in the earthquake – hit on the head. In fact they wondered if that’s why she’d changed so much from being a sweet girl to aggressive teen. Doctors ruled it out, though, and thought it more likely she was suffering from PTSD. Plus she got in with the wrong crowd. She was never actually arrested but the police did give her a couple of warnings. She was starting to settle, though, as she got older. Got a job in a hotel kitchen before deciding to work as an au pair. It was her idea.’
‘Really? Worth made it sound as though it was the grandparents’ idea.’
Anderson paused. ‘Yes, you’re right. Ah, I think they were saying that when you rang so he missed it. I’ll tell him on Monday.’
Bernie was barely aware of her meal being placed before her, she was so engrossed listening to Anderson.
‘Enjoy your food.’
Bernie snapped to. ‘Oh. Thank you.’ She waited for the waitress to leave before saying anything. ‘So what was the hardest part of today?’
Anderson cut into his steak. ‘I think having to tell them by FaceTime. It’s hard enough giving that news as it is but when you can’t be in the room,’ he shook his head, ‘it’s the worst.’
‘Maybe it’s better I wasn’t there, then.’
‘I’d have preferred you to Worth. At least you know to be sensitive. There was one point when Rosa’s grandmother was sobbing. I promised her we’d get justice for them. Her reply was heart-breaking. She said, “Justice won’t bring her back.” I nearly lost it at that point too and Worth wanted me to ask more questions. I told him we had to wait for her to stop crying. He just didn’t get it.’
‘Were you able to find out anything else helpful?’
Anderson ate a bit of his steak before answering. ‘I think what’s most interesting is he
aring how you all described Rosa in comparison to her grandparents’ description. Yes, she had gone off the rails a bit, but she didn’t go clubbing that much and she was a bit of a tomboy. Loved to wear jeans and trainers. They almost laughed when I showed them the shoes. Almost. I’m guessing she hid things from them. Didn’t want them to know the kind of clothes she was really wearing. Can’t be easy living with your grandparents.’
Bernie gave a wry smile. ‘I grew up with mine.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. My mum had me at fifteen. She lived there too until I left home to go to police training at nineteen. She couldn’t afford a big enough place for both of us in London. I used to wear heels that high as well. I was over six foot in them.’ Bernie looked down at her food, a painful memory surfacing. ‘Pops used to joke about me “tap-tapping” down the road in my “silly high-heeled shoes”, but my grandmother called me “Giant”. Believe it or not, that was one of her nicer names for me.’
‘She sounds lovely. Personally, I prefer taller women. Much easier to kiss. Don’t get a crick in my neck.’
Bernie glanced up. There was a mischievous look in Anderson’s eyes. She shook her head. ‘Honestly.’ She was tempted to ask if Louise, his ex-wife, was tall but decided against it. ‘Is there anything else? Did you ask about contact with Rosa?’
‘Yes, she emailed them once a week to tell them what she was doing. She wrote about taking the girls swimming, going to the park, feeding the ducks down at the river – the usual sort of thing. She mentioned about going to Longleat too, and seeing the lions. Gabriel De Luca, the police officer – he’s really good by the way, excellent English – is going to request access to her email account to see who else she was in touch with.’
Bernie nodded. ‘That’s good. But one thing that’s bugging me – Father Adrian said Rosa was frightened for her life. That doesn’t sound like the girl you’re describing. So whatever’s happened to scare her, must have happened here. But what? Did Rupert Fox threaten her?’