Less Than a Treason

by Mary Birk

  “He must have thought you were.”

  “I can’t help that. Besides, Rafe wouldn’t have stayed away from me even if I told him there were others. He’s obsessed with me.”

  “Obsessed?”

  “He was so desperate to be with me he wanted me to kill his wife.”

  “Tell me about that.”

  “He said we could be together if she was out of the way. And he’d have her money.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him no bloody way. I’m not a killer.”

  Reid wondered if Duggan thought they were idiots and hadn’t checked. A sealed juvie record didn’t stay off limits in the face of this kind of investigation. “Did Rafe use drugs when he was with you?”

  “Once in a while. It loosened him up. He’s led his whole life uptight. Wanting to fuck men and not even knowing it. He married his wife for what she could do for him, then when his cock wasn’t interested in the job anymore, he realized it was because it was looking for a different target.” He chuckled. “He was after me all the time at your family’s house, you know. It got to be where I had to make sure I was never in a dark hallway with him. If it hadn’t been so pitiful, I could have cried rape.” Duggan seemed to be enjoying himself. “As it was, I did what I could for him. I had Lance to take care of too. I even made time for Miranda—which annoyed her over-protective brother. I guess you could say I’m a perfect house guest. I try to accommodate as many other guests as I can.”

  This man was utterly depraved, and most probably a liar. Reid went on with his questioning with-out letting the garbage Duggan spouted distract him.

  “Did you talk to Rafe about your relationship with Lance?”

  “Not until he caught us making it in the movie room.”

  “Tell me about that. What happened?”

  “Nothing really. After, I went to his room and we were together. I told him I wouldn’t stop seeing Lance, but I would make time for him as well. He accepted it.”

  “Did Lady Flora know about you and Rafe?”

  “I don’t know. Why would she care? Anyone could tell she was fucking her ex-husband.”

  “Did you tell Lance about that?

  “Of course not. He is—was—still such a kid. But I told Rafe. It was the least I could do. He was entitled to know his golden goose was on the loose.” Darryl grinned.

  So Rafe had lied. He’d known about Flora and George. Reid thought of another coincidence.

  “You knew Broderick Pooley. Where did you meet him?”

  “I don’t remember exactly. Probably at a party or something.”

  “Was he one of your clients?”

  Duggan’s fingers played with his collar. “No.”

  “Were you ever in his flat?”

  “No.” He paused. “Actually, maybe I was. It might have been a party in his flat when I met him. I think Miranda may have been there as well. He and Miranda were friends.”

  “And?”

  “They’d been in rehab together.”

  “Rehab?”

  “Right. When you broke up with Miranda and she had the abortion and the breakdown. He was in for drugs I think. That singer was there with them as well. Felicity.”

  Reid felt as if he’d been punched in the gut with a mallet. Miranda had an abortion? His head was spinning. She said she’d had a breakdown after she and Reid broke up. Could it have been his child she’d aborted? He forced himself to take a deep breath.

  “Did Pooley still use drugs?”

  “How would I know?”

  “Did you ever sell drugs to him?”

  “I don’t sell drugs.”

  “Ever give him drugs?”

  Duggan shook his head. “I didn’t know him that well.”

  “Did you ever see him use drugs?”

  “Not that I can remember.”

  Reid tried to concentrate on the interrogation, but his mind kept racing to the timing of when he’d last been with Miranda. He needed to just stay focused on what he needed to do right now. The rest he could think about afterwards. “You were on his invitation list for the museum event. Any idea why he included you? I take it you don’t have funds to invest.”

  Duggan laughed. “Not yet. Maybe he thought I’d eventually be successful.”

  “No other relationship between you?”

  “No.”

  “You’re sure.”

  “I think I’d know.”

  “Right.” Reid needed to get out of there. “That’s all I have for now.”

  “Can I go?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Fuck.”

  Reid nodded at the officers waiting outside the interrogation room to take Duggan back to his cell. “All yours, lads.”

  Chapter 63

  REID RANG Peter MacTavish. MacTavish could always be counted on to know what was what in the financial community. He knew he was putting off thinking about Miranda, but he couldn’t deal with that just yet.

  “Reid, so sorry we had to miss the christening. Christmas Eve was just impossible for us.”

  “No problem, I understand.”

  “It went well, I trust?” MacTavish sounded doubtful.

  “Yes.”

  “Stirling said the poor lad looks like you.”

  “So I’ve been told.”

  “Everything’s going well?”

  “Aye.” Reid could tell MacTavish didn’t believe him. “Anne’s staying here in Scotland. We bought a house here in Glasgow last spring and we’ll be living there now.”

  A silence caused by, Reid imagined, stunned surprise, hung between them until MacTavish found his voice.

  “That’s grand. Claudia will want to have you both over as soon as you’re settled. Michael, as well, of course.”

  “We’d like that. We’d like to have you over as well. We’re still a bit shy of furnishings, but Anne’s working on that.”

  MacTavish laughed. “And Michael? How is he?”

  “Doing well. Peter, I actually called to ask you something that’s in your area of expertise.”

  “Certainly. What can I do for you?”

  “I was wondering about a couple of hedge funds. Apparently they’ve gone bad and the money’s been lost.”

  “Lot of that going on. What are the names of the funds?”

  “The Meridian Fund and the Avedon Fund. I’m afraid it’s rather urgent.”

  “No problem. Let me look into them. I’ll call you back as soon as I find out anything. What exactly are you looking for?”

  “Anything on whether there’s an investigation involving either one, anyone who might be involved, rumors, anything. I’m not sure what I’m looking for. I hope I know it when I hear it.”

  “Will do.”

  “Thanks, I owe you.”

  “Reid?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m sure Claudia is going to want to call Anne. Do you have a number for the telephone at the new house yet?”

  “Actually, it’s the same as the one from my flat. Anne just had it transferred over.” He gave the number. “Please thank Claudia for me. I want Anne to have friends here to help her to settle in. Her sister is here now, but she’ll be leaving soon and Anne won’t know anyone else in town.”

  “Understood. I’ll talk to Claudia.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  *****

  Rodney Greene shut his front door and flipped on the lights. Even though it was early afternoon, the gray skies only allowed the dimmest of light. He paused when he saw his sister sitting on the sofa.

  “Turn it off.” She blinked, rubbing her eyes.

  He turned the light back off. Taking off his jacket, he tried to be casual. “How are you feeling?” He could make out her silhouette by the light coming in from the street.

  “How do you think? He’s in that big, beautiful house with that cow. How could he take her back?”

  “Miranda, we’ve been over and over this.” There was a world of weariness in his vo
ice. “It won’t last. He’s never stayed with her long before.”

  She stared out into the darkness of the room, as if she hadn’t heard him.

  “He’ll come back to you.”

  She shook her head. “Not with that baby.”

  “Baby or no baby, it won’t last. People with children split up all the time.”

  “Did you hear her nattering on about moving to Glasgow? Where’s she been all this time since they’ve been married? In the States sleeping with another man. How can he forget that?”

  He sat down next to her. “When I asked how you were feeling, I was actually referring to what happened with Lance.”

  “I hope they lock Darryl Duggan up and stuff the key in the sewer.”

  “You won’t miss him?”

  “Lance?”

  “Duggan, if he goes away for it.”

  “Of course he’ll go away for it. They can hardly let him get away with killing Lance, can they?”

  “So, will you miss him? I know you and he . . .”

  “Rodney, I was stoned. You shouldn’t have left me in there with him.”

  He shrugged. “You’re right, my fault. May I get you a drink? It is New Year’s Eve, albeit a little early.”

  “It’s not even three yet, but why not? Wine?”

  “Certainly. I have a nice Bordeaux I could open.”

  She nodded.

  He got up, went to the wine rack he’d had built as a divider between the dining room and the lounge. He opened the bottle with the opener he pulled from a drawer in the sideboard and poured her a large portion. “I’m sorry I said anything about Duggan. It’s been a stressful time for you, I know. You should take a bath and relax.” He handed her the glass and sat down.

  She took the wine. “I’m sorry to be such dismal company. How are you doing?”

  He tried to gauge how much to tell her. He opted for the minimal. “Fine. I spent the morning with Dad. We were having lunch when we got the call about Lance.”

  “Is Fa going to help you?”

  “That’s what we were talking about when he had to go.”

  “But he’ll give you what you need to put the account right?”

  “He’s looking into it. I’ll be fine.”

  She took his hand. “That’s a relief. What will happen with Lance’s share of the estate?”

  “I thought it would be in poor taste to ask, but I assume it will go in the trust and then go to us when Dad dies.”

  “Good.”

  “I wouldn’t have wanted it this way. I’ve always been fond of Lance. Weren’t you?”

  “Sometimes.” She dropped his hand, rubbed her hand along her neck. “I can hardly think about anything but Terrence right now. I can’t stand thinking about them together in their new house. She’s wasting no time spending Terrence’s money decorating the place.”

  Rodney took a drink of his wine. He wished Miranda didn’t want Reid so much. “Doesn’t he have pots of it?”

  “That’s not the point. She leaves him all this time, gets pregnant, then keeps sleeping with the other man while she’s pregnant, then picks who she’s going to be with by which one won the fatherhood lottery on her brat.”

  “Miranda, maybe you need to move on.”

  “I can’t.”

  “You’ve been by the house again, haven’t you?”

  She nodded. “I can’t seem to stop myself. That should have been my house.”

  “You can’t keep going over there. They might spot you.”

  “I can’t help it. I just end up there. I can watch what they’re doing through the windows.”

  Rodney frowned. “The house is set too far back from the road for that.”

  “Opera glasses.”

  “You have to stop.”

  She dropped her face into her arms and started to cry. If he didn’t help her, she would end up hysterical.

  They’d taken care of each other all their lives, and when they’d gotten to the age where taking care of each other meant touching each other for comfort, they’d done that, keeping it their special secret. They were always there for each other, but always happy when the other had another special person in their life. They knew how to make things easier for each other, and he knew how to calm her, release her, better than anyone. He took the wine glass from her hand, set it down, and pulled her against him.

  Her head fell back against his chest. He slid his hands up between her legs, rubbing softly through her jeans.

  She sighed. “That feels so good.”

  “Here or bed?”

  “Here.”

  He slid off the couch, moved his hands to open her jeans. Once open, he tugged gently, pulling them off, then slid her panties down. He felt her relaxing in anticipation.

  She did a cat stretch, pulling her shirt off and unfastening her bra. Her small, firm breasts emerged into view, the nipples at alert. So beautiful. But he would just do what she needed, then he’d leave. He’d be strong.

  He wasted no time getting to what she liked best. He spread her legs apart and knelt down in front of her. She shifted to get him exactly where she wanted him to be. She’d taught him well, and in less than two minutes, she exploded with her release.

  He rocked back on his hips. He’d get up now, he told himself. He’d dress and put a meal together for them. Then when she was ready, he’d send her back to her place next door. After Dunbaryn, he’d sworn to himself he’d never sleep with her again.

  But when she raised her head, mouth soft with arousal, and beckoned him to her, he gave up all thought of resisting.

  Chapter 64

  REID ANSWERED his mobile, still distracted with what he’d learned about Miranda.

  “Lord Reid, it’s Krystal Layton. You remember me, from Christmas?”

  “Certainly. How are you?” Reid tried to think of a reason the girl would call him. How had she gotten his mobile number?

  “It was all very upsetting, of course, but I’m fine.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” From the tone in her voice, he suspected that along with being upset, she’d been excited about being peripherally involved in such a dramatic situation.

  “The Earl gave me your number. I told him it was important. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not. What can I do for you?”

  “Are you in town? In Glasgow?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you meet me at my parents’ house? I need to show you something.”

  He thought about his plans to have dinner and celebrate the New Year coming in with Anne. He’d hoped to get home early, although he’d been made to promise not to get there before six-thirty. Apparently there were some “goings on’ he wasn’t supposed to see. He looked at his watch; he had time to go over to Krystal’s house before he had to meet Stirling if whatever Krystal had to show him was actually important.

  “It’s important?”

  Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I know who killed Lady Flora.”

  *****

  Driving away from Krystal’s house, Reid had the envelope of photographs on the seat next to him. He was trying to piece things together when his mobile rang. He hit the hands-free button on his car’s instrument panel.

  “Yes, Allison?”

  “The lab just called. We’ve got a DNA match for the semen from Pooley’s body.”

  He frowned as he wove his way around the roundabout. “I thought they’d already told us there was nothing in the database.”

  “There wasn’t. Not until we got the samples from Lance Kensington’s body.” She paused. “And the ones we took from Darryl Duggan.”

  “They match. We were expecting that.”

  “They also match the samples from Pooley’s body.”

  “Duggan’s DNA?”

  “Right. Apparently Darryl Duggan had sex with Pooley not long before he was killed.”

  “The lab’s certain?”

  “Aye.”

  Traffic had inexplicably slowed. Reid tapped
his fingers on the steering wheel. “If Duggan killed Pooley, he would’ve been an idiot not to have worn a condom.”

  “People have done stupider things.”

  Reid thought about the drugs that had been found in Lance’s room at Dunbaryn and Pooley dying of an injection of a combination of the same two drugs. He tried to reformulate what he’d just heard with what he’d learned from Krystal’s photos. Nothing made sense.

  “Guv? Are you still there?”

  “I’m still here. I’ve got something I’m trying to puzzle out. I’m meeting John Stirling to talk with Felicity, then I’ll give you or Harry a call.”

  “Something else, guv.”

  “Yes?”

  “Harry said to tell you they found a handwritten will of Lance Kensington’s in his room at University.”

  “Don’t tell me. Leaving everything to Darryl Duggan.”

  “Right.”

  He thought. “Call Colin Gibson. Ask him whether—with everything in trust—anything Lance was entitled to under his mother’s will could be left to anyone else. I’d have thought Lance’s share would just go back into the trust for the remaining beneficiaries, but I’m no expert on inheritance laws.”

  “Got it.”

  “As I’ll be in the building anyway, I’ll see if Rafe Kensington’s at home. I want to find out if Lance had any other assets besides what Flora left him.” He thought of something else. “Allison, has Peter MacTavish called on those funds?”

  “I think so, guv. But he talked to Harry. Now Harry’s got Oscar and Frank up to their eyeballs in spreadsheets.”

  “I may have to switch my mobile off for a while. If my wife calls, tell her I’m still on schedule to be home by six-thirty.”

  There was a silence on the other end. Apparently, Harry hadn’t told Allison that he and Anne were back together.

  “I’ll pass the word.” Allison’s voice bounced back with a happy lilt that made Reid grin.

  Chapter 65

  THE MOVERS WERE bringing in furniture while the decorator’s crew traipsed in and out with fabrics.

  “I cannot believe we’re going to pull this off, Lady Anne.” Priscilla Halliday almost beamed as the workmen carried the cornices for the draperies up to the master bedroom. “I’ve pulled in everyone that I could from their holidays, with the promise they can have an extra day off next week instead if they get this one room finished.”