‘Thank you, Mr Jackson. You can go, but please, do not leave the town. We will call you. Bye,’ responded Chief Inspector Duke. ‘Inspector Tanner will show you to the door.’
‘Bye!’ James said calmly and headed for the door.
In the foyer of the police station, James Jackson saw Jennifer Davidson, Peter and Karen Henderson, and approached them and said, ‘Good morning.’
‘Good morning,’ answered Jennifer and Peter Henderson at the same time.
‘Peter, I cannot see this man, he killed my girl,’ said Karen Henderson, crying.
‘I’d better go. See you later,’ said James Jackson, wearily.
‘See you later, James,’ simultaneously responded Jennifer and Peter Henderson.
James Jackson came out of the police station, breathed in the fresh air, looked at his watch and at 10.34 a.m. he thought, ‘Today, the sun is shining in a special way. Once, he and Danielle often walked along the waterfront. It was so long ago…’
With despondency, he headed towards the waterfront. Looking around, James realized how long he had lived someone else’s life. In that life there was passion and hatred, insult and humiliation…
‘Good afternoon, Mr Jackson.’
A sudden female voice made him shudder. James turned sharply and looked intently at Kristin, ‘It is you? What are you doing here?’ he said, dryly.
‘I walk here, or rather today, I have a meeting with a friend. This is my favorite place.’
‘So, you like these places? Once, I also loved to walk here,’ said James, sadly.
‘When I miss my native places, I come here for a walk,’ said Kristin.
‘Excuse me, did I forget your name?’
‘Kristin.’
‘Kristin, are you French?’
‘Yes, sixty percent a Frenchwoman.’
‘And forty?’ asked James, smiling.
‘An Armenian woman.’
‘Armenian woman?’
‘Yes, my grandfather was Armenian.’
‘Do you miss your homeland very much?’
‘Yes, but I try not to think about it.’
‘Kristin, how can you not think about it?’
‘You know, next to me is my beloved husband and son.’
James Jackson looked thoughtfully at Kristin and said, ‘I have to go now. See you, Kristin.’
‘See you later, James.’
Kristin gave James Jackson a long look, trying to understand what extremes this person might be capable of.
Puzzle for the Amateur
‘Kristin, you are twenty minutes late. How long must I wait? You did not even call me,’ said Martina with displeasure.
‘Forgive, forgive, my dear! I left the house at ten minutes past nine. It so happened that I accidentally met Danielle’s husband,’ said Kristin, trying to justify her bad timekeeping.
Taking a few steps, Martina suddenly stopped and turned around, fear flashed in her eyes.
‘Kristin, I do not believe in chance meetings,’ she said in a restless voice.
‘Martina, believe me, he did not even notice me. I approached him and said hello,’ Kristin reassured her.
‘You? What for? Did you think that he was suffering from his wife’s death?’
‘I don’t know, Martina. He appeared to be lost and alienated. He may well hide his true face.’
‘You know, Kristin, often in the death of husbands or wives, the murderers are close people.’
‘Yes, Martina, whether treason, whether money or hate. In our situation, we can say hate.’
‘Hate? Why do you think so, Kristin?’
‘The face of our corpse constantly flashes before my eyes. It was so cruel to kill her; the murderer must have hated her so much and maybe in the heat of passion. If such a crime was committed by her husband, then he is a real devil, he didn’t even take pity on his unborn child. It’s monstrous. He seemed so pleasant and intelligent, it’s hard to believe.’
‘Maybe she was carrying a child from another man. You said that for more than ten years they lived together without a child.’
‘It’s possible. Martina, here is the Boots shop. First, you enter and I will come in after about five minutes. Remember, we are strangers to each other, try to communicate with different employees. Good luck, my dear,’ stated Kristin, quietly.
‘See you soon,’ answered Martina.
When Kristin entered Boots, she noticed only a few customers in the pharmacy and that made her happy. She and Martina would have the chance to talk to Danielle Jackson’s former colleagues. Martina is already consulting with an elderly woman who is actively talking about some kind of drug. Kristin herself noticed a young, slim woman who had a weary face and a less well-groomed hairstyle. On her chest was attached a badge with her name, “Maggie”.
‘Good afternoon, Maggie. Can I ask you something?’ Kristin said melodiously in a French accent.
‘Yeah, sure!’ said Maggie, kindly.
‘You know, my husband and I recently moved to Scotland from France, the nature here is so beautiful and the people are so kind that I immediately fell in love,’ Kristin said with a gentle voice.
‘Oh, how good it is that you like Scotland,’ replied Maggie, smiling.
‘Maggie, we have a lot of sun in France, but here we lack a little for my hair, and it began to fall out. Can you recommend something?’ Kristin continued.
‘Oh, yes, of course. There is a good treatment for hair loss called Regaine. I would recommend that you try it. There are other medications you can also try and you will find them on the small stands over there in the corner.’
‘Thanks, Maggie, I will look at them. You seem very quiet and subdued today.’
‘Oh, yes, I’m surprised that I feel this way, especially after the events of yesterday.’
‘Did you have a sale yesterday? I didn’t even know,’ Kristin said, guiltily. ‘What discounts did you have?’
‘Yesterday, one of my colleagues was found dead by the seaside and today, after work, we all have to go to the police station, we got a call this morning and were asked not to be late,’ said Maggie with obvious displeasure.
‘Oh, yes, I heard about yesterday’s death, but had no idea that she worked at Boots. It’s terrible, I can imagine what you feel. And they say that she was a beautiful woman,’ said Kristin in a quiet voice.
‘If I spent so much on my appearance, I would be the beauty of Britain, but I don’t have a rich husband or lover. It’s bad to talk ill of the dead, but for me, it’s not surprising what happened to her. She was not only conceited and arrogant, but also frivolous. I’m just amazed how patient her husband was,’ answered Maggie, maliciously.
Yes, female envy is a rather dangerous feeling. This is where your weakness lies! thought Kristin.
‘Oh, Maggie, it must have been unbearable to work with such a person, you are a strong woman,’ said Kristin with deep sympathy.
‘Yes, you are right. For all that, men doted on her, she skillfully flirted with them, she did it well’ said Maggie in a calm tone.
‘Her poor husband,’ Kristin said in surprise. ‘Didn’t he notice her flirting or love her enough to care?’
‘One thing I can say clearly is that Danielle Jackson loved only herself. About a month ago, I heard her mockingly talking on the phone with some man. “Hi, Mark! I had to call you on a work phone, since you ignore my calls. I want to thank you; you are a real gentleman. I’m sorry that everything ended so sadly. Please, don’t be so nervous. You, as a doctor, will know better than I do that it’s bad for your health. By the way, were you a good boy? I’m sorry, but I want to ask you something, just tell me honestly. Do you love her so much?”’ said Maggie.
‘Mark? It certainly was not her husband,’ said Kristin, smiling.
Seeing customers near the cash register, Maggie said, laughing. ‘I must go, I have buyers. Nice to meet you, sorry… Glad to meet you, I’m sorry…’
‘I’m Kristin,’ said Kristin.
‘Kristin, have a good day. See you again,’ said Maggie.
‘Good luck to you, Maggie,’ said Kristin.
Looking around for her friend, Kristin was surprised to notice that Martina was already chatting with a middle-aged woman working in a nearby boutique. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly then smiling, she went to the boutique to chat with the women.
‘Hi, Martina! What an unexpected surprise to meet you here? How are you?’ Kristin greeted her with amazement. ‘How long since we last saw each other?’
‘I… I’m fine,’ answered Martina in some confusion.
‘Oh, my dear, have you heard of yesterday’s murder? What horror is this? Honestly, now I’m a little afraid to walk in these places. Imagine, the victim worked in Boots. What a nightmare, Martina,’ said Kristin, quickly chattering all the news. ‘They say that she had a lover. Perhaps her husband killed her after learning of her lover, or her lover was the murderer?’
Martina was stunned by what she heard and it seemed to her that the woman who was vigorously discussing the latest city gossip could not be her close friend. She didn’t recognize such a Kristin. Her friend is an intelligent woman with good manners. Who is this double? A theater actress with good make-up?
‘Oh, you know, I saw her a couple of times with some young man. A tattooed man with red hair who was certainly not her husband,’ Martina’s interlocutor joined in the conversation.
‘So, she was being unfaithful to her husband with at least one man? Horrible?’ Kristin said. ‘Poor doctor.’
‘Oh yes, he’s such a respected person and much more likeable than this pompous goose, with his ugly tattoos,’ said the woman, indignantly. ‘I've already seen how she and this pompous goose looked at each other with loving eyes.’
Martina listened, not believing her ears, it seemed unimaginable that all this is happening in reality, and with her friend. She smiled at the woman and said, ‘Kristin, I think we should go, we both have a busy day ahead.’
‘Yes, you are right,’ answered Kristin with a smile.
‘And I need to get back to work,’ said the boutique employee. ‘It was nice to talk with you. Have a nice day. See you soon.’
‘See you soon!’ Martina repeated.
‘Have a nice day,’ said Kristin.
Heading for the exit, Martina uttered in amazement, ‘Kristin, I do not recognize you.’
‘I do not recognize myself either,’ Kristin replied thoughtfully and took out a pen from her backpack to begin making some notes in French.
‘Kristin, what are you scribbling in your notebook?’ asked Martina with displeasure.
‘I make certain entries,’ answered Kristin, quietly.
‘What are you recording?’ Martina asked, curiously.
‘About the unknown lover, Mark, and also about the tattooed man with the red hair,’ said Kristin.
‘Yes, so our victim had a rich personal life,’ said Martina and looked at her friend who was lost in thought.
‘Yes, so. Poor James Jackson? And who is this tattooed man?’
‘Kristin, you surprise me? Barbara will not believe if I tell her about your theatrical talent.’
‘Martina, can you tell me what information you have?’
‘An older colleague in Boots said that Danielle was a good worker, an interesting woman and with character. She was shocked when she found out about what happened. Maybe I’m a bad detective, I have little information,’ said Martina.
‘Yes, you do not have a lot. I learned that she was arrogant and selfish, loved to flirt with men, and she also had a lover named Mark. Now we also know that there is a man with tattoos,’ said Kristin. ‘By the way, we need to once again carefully examine the crime scene.’
‘Us or you? The police have already inspected it thoroughly, if you have not forgotten,’ said an outraged Martina.
‘Martina, if you have other plans, then you can return to work. Believe me, I will not be offended. This was my idea and I do not want to impose on anyone,’ expressed Kristin, quietly.
Martina hugged her friend and said with a smile, ‘I think this is our common idea. We just have to be very careful. I think that the sea will even agree with us and we have a blue sky in our favour.’
Kristin suddenly stopped, she was amazed by what she saw, not far from the place where his wife’s body was found, James Jackson sat on a wooden bench hugging some woman.
‘Kristin, what’s happening? Who are they?’ Martina asked, excitedly.
‘The man with the Labrador dog is Danielle Jackson’s husband, but I don’t know this woman,’ answered Kristin, quietly. ‘I have to see her face, and it’s difficult to determine anything from behind.’
‘However, the way he embraces her, we can say that they are not strangers to each other. Maybe the path for a relationship with this woman is now free for him,’ expressed Martina.
‘I do not know, my friend. This woman seems to be the complete opposite of his wife,’ said Kristin. ‘Let’s go and say hello to them.’
‘No, Kristin. Stop it. I’m not ready for this step,’ said Martina. ‘And if he is a murderer?’
Not reacting to the inert protest of her friend, Kristin confidently went to greet them.
‘Martina, walk quietly, we need to hear their conversation,’ warned Kristin.
Martina sighed heavily in agreement and quietly followed her friend.
When they approached silently from behind, Apollo immediately tensed and barked.
‘Jenny, I can’t forgive myself for the pain I caused you. This suffering was passed on to me, believe me…’
The loud barking from Apollo did not allow James Jackson to finish the sentence, as the devoted dog tried to warn his master about the intruders.
‘Hi! You have a nice dog,’ uttered Kristin, embarrassed.
‘You? What are you doing here?’ James asked in surprise. He never believed in chance encounters.
‘My friend and I are walking here often,’ said Kristin, confidently, looking straight into James’s eyes.
‘Yes, it is beautiful and peaceful,’ said James, thoughtfully.
‘How are you feeling? Headache gone?’ Kristin asked, noticing a surprised look on James’s girlfriend’s face.
Kristin introduced herself to the girlfriend, ‘I’m Kristin. Unfortunately, yesterday we found the corpse of Dr Jackson’s wife.’
‘You, oh God. My poor sister!’ cried Jennifer.
Kristin looked on stunned at Danielle Jackson’s sister, she was ashamed of the thoughts that she and Martina had allowed to enter their heads.
‘Sorry! My friend and I did not imagine that you are Danielle’s sister, accept our condolences,’ Martina said, guiltily.
‘Thank you, Kristin and…’ Jennifer replied with tears in her eyes and looked at Martina.
‘I am Martina,’ said Martina.
‘Thank you, Martina,’ said Jennifer. ‘I am Jennifer.’
‘I think we should go back home,’ said James Jackson.
‘Yes, my boys are probably worried,’ murmured Jennifer in a hoarse voice.
‘See you, Jennifer,’ said Martina, quietly.
Kristin was standing almost hypnotized as she could not take her eyes off the pendant that hung around Jennifer’s neck.
‘Kristin, are you all right?’ James asked, suspiciously.
‘Yes, I’m sorry. No, I just want to, Jennifer, wish you patience and steadfastness. And even when pain happens in life, life goes on! You can always count on us,’ said Kristin, touchingly.
‘Thank you, Kristin! Thank you, Martina!’ said Jennifer in tears and hugged them both.
‘Jennifer, if you don’t mind, tomorrow, we can meet over a cup of coffee or tea. I think you need to be among people and throw out emotions,’ Kristin offered.
‘Thank you, Kristin, but I do not want to cause you any inconvenience,’ said Jennifer, quietly.
‘What inconvenience? Martina and I will be happy to have coffee with you. Really, Martina?�
�� said Kristin, enthusiastically.
Martina looked at her friend in confusion and said, ‘Certainly, we will be happy.’
‘Jenny, I think it’s a good idea. You should get out and meet people,’ said James, carefully.
‘Jennifer, if you don’t mind, we can meet here tomorrow at eleven in the morning at this bench,’ said Kristin, touchingly.
‘Thanks, see you tomorrow then,’ said Jennifer with a dead look.
‘See you soon,’ Kristin and Martina said at the same time.
‘See you later! Apollo, go!’ said James.
Two minutes later, as they left, Martina indignantly asked Kristin, ‘Friend, I didn’t understand your invitation for coffee?’
‘My dear, Martina, I just couldn’t help making the invitation, seeing the look in her eyes. There was so much suffering, fatigue and sadness,’ said Kristin, quietly.
‘Even I could not imagine that you have such a gift as clairvoyance,’ Martina said.
‘I do not have this gift, but it is impossible not to notice when a person is feeling bad,’ Kristin said, resentfully. ‘By the way, tomorrow I can go to meet her without you, since I have a lot of free time.’
‘Kristin, do not be offended. You must understand me too. All this is somehow strange,’ Martina said, excitedly.
‘I understand exactly what you mean. However, we need to go back home and you need to be in the gallery at three this afternoon. Thank you for your company. See you soon,’ said Kristin sadly and hugged her friend.
‘Bye, Kristin. Be careful,’ Martina said in a worried voice.
Afternoon Tea
When the doorbell rang, the Duke family was gathered for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea for the Dukes had become a special ritual: Steve in the living room enjoying a live football match and Barbara taking pleasure in reading a book.
‘What a nuisance, my concentration has now gone, and you will probably miss a goal,’ said Barbara, who headed for the door. Opening the door, she saw an elegantly clothed Dave Tanner on the threshold.
‘Good evening, Barbara! How are you?’ asked Dave Tanner.
Trap for a Goose Page 6