The Hero's Fall (DCI Cook Thriller Series Book 14) by Phillip Strang (best classic romance novels txt) 📗

understandable, but it wasn’t Simmons, was it?’

‘It was Skinner, a snake in the grass. I always preferred someone else when we were climbing, but Skinner’s good, very thorough, checks the equipment, deals with the logistics.’

‘You didn’t like him?’

‘He was always a bit snide.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Always trying to boast about his importance. It was either Angus or me who was the team leader. It should be us discussing the climb, not one of the team, not that we didn’t treat them well.’

‘Did Skinner believe he was a better climber than you?’

‘He was.’

‘Yet, he didn’t make the summit, not that first time on Everest.’

‘Not everyone can. He was physically the strongest, but he had trouble at height, shortness of breath, fatigue. Some people handle it better than others; you never know until you’re challenged. Besides, on Everest, it’s already known who is going to attempt the summit. It was our expedition; it was our summit. Skinner understood. I didn’t like his attitude sometimes, a surliness, but it wasn’t that important.’

‘Otto McAlister is feeding the newspaper information. Did you know?’

‘I didn’t, but I’m not surprised. He wasn’t good with money, and once the climb was over, he’d want to party on, a few drinks, a woman.’

‘That wouldn’t be uncommon.’

‘Only he went overboard, spending more than he should, looking to borrow more from whoever.’

‘We assume the newspaper is paying him. What did you think of the photos?’

‘It’s the two of us, but not that clear. Even so, as you say, vindication. I’ve received some phone calls, fellow mountaineers willing to press my case.’

‘You’ve accepted?’

‘Not yet, not sure I want to. Whatever the outcome, I’m still not going to climb again.’

‘Your reputation will be restored.’

‘Not important. Now, if you don’t mind.’

‘When did the truth dawn on you about Simmons and your wife?’

‘A lot of facts are becoming clearer. If I’d known back then, Simmons would be alive, and I’d still be climbing.’

‘That would appear to be the case. You’ve spent a long time hating a man who hadn’t wronged you.’

‘Then why did he try to kill me?’

It was an interesting observation. Was there something else? Isaac thought.

Larry had been silent so far, taking the opportunity to look at the awards framed on the wall, the cups on the mantelpiece, the sister in the kitchen.

‘We didn’t expect to find you here,’ Larry said.

‘Nor did I. Why do you keep bothering my brother?’ Deb’s reply.

‘You knew about Justin Skinner?’

‘Not at first, but I realised afterwards that something was amiss when they had returned from South America, Angus always asking after Mike, wanting to meet with him.’

‘You’ve seen the photos?’

‘I have.’

‘What do you reckon?’

‘I don’t believe that Angus could have done it.’

‘The photos indicate otherwise,’ Larry said.

‘Talk to McAlister. You’ll find him under a rock somewhere,’ Deb said.

‘You overheard?’

‘Hard to miss from here.’

Isaac continued to talk with Mike Hampton; Larry stayed with the sister. One was agreeable and approachable, the other reticent, even though acknowledging that Simmons hadn’t been his wife’s lover at the time of the climb in Patagonia.

‘You know McAlister?’ Larry asked Deb.

‘McAlister’s regarded as a reliable team member.’

‘Did you climb?’

‘I told you in Dorset. When I was younger, I wasn’t as dedicated, and besides, my rebellious behaviour got in the way. Even so, we stayed close, not unusual given our upbringing.’

‘Rough?’

‘Difficult. Don’t dwell on it. It made me do what I did; made Mike climb mountains. We’re all shaped by our parents, and ours weren’t perfect, but then, whose are?’

Larry could still remember his father’s reaction when he told him that he would join the police force.

‘You’re smarter than that. Go to university, study law,’ his father had said.

A stable home life, loving parents, but to him, policing had always been what he wanted to do. As to becoming a lawyer, he knew that he wasn’t academically inclined, unable to devote the hours to study.

‘Tell me about McAlister,’ Larry said. ‘Is he a loose cannon or strategic in what he does?’

‘If you mean, does he have proof?’

‘I do.’

‘He may. As I’ve said, and Mike knows him better than me, McAlister is a fatalist, takes one day at a time. If he has money, he spends it; if he doesn’t, he scrounges.’

‘Attractive?’

‘To some women, he would be.’

‘To you?’

‘He’s got an earthiness about him. Don’t expect sweet talk. He’s more likely to try it on within five minutes; make his intentions clear.’

‘To you?’

‘Once he did, in this house. Mike had a group around, Angus included. It was before they all went climbing that damn mountain. Kate’s here, arm around Mike, giving Skinner the eye, but that’s her nature. Otto McAlister’s brought a girl along with him. No idea where he picked her up, the gutter, I suppose.’

‘Not your style?’

‘Otto used to find plenty of women, some classy, some not as much. She could have been a paid escort, but I don’t think so, as halfway through the night, him pawing her, she slaps him hard and walks out, takes his car.’

‘Did that worry him?’

‘Otto’s not a worrier, not about assets and women. His philosophy, don’t sweat the small stuff.’

‘A car? Small?’

‘I’ve told you this before; Otto doesn’t care about such things. If he’s got money, great; if not, there’s someone with a car or a place to stay, and someone will feed him.’

‘He stayed the night?’

‘Mike was out of it. Drunk and a blazing row with Kate at the end of the evening. Everyone else had peeled off, thanked Mike for the night, the usual handshakes, kisses on the cheek, but Angus, not a great drinker, was embarrassed for Mike and Kate.’

‘Did Simmons bring a woman?’

‘He came with someone,