Web of Lies by Sally Rigby (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

‘Even though you’d drifted apart?’

‘That didn’t change the fact that he was my brother and he was dead.’

‘When his financial mismanagement came out in the open, how did you feel then?’

Edgar glanced either side of him, as if checking that no one could hear. ‘I hated him for what he’d done to my family.’

‘Didn’t you suspect anything was wrong before it all came out in the media?’

‘At the back of my mind there were some niggles after I’d asked for my money back. But Donald was a great salesman. When he said the money was tied up and it would be there by the next dividend payment, I believed him. I had to believe him. Then he died, and the truth came out. Celia can’t bear me to even mention his name, but he was still my brother, despite him screwing us over and losing everything we have. That’s what makes everything so hard to deal with.’

‘What are you going to do now?’

‘Like I said, the kids will be leaving their current school and we may have to sell the house, but we’ll try to avoid that if at all possible, as by the time the mortgages are paid off it won’t leave us with much. Celia’s looking for a job in the interim, which will help with day-to-day expenses. I shouldn’t be saying this, but we’ll be sitting pretty once her parents kick the bucket because she’s in for a hefty inheritance.’

‘Why don’t you ask them for help?’ It seemed the most logical thing to do under the circumstances.

‘And admit what I’ve done? What do you take me for? I do have some pride.’ He shook his head.

‘No one could blame you if you did go to them.’

‘You don’t know her folks. They’ve always thought she could do better for herself. They were probably right.’ He picked up his drink and finished it. ‘I’ve got to go. Things to do.’

‘I appreciate you sparing the time to see me.’

‘I’m not sure what good it’s going to do.’

‘If he didn’t commit suicide and his death was suspicious, then there will be an investigation.’

‘And I’ll have to find an alibi because I’ll be a suspect, no doubt. Not that it matters because I’m sure he did commit suicide. You know what he was like, he wanted everyone to like him. This would’ve destroyed him. I hope you don’t discover that it’s murder. Enough damage has been done from this.’

‘Sarah needs to know the truth, so she can get on with her life.’

‘But it’s not going to make any difference, is it?’

‘It will to her. What she really needs right now is some support. It’s hard being ostracised for something she didn’t do.’

‘I hear what you’re saying, and I’ll think about it.’

They left the pub together, and Seb had just got into his car when his phone rang.

‘Clifford.’

‘It’s me, Birdie. Where are you?’

‘I’ve just had a drink with Donald’s brother, Edgar. He was one of the investors.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me? I could have come with you.’

‘Because I know him, and he wouldn’t have opened up with you there. He’s much better on a one-to-one basis.’

‘Did he tell you anything useful?’

‘He’s angry and blames his brother for what’s happened to him. He thinks Donald committed suicide because he didn’t want to face the fallout that would have happened when his financial losses and the Ponzi scheme came to light.’

‘Good point. While I remember, there’s no CCTV by the top car park at Foxton Locks, so we can’t check who was there on the day Donald died.’

‘Okay, thanks.’

‘Where are you going next?’

‘There’s a retired couple, Bert and Pearl Black, who were Donald’s clients from a long time ago and were the ones who reported him to the FCA, who then uncovered the Ponzi scheme. They live in Marston Trussell, a village on the outskirts of Market Harborough.’

‘I know where it is.’

‘I was going to phone and see if they’ll see me this afternoon.’

‘Let me come with you. Give me an hour to get ready as I’ve just got up.’

‘It’s nearly two o’clock, how come you’ve only just arisen?’

‘I went to bed late.’

‘I’ll call them now and get back to you.’

He phoned and Mr Black answered. Seb explained why he wanted to visit the couple and the man was amenable, so after making the arrangements he got back to Birdie.

‘They’ve said we can see them at four, so I’ll pick you up at three-thirty. Where do you live?’

‘Gardiner Street. You’ll see my car parked outside the house, behind a Citroen which belongs to my mum.’

‘You still live with your parents?’

‘Yeah. So what?’

‘No reason, you just seem to be the sort of person who would’ve flown the nest a long time ago.’

‘I have lived away from home, but … you know … circumstances. Anyway, this isn’t about my living arrangements. When you get here, you’re to stay in the car and not knock at the door. I don’t want anyone thinking we’re going out on a date. I don’t date older men.’ She paused. ‘Or women, for that matter.’

‘I’ll wait outside your house. Shall I put a hood over my head?’

‘Don’t be stupid.’

Chapter 12

8 May

Seb checked his watch for the tenth time. If Birdie didn’t hurry up, he’d go to the door and knock, despite her insistence that he didn’t. He was parked outside the front of the detached Victorian house where she lived, which wasn’t far from the house he was renting. It was half-brick and half-rendered and had ivy growing around the front door.

He placed his hand on the door handle, ready to get out of the car when her front door opened, and she came tearing out of the house. She ran around the front of the car and opened the passenger door.

‘Don’t say anything. I know I’m late. We’ll be there on time.’ She jumped into the car, pulled down the seat belt and clicked it in place.

‘My lips are sealed,’ he said, before starting the engine and