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

‘I remember you from before, but you were off duty then, is this about something else?’ Evans said.

‘Same investigation. We won’t keep you too long,’ Birdie said. ‘We’re here to check whether you recognise this man.’

Seb took out his phone, pulled up a photo of Aaron Dunkley and showed it to the manager, who took it and stared for a few seconds, nodding his head.

‘He’s definitely familiar. Definitely. I’m trying to think from where.’ He slapped his forehead. ‘I remember, now. He was with Donald Witherspoon the day that he died. How could I have forgotten that?’ He narrowed his eyes, while continuing to stare at the photo. ‘I think it’s because there’s something different about him in this photo, but I’m not sure what it … Oh, I know, he had a beard when I last saw him. He must have shaved that off, but yeah, it’s definitely him. He wasn’t friendly, in fact he appeared sullen.’

‘Are you absolutely sure he was with Donald Witherspoon?’ Seb asked.

‘Yes.’ He turned to give the sauce a stir.

‘Did they come in together or separately?’

‘If I remember rightly, they met in here. Witherspoon arrived first, ordered a drink and made sure he could get a table at the back of the restaurant, and then he was joined by this man, about ten minutes or so later.’

‘Did they have a meal?’

‘I believe so, yes.’

‘Who paid?’ Birdie asked.

Seb nodded his approval at her quick thinking, it could lead to a paper trail.

‘I couldn’t tell you, sorry.’

‘Is there any way of finding out? Can you track which credit card was used?’ she continued.

‘I’ll have to go through the records. Can I do that later and let you know?’

‘Yes, that’s fine,’ Birdie said, giving him her card. ‘What time did they leave?’

‘Now you’re asking. I honestly don’t know.’

‘Can you remember whether they were they arguing, or chatting in a friendly way?’ Seb asked.

‘Definitely no arguments, or it would’ve made me take notice. I’d assumed he was a prospective client because Witherspoon got out some leaflets. He’d often do that when he was here with clients so he could explain various investments.’

‘How do you know that’s what he did?’ Seb asked.

‘Sometimes I’d listen to see if I could pick up any tips.’

‘Didn’t Witherspoon mind?’

‘I’d position myself in such a way that he couldn’t see me.’

‘Did you take any of his advice?’

‘I couldn’t afford to, but it was useful to know for when I decide to invest my money, if I ever have any spare. Though, seeing as his whole business was a sham, it’s probably not a good idea to take notice of what he said.’

‘Are you sure the meeting he had with this man was the same as the others?’ Seb asked.

‘It didn’t seem any different.’

‘And you definitely don’t remember the time they left?’

‘I’ve already said that. All I can tell you is they left together because I was standing behind the bar when Witherspoon called out goodbye. I glanced over and saw the man was with him.’

‘What sort of frame of mind would you say Witherspoon was in? Did he look scared, or under duress?’ Seb asked.

‘The exact opposite. He seemed happy and I remember thinking that he must’ve got the man to invest. When I found out about the suicide, I thought it was strange.’

Birdie’s eyes widened. ‘Yet you didn’t tell the police any of this.’

‘I would’ve done if they’d asked me, but as I told you last time, no one came to see me about it. I thought that meant it wasn’t important.’

‘Thank you, for your help. We’ll leave you now to get on with your dinner,’ Seb said.

They returned to the pub and found a table in the corner where they sat with their drinks and crisps.

‘Now the manager has confirmed the connection it’s an official police matter. We know Dunkley attacked you and we know he was seen with Donald on the day he died,’ Birdie said.

‘If only the police had spoken to the manager and found out more about Donald’s movements before his death, it might have changed things.’ Seb picked up his drink and took a sip.

‘It still could’ve led them to the verdict of suicide. Although they might have listened to Sarah a bit more. And if they’d discovered who Donald was with it could’ve raised alarm bells. But this is all coulda, woulda, shoulda. Even if I’d been on the case, I can’t say for certain that I’d have followed up on everything. You know what police work is like. We know now, and that’s the main thing.’

‘You’re right. We’ll go back to my place, pull everything together and you can take it in.’

They finished their drinks and got back in the car and headed towards Market Harborough. As he was driving, Seb’s eyes were drawn to his rear-view mirror.

‘Is there anything wrong?’

‘I think we’re being followed by a silver Volkswagen Golf. In fact, now I’m aware of it, I’ve seen this car a few times today. I can’t believe it hadn’t registered before now.’

‘Can you see who’s in it?’

‘Not clearly. I’ll slow down so they can get closer.’ He released his foot from the accelerator. ‘Damn. They’ve slowed down, too, and are keeping their distance. But I think it could be Dunkley, and there’s another male with him.’

Chapter 38

20 May

‘What are we going to do?’ Birdie asked, staring at the intense concentration etched across Seb’s face as he drove them towards Market Harborough.

She glanced in the wing mirror at the Golf, which was still quite a way behind them. If only she could see the number plate, she could call it in.

‘Nothing, other than keep an eye on them.’

‘We should go straight to the station. It could be dangerous.’

‘They’re hardly going to follow us there and give themselves up. Let’s bide our time and see what happens. I want to make absolutely sure they’re the ones who attacked me and murdered Donald.’ His lips set in a flat line. He was determined.

She shouldn’t let his