Stolen by Rebecca Muddiman Read Free Book Online Page A

He’s on his way to Abbott’s photography studio in Saltburn now. I’m trying to confirm his flight status.’
    ‘Good.’ Gardner nodded towards the room where Paul Henshaw was waiting. ‘What do you think of him? First impressions?’
    ‘He seems to be in shock,’ she said after a moment.
    ‘And?’
    ‘Upset.’
    ‘He say anything that seemed strange to you?’ Gardner asked and Lawton shook her head. ‘What was your gut instinct? Involved?’
    ‘No,’ Lawton said, looking in at Paul. ‘No, I think he’s devastated.’
    ‘What were you thinking in there with Mrs Henshaw?’ Gardner asked. ‘You think Jen Harvey has something to do with it?’
    Lawton looked like she wanted to speak but held back. She was too timid at times and that wasn’t going to get her anywhere.
    ‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘Something about the husband and the friend bothered me.’
    ‘You think they’re involved again?’
    ‘No,’ Lawton said. ‘But maybe the friend isn’t what she seems. Maybe when she saw him again something clicked and she remembered what she was missing. She could be jealous of what Abby Henshaw’s got.’
    Gardner thought about it. ‘You think she could be jealous enough to do something like this?’
    Lawton frowned. ‘I don’t know.’
    ‘We’ll speak to the husband first. Then we’ll see about Jen Harvey.’
    Lawton nodded and they walked into the interview room.  Gardner looked at Paul Henshaw and wondered if he’d be able to answer his questions, if he really knew his wife at all.

Chapter Eleven
    ‘Sorry about the wait,’ Gardner said and pulled up a chair opposite Henshaw, who gave a half-hearted shrug. He seemed exhausted, his eyes red and damp. His hands rested on the table, clenching and unclenching.
    ‘Shall we start?’ Gardner asked, waiting for Lawton to set up the camera.
    ‘Has there been any news?’
    ‘No, not yet. I’m sorry,’ Gardner said and took out a pen. He looked at Paul. He was shaking. In many ways he looked worse than Abby did. ‘Can I get you something?’ he asked, hoping that the man wasn’t about to pass out. ‘Water, maybe?’
    Paul shook his head and let out another sob. He covered his face and Gardner had to look away. Jesus, the man was a wreck. He knew how embarrassing it was to be the crying man. He’d been there. And he’d had much less reason for it. He understood how humiliating it was so kept his eyes down and scribbled some notes that meant nothing.
    ‘God, this is my fault,’ Paul said.
    Gardner looked up but Paul wasn’t looking in his direction. He was staring up as if he was actually praying. ‘Mr Henshaw?’
    Paul closed his eyes and muttered, ‘I should’ve been there.’
    ‘Mr Henshaw?’ Gardner repeated and Paul finally looked at him. He shook his head and apologised.
    ‘I’m sorry,’ Paul said and wiped his eyes, trying to compose himself. ‘I’m sorry.’
    Gardner nodded. ‘That’s alright.’ He paused. He wanted Paul to continue. Sometimes the best information came from an emotional rant. But Paul was quiet. He decided to lead him gently back in. ‘It’s not your fault, Mr Henshaw,’ he said.
    Paul just stared for a while and then nodded. ‘But I should’ve been there.’
    ‘Where?’
    ‘With Abby. With Beth. Maybe if I’d gone this wouldn’t have happened,’ he said. ‘I should’ve told her not to go. I should’ve stopped her.’ He took in a shaky breath and looked at Gardner. ‘Please tell me you’ll find her. You’ll find the bastards who did this.’
    Gardner nodded. ‘We will,’ he said and hoped it was true. ‘Are you okay to start?’ he asked and Paul nodded. ‘Okay, let’s start with this morning. Can you tell me what happened?’
    ‘When?’ Paul asked and rubbed at his eyes.
    ‘This morning before you and Abby left the house. Talk me through what happened.’
    Paul swallowed. ‘We had breakfast. Me and Abby and Beth.’ His voice caught as he said his daughter’s name. ‘Same