Amanda Cadabra and The Hidden Depths by Holly Bell (good book recommendations TXT) 📗

person knows what the right place would be. This one either did or was just lucky – or unlucky, if he didn’t intend the blow to be fatal.’

She picked up her cup and drank some of the reviving liquid. Trelawney waited, then put the hopeful question,

‘Any clues at all as to his identity?’

‘Sorry, it was just whispers and footfalls. But how did Samantha know who he was?’

‘How did Miss Gibbs get any of her information?’

Amanda helped herself to a gingernut and considered.

‘People. Pamela and Simon both said she could be a good listener.’

‘Precisely,’ agreed the inspector. ‘So, the question is … whom did she date after Ainsley Storridge disappeared?’

She sat up at that, her spark rekindled. ‘I bet I know. The man the papers called Lord Vigo or something. Storridge must have told Samantha something important to do with him. Something that was relevant to the trip. So Sam went to the source.’

‘What did she find out? Yes, it had to have been something that was connected to Storridge’s death or, at least, his expedition. Something Vigo hadn’t shared with the police. Therefore something that would do him no credit, or could even get him into trouble.’ Trelawney stood up. ‘I have to get this man to talk to me. I think he knows our killer. But will he talk? That’s the question. Miss Cadabra, thank you. I will see you later.’

‘Inspector, I can’t just sit here,’ Amanda protested, also getting to her feet. ‘Look, I’ve got an idea. Dale used to be in tourism. He was never in South America, but he might know people who were working as guides there at the time. Surely he’d use his connections to help us, make some calls, give us some suggestions. I could just pop round to the flower shop and ask. You never know. We have so little time.’

‘Well …’ Trelawney was reluctant to have Amanda any more involved that she had been already.

She added persuasively, ‘I know it’s a long shot and it’s probably like meeting someone from Australia and saying, ‘Oh, you must know John!’ But it’s worth a go, don’t you think, Inspector?’

He relented. ‘Fine, yes, go ahead. Send me a text if you get anything helpful.’

‘Will do,’ Amanda promised.

Chapter 39

Shop Talk

As Trelawney drove off, Amanda reached for her phone and dialled.

‘Dale?’

‘Amanda? How nice. I was just thinking about you.’

‘Ah good, well, would it be OK to drop round? The inspector and I are hoping you can help with the case.’

‘Of course. Will the inspector be giving us the pleasure of his company too?’

‘No, he’s making enquiries elsewhere.’

‘Hm? … Excuse me. Just a sec.’ A muffled voice sounded in the background for a couple of minutes, followed by, ‘Yes, that’s fine. Mother is sure you’re not looking after yourself, so there’ll be a treat waiting for you. Fifteen minutes?’

‘Lovely.’

‘See you soon, Amanda.’

***

Trelawney pulled over and reached for his phone.

‘Mike?’

‘Here, lad.’

‘I need clout. Serious clout.’

‘Go ahead.’

‘Lord Vigo — to keep his name off the record.’

‘Yes?’

“I think he’s got the goods. What I need to crack this case. Samantha Gibbs got the identity of the guide from him. I feel it in my bones.’

‘Good enough.’

‘I need him to talk to me. I thought we could meet at the Asthma Centre. He’s a sponsor, nothing untoward about his turning up there. I’ll get us a quiet space.’

‘Nice choice.’

‘I need him there immediately. Can you get the request to come from the right place, Mike?’

‘Give me five, Thomas. I’ll call you back.’

The time ticked by as Trelawney leaned his head back and rehearsed how he would greet and question the man.

It was more like ten minutes when Hogarth rang back.

‘I got Maxwell on side. Vigo is already at the Centre in confab with Gibbs, it seems. And not for the first time.’

‘Good grief.’

‘Yes, who knows what else they may have collaborated in?’

‘Quite.’

‘Yes. Look Thomas, this has to be strictly off the record. Every word he says. The press called him Lord Vigo after a heavy metal band because he’s a big noise in the City. Take him seriously. If he turns out to be the murderer, tread extremely carefully; call Maxwell. Don’t make the arrest, whatever you do.’

‘Understood. Is he expecting me?’

‘Yes, he’ll be in the boardroom.’

‘Good. On my way.’ Thomas looked at the time. One hour and 40 minutes to go until the arrest must be made.

***

As Amanda put on her coat and shoes, Tempest uncoiled his furry bulk and jumped from the comfort of the sofa.

‘Coming?’ she asked him. Then with a laugh, ‘I suppose you heard the word “treat”!’

Dale was outside the shop, collecting a spray of white carnations when Amanda arrived.

‘Right on time,’ he greeted her, with a welcoming smile. ‘We’ve just got a couple of orders to finish off. Mother is doing the other one.’

‘That’s fine. I know I’m interrupting your working day. I won’t need long though.’

‘No, no, it’s quite all right. We’re more than happy to take a break. Do go in and make yourself at home.’

Tempest infiltrated the large containers of plants, disappearing from view. Amanda seated herself at the white-painted, wrought iron table, where customers could wait for their flowers to be gathered, arranged and wrapped. Dale hurried into the kitchen behind the shop.

Amanda was anxious to cut to the chase. Nevertheless, she was also mindful of the fact that he was taking time off to talk to her and had gone to no little trouble to make it a pleasant experience. And it wasn’t like she had anything else to do that could help with the investigation. She’d read the journal from cover to cover twice, for all the good it had done. There was just that one phrase: Nans Breha. Strange how that should come to her mind now. It was like a seed under the desert sand, receiving that rare rain … cracking open ….

She heard a murmured chat with Mrs Hilland, before the lady issued forth.

‘Hello, Amanda!’

‘Hello, Mrs —’

‘Gillian, remember,’ said