The Ambiguity of Murder by Roderic Jeffries Read Free Book Online

abruptly.
    He guessed she was castigating herself for her criticism. ‘You know, the way a person acts isn’t altered by his dying. You’re helping me by saying how things really were.’
    â€˜It’s just … I mean, if he could have decided earlier, I’d have known how my evening was going to be. Only … he wasn’t the kind of man to think of other people.’ She had spoken hurriedly as if trying to race her conscience.
    â€˜Did he ring you later on?’
    â€˜No. Couldn’t be bothered.’
    â€˜Then you spent the evening uncertain whether or not you’d have to return to work?’
    â€˜I ain’t daft. I waited, then rang back to find out if he’d made his mind up.’
    â€˜And had he?’
    â€˜I wouldn’t know. There was no answer. Rang three times, then I thought to hell with it, he could get his own supper.’
    â€˜What was the time when you phoned him?’
    â€˜Eight. When he’d said he’d phone me.’
    â€˜Presumably there’s a phone down at the pool house?’
    â€˜â€™Course there is. Phones everywhere. I’d have given something to be able to get rid of the one in my place so as he couldn’t have bothered me all the time.’
    â€˜Did it puzzle you that he didn’t answer your call?’
    â€˜No. Just thought he’d decided to go out and couldn’t be bothered to tell me.’ She hesitated, then added: ‘If I’d gone to find out why he didn’t answer…’ She became silent, her expression strained.
    â€˜You’d no reason to think you ought to check, had you?’
    â€˜Of course I hadn’t. There’ve been times enough when he didn’t do what he said he would.’
    â€˜Then you’ve absolutely no reason to blame yourself.’
    â€˜It’s just I can’t help thinking.’
    â€˜Sometimes, it pays not to think.’
    â€˜Easy to say.’ She sighed.
    The time of death could seldom, if ever, be medically estimated with any firm degree of accuracy, but when a figure was given, it could be accepted unless or until there was reason to doubt it. Dr Sanz had placed the time of death at between seven and nine. Zavala had spoken to Susana at half past seven, had failed to answer the phone at eight even though she had rung three times. There was here reason to believe death had occurred between half-seven and eight … ‘There’s one last thing. I need to talk to Inés.’
    â€˜She’s not here. She was so upset I told her to go off back home. I mean, I didn’t think you might want to speak to her. If I’d known…’
    â€˜Don’t worry. Tell me where she lives and I’ll see her there.’
    â€˜You … you won’t mention what I told you about her in the television room, will you? She’s scared her novio will hear about it. He’s the jealous type and would likely start wondering if she’d been smiling at the señor.’
    â€˜Could she have been?’
    For several seconds, Susana hesitated, then she said: ‘When youngsters see foreigners who are rich beyond understanding, likely they have silly ideas.’
    â€˜And who can blame ’em … So if you’ll give me her address?’
    â€˜The house is in Carrer Magallanes, but I can’t say the number.’
    â€˜I’ll soon find out what that is.’ He looked up at the electric clock on the far wall. ‘I’d better start moving.’
    â€˜There’s still some biscuits left.’
    He reached across the table.

CHAPTER 6
    Jaime was seated at the table in the dining/sitting room, a bottle of brandy and a glass in front of him. Alvarez looked at the bead curtain across the kitchen doorway, from behind which came the sounds of cooking. He said in a low voice: ‘How are things now?’
    â€˜A little while back, she was singing,’ Jaime replied.
    Alvarez