Hit and Run by Maria Frankland (best book recommendations txt) 📗

“To Bryony Rose, you mean?” DI Green clasps her hands on the table and looks at me.

“Maybe. Have you questioned Denise Matherson yet, about her car? It’s different from the one that came after me this morning, but who knows, she could have borrowed one. She certainly hates me enough.”

“Yes, we’ve spoken to her.”

“And?”

“It’s an ongoing Inquiry Fiona. There’s only so much we can share with you.”

“Do you still think I did it?” There it’s out. The million dollar question. I’ve been read my rights and interviewed, but never charged. Surely they’d have charged me by now if they were going to.

She gives me a half smile. “Personally, I’d like to think you didn’t, but obviously whilst things are ongoing, I have to keep an open mind.”

“What about Turner?”

“We went over to Manchester yesterday, hoping to catch him at home, but he wasn’t there. His wife claims not to have seen him for two days and has said she does not know of his financial transactions with Rob.”

“What about the phone recording?”

She shakes her head. “Nothing, I’m afraid. We really need to speak to James Turner. You can be assured we will keep trying.”

“So, he’s gone missing. Surely that must make you more suspicious of him. I’m telling you. I really think it’s him, who killed Rob. He half admitted to me.”

“It’s such a shame you didn’t save the recording.” Her face bears a hint of regret. “Without that, it’s your word against his.”

“I reckon it’s probably him who was driving like a maniac this morning – right on the same stretch of road that Rob died. If he’s gone AWOL from Manchester, that would tie in, if he’s over here, I mean.”

“We’ll certainly have a look at nearby CCTV, see if anything has been picked up in Ilkley or Otley.”

“The car also looked like the same one Rob’s boss, Phillip Bracken has.”

“A black Range Rover or Land Rover?”

“Yes.”

“And does his car have blackened windows?”

“I’ve no idea. Running me off the road doesn’t seem his style though, nor can I imagine him stalking my house late at night, but there again, he could have got someone to do it for him.”

“OK Fiona.” DI Green stretches her arms out in front of her. “Leave this with us. Get through your husband’s funeral, then we’ll talk again at the weekend. John will come out with you to give your car a look over.”

It’s alright for you, I want to tell her. The reality is I’ve got to drive around with Jack in the car, worrying if we’re being followed, or if someone is going to break into the house at night and it’s making me feel ill. I’ll have to make the house like Fort Knox. And go on foot to collect Jack from school.

But first, I’ve got to go and see Rob. It’s my last chance. To make matters worse, PC John Robinson only finds a couple of scuff marks on the bumper of the jeep.

I can still remember Grandma when I viewed her body the day before her funeral. She looked tiny in her white coffin. I’d sat with her for about half an hour, making her endless promises about how the rest of my life would look. She would be so disappointed if she could see how I’m doing, despite all she did for me.

I exchange the street bustle for the silence of the funeral home.

“We’ve dressed him in the clothes you brought in. He’s all ready for you,” Emma says. She smiles at me. I guess this is business as usual for her. “I gather you got all the service arrangements sorted yesterday.”

“Yes. Thank you. Your colleague, Joseph, was very kind. Oh, and I got your bill. I’ll have to sort it out early next week.”

“That’s fine.” She rises from her seat. “It’s not as if you haven’t got enough to be thinking about over the next few days.”

“He’s in here,” Emma says, as we approach a door with a number one on it. I’m shocked when she knocks before going in, as though he’s going to call out come in.

Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of my husband, laid in a coffin, his hands resting on his ribs. He’s still wearing his wedding ring and they have combed his hair. I’m amazed there’s barely a scratch on him after what happened. Apparently, it was the top of his spine that took most of the impact.

Emma must notice me staring at his ring. “That can’t go with him tomorrow, for cremation, I mean. So we’ll let you have it either when you leave today, or after the service.”

“I’ll get it tomorrow.” God knows what I’m going to do with his wedding ring. Sell it, I reckon. It cost enough and I need every penny I can get hold of. Bloody hell, I can’t believe I’m even considering this.

“Would you like me to stay with you, or do you want some time on your own with him?”

“I’d like some time on my own, if you don’t mind.” I point at the rose stem laid across Rob’s chest. “Where has the flower come from?” I immediately suspect Bryony. Surely not.

“Oh, we do that for everyone. It’s a symbol of respect from us. Right. I’ll give you some time.” She touches my arm as she steps away. “I’ll be outside if you need anything.”

The door closes softly behind her. I notice the coffin lid resting against the wall at the side of Rob. Then I stare at my husband’s ashen face.

“It’s me.” My voice sounds strange in the silence. “I thought I’d better come and see you, whilst I’ve got the chance.” I step closer. “I can’t believe what’s happened.” Talk about an understatement.

A rush of misery sweeps over me. “I loved you so much Rob. I just didn’t really know you, did I? Not like Bryony did.” Then I decide I won’t talk about