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

sorry about the way Sarge behaved towards you after the Andrea Wood interview. It was uncalled for when you think of how much you put into this case, and that’s even before considering the beating you took.’

He shrugged. ‘Don’t be. I get it. He didn’t like me interfering as I’m no longer a serving officer.’

‘I expect you having worked at the Met didn’t help, either.’

‘It doesn’t matter, I wasn’t offended. Has Andrea been interviewed again?’

‘Yes. I was going to update you on everything. We interviewed Dunkley first, and he accidentally dropped Andrea in it by saying he’d overheard a conversation she had with Donald on the Monday.’

‘She said it was the Friday,’ Seb said.

‘And it turned out to be on the Sunday when she was in Market Harborough. I had Donald’s phone records and could check. Slam dunk to us. After Andrea was questioned again, she finally admitted that she’d asked Dunkley to deal with the blackmail. She thought he’d just give Donald a warning and not actually kill him. But she would say that. Although according to Dunkley he hadn’t intended to murder Donald initially, just warn him off. But we’ll never know.’

‘Yet, when I was in the car with Andrea, she acted like she didn’t want Dunkley to hear our discussion. She was a bloody good actress, that’s all I can say. She must have already been covering her back knowing that we were getting close to what had actually happened. Did she admit to sending Dunkley to attack me?’

‘Eventually, but she said Dunkley was to warn you and nothing more. We’ll have to see what the jury has to say about it. Have you thought about what you’re going to tell Sarah?’

‘She needs to know what’s happened as she’ll find out when the case gets to court and all the details are released. I’ll let her know that she was right about Donald and then take it from there.’

‘When are you going to see her?’

‘Tomorrow morning before I leave.’

Her heart sank, which was stupid as it wasn’t like she didn’t know he was going to be leaving.

‘Are you going to miss Market Harborough?’

‘Maybe. Under different circumstances, I’d have enjoyed it better.’

‘What about work? You should really think of being a PI, you’re so good at it.’

‘I admit to enjoying the investigation, apart from being attacked, obviously. But PI? I don’t think it’s me. What about you, happy the case is over and you no longer have to act covertly?’

‘You did me a good turn letting me help because now I’m sort of in the good books at work for helping solve a high-profile murder case. It means I’m no longer desk-bound, as Sarge has already allocated me some work.’

‘But for how long will you remain out of trouble?’ Seb said, tilting his head to one side.

‘Meaning?’

He could read her like a book. Which was most disconcerting.

‘You need to pull your socks up and make sure you get to work early and do what you’re meant to be doing. There’s no doubting that you’re good, but you can’t just rely on gut instinct when you’re working in CID.’

She sighed. ‘You’re right, of course. I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and buy a couple more alarm clocks. With long-lasting batteries.’

‘How are you getting on with your seeking your birth mother?’

She frowned as she remembered the email. ‘Not good, I’m afraid. I heard back from the Adoption Contact Register and it seems my birth mother contacted them to let them know that she doesn’t want any contact with me.’ Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked them away.

‘Does that mean you won’t be pursuing it?’

‘No, it means that I’ll investigate myself without their help. I’ve no idea why she put in this request. But I need to know where she is. Even if we don’t ever meet face to face.’

‘Have you discussed it further with your parents?’

‘They haven’t mentioned it since I told them what I was going to do.’

‘Are you going to tell them of your progress?’

‘I don’t think so. It’s better if I keep it to myself as I don’t want to cause them any more upset.’

If they asked her, then she’d let them know what she was doing. She wasn’t going to lie to them. If they didn’t ask, then she’d stay quiet.

‘If you do want someone to talk to about it, you know where I am.’

‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘I really mean it. You’re the nicest older man I know.’ She got up and gave him a hug.

‘Ouch. You know, I am still bruised from the beating.’

‘Don’t be such a big wuss. Look at the size of you. A hug from someone like me isn’t going to hurt.’ She squeezed him tighter, and he responded by hugging her back. ‘I’m going to miss you, you big lump. A lot.’

Chapter 46

23 May

Sebastian put out the rubbish and tidied up. Considering what had gone down in the place it was amazing that everything was in one piece. He’d packed his belongings last night and loaded them into the back of his car. Elsa’s lead was hanging on a hook and when he picked it up she bounded over to him, her tail wagging in circles.

‘Come on, girl, we’ve got one last stop.’ He placed the key on the table, as instructed, and they left out of the front door which self-locked. Elsa hopped into the back of the car and lay down on the floor.

He drove them out to Rendall Hall and as Seb was opening the back door for Elsa to jump out, Sarah headed down the steps towards them.

‘I heard a car on the drive and thought it was you. I’ve been on tenterhooks ever since you phoned. The finality in your voice set my mind in overdrive. Have you some news?’

‘Yes, I do. Let’s have a chat in the garden so I can give Elsa a run before we drive back to London.’

‘You’re leaving today? You didn’t say.’

They walked around the house and