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

had died. Now it was difficult. But Sarah had still felt able to phone his mother and tell her about the attack.

‘Not good. She’s being shunned by most people and has money issues. It would be hard for the toughest of people, of which she isn’t. Hardly anybody attended the funeral and that upset her greatly.’

He hadn’t intended to apportion blame, but he hated seeing Sarah suffer. He also knew that given the chance, his mother would have most likely been there, except she didn’t want to rock the boat with the rest of the family.

‘You know what the situation is like with your father, it wasn’t possible for us to attend.’

‘Hence why I was instructed to represent the family as I don’t have his social standing to worry about.’

Thank goodness.

‘It wasn’t an easy decision to make, and it pained me greatly not to be there for her.’

‘In which case, maybe you can make it up to her. She’s going to need support, especially now.’

‘I will try my best. Why wasn’t Sarah convinced by the suicide verdict?’

‘Several reasons, the most worrying for her was that the note Donald left, although written in his own hand, wasn’t worded in the way she’d have expected. She believed he might have been forced to write it and in there he left clues which only she would recognise.’

‘Did she inform the police of this?’

‘Yes, but they weren’t convinced.’

‘But you are?’

‘Initially, no. But I’m leaning towards agreeing with her now.’

‘If it isn’t suicide, what happens next?’

‘It would be classed as a suspicious death, most likely murder, and then needs further investigation.’

‘Were you attacked because you were getting too close?’

‘It’s a possibility and what we’re currently investigating.’

‘Surely if it’s murder you need to pass it over to the local police and not get involved. Although would you still be involved because you are the police?’

‘Ex-police.’ Damn, he hadn’t intended to tell her.

Silence hung in the air, while his mother processed what he’d said.

‘Does that mean you’ve left the police force? Why? Is it for good?’ There was a lightness to her voice. Was she pleased?

He let out a sigh. ‘After my unit was disbanded, all that was available for me was to return to working in uniform. I wasn’t prepared to take such a step, so I resigned from the force.’

‘Why didn’t you tell your father and me?’

‘I wanted to tell you face-to-face. Please don’t mention it to Father. As soon as I’m back in London I’ll make a time to visit and explain everything to you both.’

‘What are your plans for the future?’

‘I’ve yet to decide. The plan had been to use my few days here to think about my future and the direction I wanted to take. Then Sarah approached me and so I’ve ended up spending more time here than originally anticipated.’

‘I think you should come back home and speak to your father straight away. He’ll find you something on the estate. I’ll worry a lot less about you now I know you’re no longer in the police force. We were never happy with your choice of career, as you know. Working here is a far better option for you.’

He sighed. ‘I’m sorry, Mother, but that’s exactly what I don’t wish to do. I had no desire to work on the estate when I left university, and nothing has changed. I will find another career in due course.’

‘Not one where you get attacked and disfigured, I trust.’

He’d been hit a number of times since being in the police, especially during the short time when he was in uniform and on the beat, but she needn’t know that.

‘I haven’t been disfigured, just badly bruised. I won’t remain looking like this for long.’ He moved slightly as he was getting stiff. ‘Ouch.’

‘What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing to worry about. I knocked my face with the phone. It’s still very tender.’

‘Sebastian, please come home now. I don’t like to think of you being alone there when you’re injured. I accept that you don’t wish to work on the estate, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid us at all costs.’

His insides clenched at the hurt in his mother’s voice, but it wasn’t possible for him to leave at the moment, and he wasn’t ready to face his father, especially as he wasn’t fighting fit.

‘I can’t leave here until the investigation is over. Plus, there are other things needing my attention,’ he lied. It had always been the same. He much preferred to be in what he called the real world away from the aristocratic existence the rest of his family were a part of.

‘Please be careful and don’t be attacked again. I’d rather you had let me know yourself instead of having to hear about it from a third party.’

‘I understand, Mother. I’ll be in touch when I get back. Remember, please don’t tell Father. Leave that to me.’

He ended the call and turned to Elsa.

‘That was tricky. I’d like to think she’ll do as I ask, but I wouldn’t bet money on it. Can you imagine having to work on the estate all the time?’ Elsa looked up and wagged her tail. ‘You’d probably like it. Having those grounds to play around in. Come on, let’s get you outside for a quick run around. Then it’s time for me to go to bed, as tomorrow is going to be a big day.’

Chapter 29

18 May

‘Come in,’ Seb said, when Birdie arrived. ‘I’m almost ready.’

He was glad he’d agreed for the officer to take him. Although he was feeling much better, he didn’t fancy driving to Leicester and back, even if it was only thirty minutes away. His body still ached, and he knew from experience that the broken ribs would give him hell for a while longer.

She followed him through to the kitchen and pulled out a make-up bag from her handbag, resting it on the table. ‘You’re going to need this,’ she said, as she opened it up.

He held up two hands to block her from getting