***
Fitzjohn and Betts entered the interview room to find Stephanie Mowbray sitting at the table looking down at her iPhone. When the two officers walked in, she slipped the phone back into her handbag.
‘Thank you for coming in to talk to us, Ms Mowbray,’ said Fitzjohn as he took his seat.
‘I didn’t have much choice,’ replied Mowbray, giving Betts a disparaging glare. Ignoring this, Betts turned on the recording device and sat back in his chair. ‘I hope you both realise what an inconvenience you’ve caused me,’ she continued. ‘I was on my way to an appointment. Why have I been brought here anyway? I’ve told you everything I know about Howard’s death.’
‘That may be the case, Ms Mowbray, however, it’s not the reason you’ve been brought in. This is concerning another matter,’ said Fitzjohn. ‘We’d like to know where you were on Wednesday, July 11, between the hours of four in the afternoon and midnight.’
‘Why?’
‘Because at some point during that time period there was a further murder committed at the Adelphi Theatre. I assume you have heard the news.’
‘I’m a busy person, Chief Inspector. I rarely get the chance to listen to the news so no, apart from Howard Greenwood’s death, I haven’t heard about further evils being carried out at the theatre so I can’t help you.’
‘Nevertheless, it is in your best interest to cooperate and tell us where you were,’ said Fitzjohn.
‘Not that it’s any of your business but if you must know, I was at the Seaview Nursing Home visiting my mother. She has dementia. She’s been at the home for the past year. I visit her several times a week, but this week a little more often because she had a turn for the worse. On the day in question, I was there for most of the day and evening. Can I go now?’
‘I just have one more question in regard to your bank account,’ said Fitzjohn. ‘It’s been discovered that large sums of money have been withdrawn, in cash, on a regular basis over the past year. Can you explain why?’
‘I don’t believe this,’ barked Mowbray, flouncing back in her chair. ‘What gives you the right to look into my private affairs?’
‘The fact that we’re conducting investigations into two murders and one attempted murder, Ms Mowbray,’ replied Fitzjohn. ‘So, are you going to answer the question?’
‘If you must know, the money went to pay for keeping my mother in the nursing home. It doesn’t come cheap. Not that you would know anything about that. Now, if you don’t mind I’ve got a business to run.’
***
‘What do you think, sir,’ asked Betts as the two officers watched Stephanie Mowbray leave the station. ‘She didn’t seem too phased at the news of another murder.’
‘If she’s telling the truth, I regret what we’ve put her through. But I doubt she is because I’m sure payment would be made electronically through the banks. Check it out, Betts and find out whether she was at the nursing home on Wednesday as she claims.’ As Fitzjohn spoke, the duty officer appeared at Fitzjohn’s side.
‘The chief superintendent wants to see you, sir.’
‘Thank you, sergeant.’ Fitzjohn turned back to Betts. ‘No doubt she’s anxious to hear what progress we’ve made and, at this point, I’m not sure what I can tell her. Has there been any word on tracing where the roses come from?’
‘Not yet, sir. All florists in the metropolitan area have been contacted without success. We’re now trying growers, but it’s time consuming.’
‘And there’s always the possibility they’re being supplied innocently by a gardening enthusiast who might be an acquaintance of the killer,’ said Fitzjohn. ‘If that’s the case it’ll be almost impossible to track down.’
‘I’ll see what I can find out about individuals who associate with those we suspect, starting with Stephanie Mowbray, sir.’
***
As Betts left for the nursing home, Fitzjohn made his way to Peta Ashby’s office where he found her pacing the floor. She stopped when he appeared in the doorway.
‘You wanted to see me, ma’am.’
‘Yes, Fitzjohn, I do. Come in.’ Unsmiling, Peta gestured to a chair and closed the door behind him.
‘I apologise for not speaking to you sooner in regard to the more recent homicide and the attack on Constance Parsons at the theatre, but events seemed to have taken over,’ said Fitzjohn, sensing Peta’s disquiet as he settled himself into the chair.
‘Your case isn’t what I want to talk to you about,’ she replied, sitting down at her desk and clasping her hands together. ‘It’s…’ Peta sighed. ‘This is difficult but I’m sure you’ll be able to provide me with an explanation.’
‘Oh? What is it?’
‘An allegation has been lodged against you with internal affairs. It’s in regard to your mishandling of a case involving the cultivation of marijuana. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding because to my knowledge, you’re not involved in any such investigation, are you?’
‘Can I ask who made the complaint, ma’am?’
‘That’s confidential.’
‘In that case, can you tell me exactly how I’m meant to have mishandled the situation?’
‘That I can tell you.’ Peta looked down at the paperwork in front of her. ‘It says here that you are complicit with the person or persons in the cultivation of an illegal substance by not making an arrest. Tell me it’s a ridiculous assumption, Fitzjohn, because I need you to refute the allegation in a sworn statement,’ said Peta, lifting her gaze to meet Fitzjohn’s gaping look.
‘I can’t do that, ma’am.’
‘Do you mean you are investigating a case without my knowledge?’ asked Peta in disbelief.
‘There is no case nor an investigation although there is a person cultivating an illegal substance, albeit seedlings.’
‘For heaven's sake,’ barked Peta, her voice raising in volume. ‘However advanced these plants are in their growth isn’t an issue. The fact that it’s true is. You’d better explain.’
Over the next several minutes, Fitzjohn told Peta of Rhonda Butler’s new gardening practices and the approach he had decided to take to deal with the situation. ‘I’ve known Rhonda Butler for many years, ma’am, and I was convinced from the outset that she is ignorant as to the species of plant her nephew had asked her to grow. I was also immediately doubtful that its cultivation was for his high school horticultural class which has since been proved correct.’
‘It doesn’t eliminate the fact that you knew a crime had been committed and didn’t take measures to make an arrest,’ replied Peta in exasperation. ‘The drug squad are on their way to see Mrs Butler as we speak.’
‘This has been blown out of all proportion, ma’am,’ said Fitzjohn, shaking his head. ‘As I said, Mrs Butler is an unsuspecting victim of her nephew, a child of sixteen. Our inquiries have found he had lied to his aunt concerning the reason he needed to use her garden but that only came to light a few hours ago. I would have dealt with the matter appropriately given the time.’
‘I’m not here to judge you, Fitzjohn. Given the circumstances your means of handling the situation might have been successful if this complaint hadn’t been made against you.’
‘It was Smithers, wasn’t it?’ said Fitzjohn.
‘As I said, I’m not at liberty to disclose the name of the person who made the accusation,’ said Peta, shifting in her chair. ‘But it is my unpleasant task to tell you that as of this moment, you’re suspended from duty pending the decision of the Internal Affairs Tribunal.’
‘But I’m in the middle of two murder investigations and an attempted homicide, ma’am.’
‘I’m sorry, Fitzjohn, I really am but I have to abide by the regulations set down for such cases.’ Fitzjohn slumped back in his chair and an awkward silence ensued. ‘DS Betts will take over.’ As their eyes met, he realised her words severed any possibility of ever telling her his true feelings for her. They were colleagues and that is how it would remain.
***
; With a heavy heart, Fitzjohn returned to his office, sat at his desk and tried to take in the fact he was now, officially, suspended from duty. Of course, he knew very well that through Smithers, Grieg had once again succeeded in his quest to end his career in the force. Knowing that Smithers was one of Grieg’s minions, he should have been more vigilant but who would have expected he would have taken a conversation with a neighbour and blown it out of all proportion? Sitting back, he looked around, his thoughts going over the many years and cases he had mulled over in the room. Good years and bad, but perhaps it was now at an end.
By the time Betts returned to the station some time later and walked in, he had already placed most of his belongings into a cardboard box that now sat on top of his desk along with his briefcase.
‘You look like you’re planning on going somewhere, sir,’ said Betts somewhat perplexed.
‘Take a seat. There’s something I need to talk to you about,’ said Fitzjohn.
With a questioning look, Betts settled himself into a chair. ‘What is it, sir?’
‘There’s been an unforeseeable development which means a change of routine.’ Fitzjohn recounted his conversation with the chief superintendent.
‘Suspended?’ said Betts with a look of astonishment. ‘Who made these allegations?’
‘The chief superintendent wasn’t able to tell me but I have a fair idea. I suspect it was Smithers. Ordinarily, I’d keep this thought to myself but in this case, I think you should know. You see, I’ve always felt Smithers held allegiance to Inspector Grieg whose fondest wish is to have my career on the force terminated.’
‘I’ve never said anything, but I am aware of that, sir.’
‘I thought you might be,’ replied Fitzjohn.
‘But where does that leave us with our investigations?’ asked Betts.
‘The chief superintendent has advised that you’re to take over.’
Betts sat straight in his chair. ‘I appreciate her confidence in me, sir, but…’ Betts swallowed hard.
‘You’ll do just fine,’ replied Fitzjohn. ‘However, given the situation and the fact that we’ve worked together over a number of years, I have one word of warning; be mindful of Smithers.’
‘I had no idea he was a snitch for Inspector Grieg. That’s why you weren’t keen for him to be involved in the case. I’m sorry I suggested it, sir.’
‘There’s nothing to be sorry about, Betts. I went into it with my eyes wide open and felt everything went fine. I believed I’d managed to satisfy his request to gain some experience. What I didn’t realise was that he was on a mission. Not for himself but for Grieg.’ Fitzjohn paused. ‘Anyway, what’s done is done. The important thing now is that you carry on.’
‘But how did he gain the information to make the allegations, sir?’
‘The only thing I can think of is it was when he arrived at my home the other morning as I was speaking to Blossom about the marijuana seedlings. He must have overheard our conversation before I realised he was there. Obviously, he saw it growing and put two and two together.’
‘But from what you told me, you gave Rhonda fair warning and you gave me instructions to look into her nephew’s claims about his school project. In fact, other than our earlier discussion about the case, I also came in here to discuss the next step as far as the nephew is concerned.’
‘Well, we would have interviewed him immediately and depending on the result, gone from there, but I’m afraid it’s now out of our hands. The drug squad have been called in.’ Fitzjohn paused. ‘I know I’m no longer involved, but how did you get on at the nursing home?’
‘I spoke to a couple of the staff who were on duty last Wednesday and both said they remembered Greta Mowbray had a female visitor throughout the afternoon and evening who matched Stephanie Mowbray’s description.’
‘Well, it isn’t a definite confirmation of her alibi but who else but a family member would spend most of the day visiting? And after meeting Ms Mowbray, I doubt whether anything would keep that woman from her business other than someone dear to her heart.’
‘I agree,’ replied Betts, ‘in which case I’ll turn my attention to Madelaine Wells.’
‘And I’d better be on my way,’ said Fitzjohn as he looked around his office. ‘I don’t want to drag my leaving out any longer than I have to. You know where you can find me if you have any questions, not that I have the slightest doubt about your investigative abilities, mind. It’s just that sometimes two heads are better than one.’ Fitzjohn gave a quick smile, picked up his briefcase and the cardboard box and left the room.
***
It was late afternoon when Fitzjohn opened the front door and walked into his Birchgrove cottage. As he did, Meg appeared at the end of the hall.
‘Alistair, what on earth are you doing home at this time of day?’
‘It’s a long story,’ replied Fitzjohn, placing his briefcase on the hall table and shrugging out of his overcoat before draping it over the banister. ‘I’ll tell you over a cup of coffee. On second thought, make that a glass of whiskey.’
‘It’s a bit early for whiskey,’ replied Meg, looking at her watch, ‘but I think I’ll join you after what I’ve just seen.’
‘Why? What’s happened?’ asked Fitzjohn as he followed his sister into the kitchen.
‘I suppose the proper term is a drug bust,’ said Meg as she poured the amber liquid into two glasses. ‘Men and women in uniform, others in plain clothes. I’ve never seen such a hullabaloo. Obviously they expected it to be a large narcotic operation, not just a few seedlings. Anyway, they took the poor woman away. I think a knock on her door rather than a raid would have been sufficient, Alistair, even though she wouldn’t listen to reason.’
‘It wasn’t my doing,’ replied Fitzjohn, ‘but it is part of the reason I’m home early.’ Fitzjohn ushered Meg through to the conservatory where they sat down. Taking a sip of his whiskey, he paused, feeling its warmth in his throat before he said,’ I’ve been suspended from duty.’
‘What? Meg choked as the whiskey’s warmth hit her throat.
‘It’s a long and complicated story but the gist of it is that I didn’t deal with the matter concerning Rhonda Butler appropriately. Consequently, I was reported to internal affairs.’
‘That’s appalling,’ said Meg wide eyed. ‘After all your years of service to the police department to be treated like this. Don’t they even give you the opportunity to defend your actions?’ she asked.
‘Yes. I’ll be able to do that when I appear before the inquiry.’ Fitzjohn took another sip of his whiskey. ‘I wish it hadn’t come to this as far as Rhonda is concerned however.’
‘What will happen to her?’
‘She’ll have been taken in for questioning and, no doubt, will be released on bail but even so, it’s harsh treatment for her.’
***
Long after Meg retired for the evening, Fitzjohn remained in the conservatory mulling over the day’s events. Did it mean the end of his career? If so, what did the future hold? But while a myriad of thoughts ran through his mind, one fact remained steadfast. It went against his grain to walk away from an investigation. But his hands were tied. ‘Or are they?’ he said quietly to himself.
Before dawn the following morning, his decision had been made.
CHAPTER 17
T he next morning, dressed in his old gardening clothes, his wire-framed glasses perched on the top of his head, Fitzjohn closed the greenhouse door and made his way along the garden path towards the house, humming a tune as he went. His brief stroll was interrupted, however, when Betts came through the side gate.
‘Morning, Betts.’
‘Good morning, sir,’ Betts replied with a puzzled look.
‘I daresay you thought you’d find me in deep despair.’
‘Something like that, sir. Aren’t you the least bit upset or angry at what’s happened?’
‘I admit to being angry initially but I gave the whole situation quite a bit of thought
overnight and I feel better since I came to a decision. Come inside, I want to know your thoughts because it would involve you.’
Betts followed Fitzjohn into the kitchen where the aroma of brewed coffee filled the air.
‘I came to the conclusion that I need to continue with the investigation,’ he said as he poured the steaming coffee into two mugs before leading the way into the conservatory. ‘And please don’t think it’s a reflection on your investigative abilities because it isn’t. You’re more than capable,’ he added as they settled themselves into the wicker chairs set in the bay window overlooking the garden. ‘It’s me. I can’t bring myself to walk away from the case.’ Fitzjohn took a sip of coffee before he said, ‘What I want to ask you is, do you have any objections?’
‘No, sir. I’d have been surprised if you hadn’t come to this decision.’
‘Even though there could be trouble on the horizon if we went ahead? Not for myself because I’m prepared to accept the consequences of my action, but for you, Betts. There’s the possibility that you’d be seen as complicit in my activities and it worries me because you have your whole career ahead of you.’
‘I know that but at the same time, I don’t agree with your suspension, sir, and I daresay I’d do the same if I found myself in your position.’
‘Thanks, Betts. I appreciate your support,’ replied Fitzjohn.
Betts smiled and lifted his coffee mug in a toast. ‘So, we can carry on with our plan to speak to Madelaine Wells. I made a few inquiries and found out she’ll be at the State Theatre this morning getting ready for her matinee performance. We can speak to her there rather than have her come into the station.’
‘Our first clandestine operation,’ said Fitzjohn. ‘I never thought I’d have to stoop to such measures.’
Betts peered out of the window into Rhonda’s garden. ‘On another subject; I heard about Mrs Butler’s arrest yesterday.’
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