by M A Comley
Sylvia turned to look at her husband. “That’s a bit harsh, love. He’s been through hell the last year. He’s not as strong as you, you know that.”
“I know, love. But he also needs to remember that he’s ill and should be taking far better care of himself than he’s doing at present. I’ll ring Paula later, she’ll get him back on the right track in no time at all.”
Sylvia nodded her agreement.
“That would be wonderful,” Sara said. “Okay, if there’s nothing more you can tell us, we’ll leave now. Here’s my card should you either need to call me or if you think of anything I should know.” She stood and crossed the room to hand the card to Stuart.
“Thank you. I’ll show you out.”
He walked them to the front door, his shoulders slumped. “Please, do your best for us.”
“I promise we will. Sorry to drag you away from your work.”
“No problem. I had every intention of coming home early to be with Sylvia anyway. I know how much my parents meant to her. Treasure your parents while you’ve still got them, Inspector, because you never know what lies around the next corner.”
“I will. My condolences once again. I’ll be in touch soon.”
He nodded and closed the door behind them.
Sudden tears sprang to Sara’s eyes while she made her way to the car. Luckily, she wasn’t the type to wear mascara, or any other type of heavy makeup come to that, so there was no chance of it getting spoilt. She opened the car door and sneakily swiped her eyes on the sleeve of her jacket as she slipped into her seat.
“Are you all right?” Carla asked, a concerned expression wrinkling her brow.
“There was me thinking I’d got away with it. I’m fine. It’s just that now and then things sneak up on me.”
Carla shrugged and patted her shoulder. “My offer still stands.”
Sara waved a hand in front of her. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me. Right, one last brother to interview.”
“I hope he’s more forthcoming with a name. I think this case is going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere if he can’t.”
“I was thinking along the same lines. So frustrating. Maybe the person stopped by the house on the off-chance after all.”
“I’m on the fence with that notion.”
“Yep, me too. Forget I ever mentioned it.” Sara turned the key in the ignition and pulled away from the house.
Allan Flowers was the only brother left to see on their list. Sara said a silent prayer, hoping he would be able to fill in the large blank standing in their path.
Chapter 5
Allan Flowers lived in another exceptionally well-presented detached home in the village of Urdimarsh. The house was full of character, and yet Sara suspected it was a new-build on a small estate of six houses on the edge of the quaint village.
“Another village I didn’t know existed. I really need to get out more.” Sara yanked on the handbrake and switched off the engine.
“There are hundreds of villages like this in the area, and yes, you need to get out to explore the beautiful county you now call your home.”
Sara giggled. “Thanks for chastising me. I’ll put it on my extensive to-do list.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to preach. It’s just that so many live in this area, and all I hear them complain about is that there’s nothing to do. All right, it might not be an area full of tourist attractions such as London, but bloody hell, look around you at the fabulous landscape.”
“I agree. It gets to me that it has taken a gruesome murder investigation for me to realise what a wonderful county this is.”
They exited the vehicle and walked across the deep gravelled drive to the large oak door and rang the ornate bell attached to the stone façade.
A young blonde woman wearing a velour jogging suit opened the door. Her eyes were red and swollen.
“Hello there. I’m DI Sara Ramsey, and this is DS Carla Jameson. We’ve come to see Allan Flowers.”
“Come in. I’m Samantha. Dad is in the garden out back.”
Sara entered the house and asked, “Thanks, Samantha. How has your father taken the news?”
“Badly. Even though it was raining heavily, he insisted on tending the plants in the garden. That’s his means of escape out there. I tried to call him, but he was having none of it. Hopefully, you coming to see him will force him inside. Do me a favour and refuse to go out to him.”
Sara smiled. “Of course. We got drenched just before lunch. If he’s been out there all this time he’ll make himself ill.”
“He didn’t even bother to put a coat on either. I suppose I better stock up on cold remedies just in case he comes down with the lurgies.”
“He’s aware that we’re coming.”
“I’ll give him a shout and then make some coffee, if you’d like one?”
“Thanks, we’re fine.”
They followed Samantha through the house into an open-plan living area that was simply breathtaking. Samantha invited them to take a seat in the lounge area while she dipped out into the garden to fetch her father.
Carla nudged Sara. “Blimey. I thought the last house was gorgeous, but this place takes the bloody biscuit. Do you think there’s a bit of one-upmanship going on between the siblings?”
Sara shrugged. “Who knows? This place must have cost a pretty penny or two to build. Makes my new-build feel like an inadequate doll’s house in comparison. Something to aspire to, right?”
“Aspire to? Maybe if I won the lottery. I’d never be able to afford a place this beautiful otherwise. I’m definitely envious. I’ve never been inside a house as stunning as this one.”
Carla and Sara both jumped when a male voice behind them said, “Thank you. I had a vision, and an architect friend of mine came up with this design.”
“You’re extremely lucky to have found someone able to create what you envisaged, sir. I’m DI Sara Ramsey, and this is my partner, DS Jameson. Would you like to take a moment to dry yourself off? We’re not in a rush.”
“Thank you. I’ll nip and get a quick change of clothes. Won’t keep you more than five minutes.”
He left the room. Sara and Carla turned around, taking in all the sumptuous details of their surroundings. Samantha appeared at the edge of the kitchen area. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you to have a coffee from our super-duper machine? It’s no bother.”
“Go on then, you’ve twisted my arm. Carla?”
“I’d love one, too. Can I watch?”
Samantha laughed. “Of course you can, there’s really nothing to it.”
Ever inquisitive, both Sara and Carla crossed the room and stood by the kitchen island while Samantha expertly measured out the coffee and placed it in the contraption which she then inserted into the machine. Then she filled a section of the machine with water. The three of them watched the coffee pour into a clear jug. The whole process took barely three minutes to complete. Samantha poured the coffee, added cream and sugar and handed them both a small cup and saucer.
Sara smelt the richness of the coffee beans and then took a sip. “Wow! I’ve tasted some really great coffee in my time, but this is absolutely exceptional. I might invest in one of those machines for the office. What do you think, Carla?”
“I’d go halves with you if it was only you and me to enjoy it. I think the boys would ruin it within a week, though.”
Sara cringed. “Maybe you have something there. I might see about getting one for home instead. A necessary luxury for all coffee drinkers, I believe.”
“We love it. Dad reckons it’s the best investment he’s ever made in the house. So glad you’re enjoying it.” She leaned over the counter top to add, “They’re really not that expensive either. A couple of hundred pounds, I think.”
Just then, Allan Flowers entered the room, his hair still damp and combed into place. He’d changed his wet clothes for a virtually replica ensemble of dark jeans and a brown jumper. “I’m glad my daughter is looking af
ter you so well. What do you think of the coffee?”
“She is. It’s superb. I’ve just said how much I’d like a machine myself. I have a new-build. Unfortunately, it didn’t come with any added extras such as this.”
They all laughed. Sara felt relieved to have pulled the man out of his grief if only for a short time.
“Bring your cups, we’ll make ourselves comfortable in the lounge area. I’m sorry for the delay. Mum and Dad’s death knocked the stuffing out of me this morning. The only way I know of coping with that kind of upset is to tend to my garden.”
Sara glanced over her shoulder. “You’ve done it justice. It looks stunning, just like your beautiful home.”
“Thank you. I really wasn’t fishing for compliments.”
“I know. Credit where it’s due, though. First of all, I’d like to say how very sorry I am to meet you under such circumstances.”
“It’s Olivia I feel sorry for, having to witness Mum and Dad in that state. We all wanted to go over there to be with her, but she begged us not to. She said it would be much better remembering them the way they used to be rather than how she found them. She’ll have to live with that image for the rest of her life.”
“It is very sad when a relative discovers the body of a deceased family member. We can offer her some counselling if that’s what she needs to get over this.”
“I’ll make sure she’s aware of that. Thank you, Inspector. Now, how can we help?”
“I’ve asked the same question of your brothers—we’d like to know if either of your parents mentioned if they had befriended anyone lately or if they’d possibly fallen out with someone that you know about.”
His chest inflated when he inhaled a large breath. “I truly can’t think of anyone. However, although we were exceptionally close as a family, I wouldn’t necessarily say that we were in each other’s pockets. They were active members of the local church. Maybe they met someone there that they didn’t think to mention. What did my brothers say?”
“Very similar to yourself, to be honest with you. We’ll be sure to drop by and pay the vicar a visit, see if he can shed any light on things for us.”
“I think that would be the best bet. I’m sorry we can’t help you further. My parents were very likeable characters.”
“So we’ve been led to believe.” Sara took another refreshing sip of her coffee and placed her empty cup on the table. She glanced at Carla, who was also in the process of draining her cup, just as another young woman walked into the room.
“Dad?”
“I’m here, Daphne.” Allan leapt out of his chair and gathered the woman in his arms, smoothing her brunette hair down her back.
She pulled out of her father’s arms. “Why? How could this happen? Have the police said anything?”
Allan pointed at Sara and Carla who were walking towards the pair of them. “The police are here now.”
“Here? What are you doing here? You should be out there scouring the streets, looking for the person who did this, not here drinking our coffee. How dare you!”
“Now, Daphne. Calm down. They have to begin their investigation somewhere,” Allan reprimanded his daughter.
Daphne’s anger didn’t visibly lessen when she glared at Sara and Carla.
Sara smiled weakly at her. “We’re sorry for your loss. We understand how hard—”
“No, you don’t. You haven’t got the foggiest idea how much Granddad and Grandma were loved, adored by this family.”
“Daphne, be fair,” Samantha pleaded, joining her father and sister.
Sara raised her hand in front of her. “I understand you being upset, but we still need to make enquiries with loved ones before we can start our investigation. I’m sorry if you think we’re going about our work the wrong way.” Her tone was one of disappointment. She hadn’t often come up against an objectionable family member in the past in such circumstances, but when she had, the put-down usually made them rethink their rudeness.
Daphne dropped her head in shame and flopped into the chair beside her. She buried her head in her hands and sobbed. Samantha and their father both comforted her.
“I apologise for my behaviour…Nan and Grandad meant the absolute world to us. I just can’t believe we won’t ever see them again,” Daphne finally said.
“There’s really no need for you to apologise. We’re used to dealing with people who are grieving. Grief affects us all very differently. Samantha and Daphne, can I ask if you know of anyone who your grandparents have accepted into their lives recently?”
Both girls shook their heads before Daphne said, “No. I really can’t believe that someone they had welcomed into their home would do this.”
Samantha shrugged. “Maybe this has something to do with the church. Could they have met someone in the congregation who wasn’t legitimate? Maybe that person pretended to be homeless or something along those lines. I might be grasping at straws, but surely it would be worth a visit.”
“You’re right. We intend dropping by the church immediately after we’ve spoken to you.”
“Good. I really don’t think we can give you anything more helpful than that, Inspector. That disappoints us as much as you,” Allan insisted.
“Very well. We’ll be off then. I’ll leave you a card. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you either think of anything or want to ask how the investigation is going, although I will be keeping in contact with your sister regularly. Maybe you should ring her often for an update.”
“Olivia will keep us in the loop. Thank you, Inspector. We hope to hear some good news from you soon,” Allan replied. He turned and walked back up the hallway to the front door. He shook their hands, holding on to Sara’s a little longer than anticipated. “I’m not sure I should be saying this at all, but here goes…I’m willing to put up a reward for any information from the public.”
“That’s very kind of you. Maybe you should hold fire on that for now. In the next day or two I’ll be arranging a media appeal. If we don’t glean anything from that, I can always go back to the media and get them to run the story again mentioning the reward you’re willing to offer.”
He nodded. “Whichever way you want to play things is fine by me. I want the bastard who has destroyed my family caught and thrown behind bars. If that person reveals themselves in our midst within the next few days, I’m liable to throttle them.”
Sara sighed. “Please try and restrain yourself, Mr Flowers. If someone pops up on your radar, you’d be advised to ring me before wading in there and getting yourself into trouble for any vigilante intentions you may have.”
“I understand what you’re saying. Surely you can recognise what an effort that would be on my part—not to strike out, I mean.”
“I reiterate, it would be foolish of you to vent your anger on the person and not contact me first. Why take the risk of ending up in prison yourself?”
“It would make me feel a darn sight happier knowing that I whipped the fucker’s arse who murdered my parents.”
Sara nodded. “Just ring me if a name surfaces, please?”
Reluctantly he agreed.
They stepped out of the house and made their way back to the car.
“I can understand where he’s coming from,” Carla noted, dropping into the passenger seat beside Sara.
“Yep. I’d be very tempted to do the same if ever my parents lost their lives in such a dreadful manner.”
“What now?”
“I was going to shoot back to the station, but I think we should pay the vicar at their local church a visit instead.”
“I’m with you on that one. Might as well get all the interviews out of the way in one day.”
“Agreed. I feel badly for this family. It’s obvious how much they all thought of their parents. Let’s dig deep on this case to find a swift resolution.”
“We always give our all to a case, boss.”
“I know. I’m simply saying that I think we should add more effort
to this one. As you rightly said, it’s not often we get this type of heinous crime on our patch. The quicker we solve it, the more the public are going to appreciate our efforts.”
“Providing nothing stands in our way, let’s hope that comes to fruition.”
Chapter 6
Sara parked the car outside Bodenham church. Together, she and Carla walked inside to find a man of the cloth rearranging the hymn books at the end of one of the aisles. Sara showed the vicar her ID, and after introducing herself and her partner said, “I’m not sure if you’re aware of what has happened to Mr and Mrs Flowers, father.”
“Unfortunately, I’m fully aware, Inspector. You can’t keep those kinds of details quiet for long in a village of this size. It’s utterly appalling that this type of crime should be committed in this area—in any area come to that. If I can do anything to assist the investigation, you only have to ask.”
“Actually, we wondered if you had noticed a change in the Flowers recently.”
He placed his hand to his chin as he thought. “No. I can’t say I have. Maureen and Ted were two of the most genuinely friendly people in my congregation. They would do anything for anyone if you asked them to. I can’t believe someone could hurt such a wonderful couple. Hurt, I say, I mean kill. I’m quite shocked to be honest. I needed to keep my mind active today, thought I’d come down and potter around here rather than sit at home contemplating what that poor couple went through in the final hours of their lives.” His eyes brimmed with tears.
“Do you want to take a seat for a moment?” Sara asked, gripping his arm as his legs gave way a little beneath him.
“Thank you. My health isn’t so good at the moment. I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you see. It’s terminal. My flock have no idea about my illness. I put on a brave face during my sermons.”
“My heart goes out to you, father,” Sara replied, her chest squeezing a touch.
“Thank you. At least I’m still alive, for now. Unlike Ted and Maureen. Do you have any idea who carried out this deplorable act?”