The Burden of Doubt by Angela Dracup Read Free Book Online Page B

darling.’ She looked across at Laura. ‘I’m aware of the things the police want to know when conducting a murder enquiry,’ she said, her voice thin and shaky. ‘So before you put me through the embarrassment of asking the vital question of where I was when Moira died, I’d like to say that I was at home all that morning. On my own. My housekeeper didn’t arrive until eleven-thirty as she got held up because of the snow and ice.’
    ‘Thank you for that,’ Laura said, writing down Sylvia Farrell’s formal words in her notebook.
    ‘Jayne was in Prague when Moira died,’ Sylvia continued, her voice shaky with emotion. ‘She came back immediately I called her.’
    Laura turned to Jayne, who nodded agreement.
    ‘Now, is that all, Constable?’ Sylvia demanded, her self-control restored.
    ‘Almost, Mrs Farrell.’ Laura cleared her throat. ‘Would you describe Moira’s marriage as happy?’
    Sylvia and her daughter exchanged glances. ‘I have no reason to believe they were unhappy,’ Sylvia Farrell said, formally. ‘Moira certainly never mentioned it.’
    In the ensuing silence the air within the room seemed to gather itself together into a sigh of regret. Sylvia linked her hands together and laid them on her lap. It was a gesture which indicated that the interview was at a close.
    Jayne got up and politely escorted Laura to the outer door, having carefully closed the door of the living-room behind them.
    ‘This has been a terrible shock for my mother,’ Jayne told Laura,as they stood on the outer steps. ‘Especially as I was away at the time. Of course, I came back as soon as she telephoned me with the news. But that’s not the same as being here.’
    Laura nodded in respectful agreement.
    ‘She’s had more than her fair share of sudden death,’ Jayne continued. ‘Her first husband, my father, died of a stroke in his sleep. And Anthony, my stepfather, died of a heart attack whilst playing billiards at his club. Neither of them had suffered any previous illness, so the shock was terrible. And now, Moira …’
    Laura left a respectful pause. ‘Were you and Moira close?’ she asked.
    Jayne considered. ‘Not really. I mean we got on perfectly well when we met at family functions. But there was quite an age difference between us and we didn’t really socialize together. Moira was wrapped up in her work and with Rajesh – and the whole medical scene; she was a dedicated, caring medic.’ She paused.
    ‘And you?’ Laura prompted.
    ‘Ah, well, I guess I’m a bit of a lightweight. I got a big legacy from my grandparents on my father’s side and basically I don’t have to work. I entertain myself going to music concerts around Britain and Europe and to teaching the clarinet to a few handpicked pupils who show genuine promise.’
    Laura found herself warming to the other woman’s frankness and her air of gentle self mockery. She felt no envy of those rich enough not to work. She would have chosen to join the police even if she’d had millions. Well, she was pretty sure she would.
    ‘I had the impression your mother was holding back on her opinion of Professor Patel,’ Laura suggested.
    Jayne inclined her head in agreement. ‘Rajesh is not an especially easy person socially, he’s very talented, and not very much interested in socializing. And he’s very much his own person. He doesn’t show his feelings or share them with anyone. He and Moira’s father didn’t really hit it off at all as Anthony was just the opposite.’
    ‘And your mother? Did he get on with her?’
    ‘No, not really. But she wouldn’t ever admit it. My mother’sproud, you see – one of the old school. She likes to show a good front. And she believes that our family should share vital information, that we shouldn’t keep secrets from each other. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing to aim for.’ She glanced at Laura to gauge her reaction, then stepped back into the hallway and opened the squashy leather bag