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

we could do something to help that poor couple get their money back. Would they have a claim against Sarah and the house?’

‘I’m not a lawyer and can’t answer that. But Sarah shouldn’t be blamed, and I’m not debating with you if that’s right or wrong. Our job is to investigate Donald’s death, not worry about Sarah’s input or otherwise. Did the Blacks have reason to kill him? Yes. Except they didn’t know about the Ponzi scheme until after the FCA had investigated.’

‘Do you believe them?’

‘As much as I’d believe anyone in that sort of situation.’

‘You mean yes. And so do I. What are we going to do now?’

‘Continue interviewing investors, but first I want some more background on Donald and not just from his brother. I’m going to speak to Sarah tomorrow and get a list of his friends. I’d like you to take a look at his active investors. Another pair of eyes might spot something odd and worth investigating further. Check up on anyone who you think appears suspicious in any way. I’ll email the list to you later.’

‘Thanks. You might as well take me back home. I’ve got to get ready to go out.’

‘Again?’

‘Yes. Do you expect me to stay in on a Saturday night? Don’t answer that. A gang of us are going rollerblading at the leisure centre. You’re welcome to come.’ He turned to see the smirk on her face.

‘Thank you, but no. I’ll let you know how I get on after speaking to Sarah.’

Chapter 13

9 May

The moment Seb turned into the long drive leading to Sarah’s house, Elsa started getting excited, wagging her tail and pushing her nose up against the car window. She clearly recognised where they were and remembered the fun she’d had playing in the grounds. He parked outside the front of the house. There was only one other car there, which belonged to Sarah.

He rang the bell several times, and after a few minutes Sarah came around the side of the house, mud smeared on her face, wearing gardening gloves and old clothes.

‘I thought I heard the bell. I’ve been working in the garden. It’s extremely therapeutic, and I get so engrossed that it makes me forget about everything else. I hadn’t realised the time.’

He leant down and kissed her on both cheeks. When he’d called earlier to ask about Donald’s friends, she’d invited him over.

‘I thought you had a gardener?’

‘We used to, but I’ve had to let him go. There’s a man in the village who comes in once a fortnight to mow the lawns as it’s such a big job. The rest I can manage myself. I’ve had to let most of the staff go as I can’t afford to keep them. All I have now is Dee, a local woman, who does the cleaning and helps with other jobs when I need her. Really, she’s a luxury, so I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep her. Come on around the back.’

He let Elsa off the lead, and she went charging ahead of them. ‘She had such fun the last time. I expect she’ll make for the woods.’

‘Will she be okay on her own?’

‘She never goes far. She’ll find us soon enough once she’s had enough of running around.’

‘I’m parched. Let’s go inside for a cup of tea.’ They walked around the back and into the kitchen and she filled the kettle. ‘I’ve got Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or peppermint and ginger herbal tea.’

‘The latter would be lovely.’

‘I’ll join you,’ she said, taking out two mugs and pouring boiling water over the tea bags. She took two small plates from the dresser and a tin from the pantry. ‘Cake?’

‘I haven’t long since had lunch, but what the heck,’ he said, the smell of the chocolate invading his senses as she opened the tin and wafted it under his nose.

‘Home-made. All I’ve been doing recently is baking to keep me occupied.’

‘Have the boys gone back?’

‘They left this morning to give themselves time to get settled before their lectures.’

‘Do they share a flat?’

‘They’re both in the same halls of residence and they see each other often, although they do have their own sets of friends. They don’t tell me much, but you know what kids of that age are like.’

‘How were they after the funeral?’ If Donald’s death did turn out to be suspicious, then the police would want to question them.

‘Okay, as far as I can tell, which is hard because they don’t confide in me. They think it’s manly not to share their feelings. They’re both very like Donald in that respect.’ They sat at the big oak kitchen table in the centre of the room. ‘So how’s it all going?’ she asked just as he’d taken a bite of cake. He held up his hand to signal that he’d speak once he’d finished.

‘I’m working with a DC from the local police force.’

‘The police are getting involved in the investigation? How on earth did you manage that? At the time of Donald’s death, they took very little notice of anything I said. Is it because you used to be in the police?’ she asked, her eyes bright.

‘No, this is someone I phoned regarding accessing the police report, and the only way I could get it from her, together with the coroner’s report, was if I let her work with me on the QT.’

‘That sounds a bit odd. Who is she?’

‘DC Lucinda Bird. Known as Birdie. She’s very different from most officers I’ve come across of her age. But certainly entertaining. She’s helping me during her time off and so far, has been very useful. I wanted to ask you about Donald’s friends. I thought I’d speak to one or two of them to get a better picture of how he was in recent times.’

‘Donald didn’t really have any friends. Plenty of acquaintances and he was always being invited to various events, or charity golf tournaments, but no one really close. In fact, the