Murder at the Rocks by Jill Paterson Read Free Book Online Page A

fireplace, its carvings adding to the luxuriousness of the room.
    ‘Please, come and sit down gentlemen.’  The two men settled themselves into the armchairs that faced the sofa.  ‘Now, what can I do for you?’ she said with an air of superiority.
    ‘I’m afraid we have disturbing news, Mrs Harford,’ said Fitzjohn.  ‘It’s your husband.  His body was found early this morning in the lane that leads to Brayshaw’s side entrance.’  Julia Harford gasped, a look of disbelief descending onto her face.  Fitzjohn waited for a moment before he continued.  ‘I have also to tell you that we are treating the matter as suspicious.’
    ‘You mean Laurence has been murdered?’  Julia Harford got to her feet and went to stand in front of the fireplace before turning back to face them, her arms wrapped around herself.
    ‘I know this is a shock, Mrs Harford.  Is there anyone we can contact who can come and stay with you?  A family member perhaps.’
    ‘No, that won’t be necessary.  I’ll be fine, thank you, Inspector.’  Julia returned to the sofa where she remained silent for a moment.
    ‘I realise this is difficult, Mrs Harford,’ said Fitzjohn, ‘but can I ask when you last saw your husband?’
    Julia Harford hesitated as if trying to gather her thoughts before she said, ‘The last time I saw Laurence?  Let’s see.  It would have to have been on Monday evening.’  She thought for a second longer.  ‘Yes, it was.  We were due to attend a charity dinner, but at the last minute, Laurence said he had another commitment so I went alone.’
    Fitzjohn’s brow furrowed.  ‘And you haven’t seen or spoken to him since?’
    ‘No.’  Julia Harford paused before she spoke again.  ‘I can see what you’re thinking, Inspector.  How can we live in the same house and not come face to face in almost a week.  Well, as you can see, this is a large house and… how can I put this?  My husband and I were not close.  It wasn’t unusual for us not to see each other for days at a time.’
    ‘I see,’ said Fitzjohn, a sense of bewilderment taking hold.  ‘Well, in that case you won’t be able to help us with his movements during the past few days.’
    ‘No, I’m afraid not, although, I’m sure Mapsom can.  He quite often drove Laurence to wherever he wished to go.’
    ‘Very well.  We’ll have a word with him on our way out.’
    ‘Can I ask where you were last evening, Mrs Harford?’
    ‘I was at a function at the Shangri-la Hotel in town.’
    ‘And what time did you leave there?’
    ‘Oh, let’s see.  Around eight, I think.’
    ‘And you came straight home?’
    Julia Harford frowned.  ‘Are these questions altogether necessary, Inspector?’
    ‘I’m afraid they are, Mrs Harford.  You see, we need to establish the whereabouts, last evening, of all who knew your husband.’
    ‘Well, in that case, I didn’t come straight home, I visited a friend.’
    ‘And your friend’s name?’  Fitzjohn waited.
    ‘I’d rather not say.’
    ‘We need to corroborate your story, Mrs Harford.’  Julia Harford remained silent.  ‘Very well, then can you tell me what time you arrived home?’
    ‘Two or so.  I can’t quite remember the exact time.’
    ‘Did Mr Mapsom drive you?’
    ‘No, my friend’s chauffeur brought me home.’  Julia Harford shifted in her chair.  ‘Do you think we could continue this at some other time, Inspector?  My husband and I weren’t close, it’s true, but even so this has come as rather a shock.’
    ‘I understand and I apologise, but there is one more question I must ask.  Do you know of anyone who may have had a grudge against your husband?’
    Julia Harford looked Fitzjohn directly in the eye.  ‘I can think of quite a few.  Mainly the husbands of the women he took up with from time to time.’
    A look of surprise crossed Fitzjohn’s face as he ran his hand over the back of his neck.  ‘Does anyone in particular come to mind?’ he