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

asked.
    ‘Well, I suppose Laurence’s latest dalliance with Charlotte Holmes, the wife of Brayshaw’s Retail Manager, could have caused problems.  Providing, of course, Eric Holmes is aware of his wife’s affair, although, I don’t see how he couldn’t be.  Laurence was never particularly discreet.’
    Betts stopped writing and looked up.  Fitzjohn’s eyebrows rose.
    ‘Are you sure about this?’
    ‘Yes, of course I’m sure.  It’s been going on for some time.  When I spoke to Laurence about it the other evening he didn’t deny it.’
    Fitzjohn adjusted his glasses.  ‘On another note, Mrs Harford, have you any idea why your brother-in-law, Edward Harford’s bank statements would be in your husband’s office?’  Julia Harford gave Fitzjohn a quizzical look.  ‘Did your husband, perhaps, take care of his brother’s finances?’
    ‘Good heavens no, Inspector.  They loathed each other.  I imagine the only explanation for them being there would be that Edward left the statements in the office when he retired.’
    ‘I don’t think that’s the case.’ said Fitzjohn, ‘because I understand he retired a year ago, and the most recent of these statements is last month.’
    ‘Then I can’t think how they got there or why they should be there.’
    ‘Do you have any involvement in Brayshaw’s Jewellers, Mrs Harford?’
    ‘No.  Brayshaw’s was founded by Laurence’s great-grandfather in the late eighteen hundreds.  On his grandmother’s side of the family.  Hence the name Brayshaw.  I’ve never taken an interest in the company.’
    ‘I see.  Well, I think that will be all for now.’  Fitzjohn got to his feet followed by Betts.  ‘I’m sorry we had to bring you this news, Mrs Harford.  We’ll be in touch.’
    The two men started toward the door when Fitzjohn stopped and turned around.  ‘Oh, there is one more thing.  Have you been in touch with your nephew, Nicholas Harford, lately?’
    ‘Nicholas?  No, I haven’t seen or spoken to him for years.’  Julia paused.  ‘Because of the trouble between his father and Laurence that I mentioned earlier.’
     
    When Fitzjohn and Betts reached the front entrance the butler appeared.  ‘Ah, Mr Mapsom.  I wonder if we can have a word with you, please.’  Mapsom looked puzzled.  ‘Is there somewhere we can talk?’
    ‘Yes, of course, Detective Chief Inspector.  Please, come this way.’  Fitzjohn and Betts followed the butler through the house and into a large kitchen and living area overlooking the side garden.  While they settled themselves into one of two long sofas, Mapsom sat rigidly on the other.
    ‘How can I be of assistance, Chief Inspector?’
    ‘I’m afraid we’ve had to bring Mrs Harford distressing news, Mr Mapsom.  Mr Harford’s body was found early this morning at Brayshaw’s Jewellers.’ Mapsom stared at Fitzjohn, his prim manner falling away.
    ‘Mr Harford is dead?’ he said, his voice cracking.  ‘What happened?’
    ‘All I can tell you at this point is that we are treating Mr Harford’s death as suspicious.’
    ‘You mean someone killed him?’ The tone of Mapsom’s voice rose.
    ‘We’ll know more after the post mortem.’  Mapsom slumped back on the sofa, his face losing all colour.
    Fitzjohn waited for a moment before continuing.  ‘I realise this is a shock, but Mrs Harford said that you would be able to help us with information about Mr Harford’s movements over the last few days.  Since Monday, that is.’  When Mapsom did not reply, Fitzjohn continued.  ‘We can come back later if you don’t feel up to it at the moment, Mr Mapsom.’
    ‘No.  That won’t be necessary, Chief Inspector.  I’d like to help.’  Mapsom paused for a moment.  ‘Since Monday, you say.’
    ‘Yes,’ said Fitzjohn.
    As if trying to gather his thoughts Mapsom looked thoughtfully toward the window.  ‘Let me think.  On Monday evening, Mr Harford returned home from the office by taxi and went