The Shadows of Justice by Simon Hall Read Free Book Online Page B

part was marked with the most underlinings in Dan’s notes. There had been no history of achievement in his own family either, and it was only the intervention of a couple of teachers that had guided the young Dan to university and his world of today. It was one he could never have imagined all those years ago.
    Roger had decided against studying for a degree, pronouncing himself insufficiently academic, but instead left school to go into business. In the sixth form, he’d been given work experience at a couple of local companies. His time there was fondly remembered, largely because of his politeness and willingness to listen and learn, but also one singular feature. He always carried a notepad and would jot down the slightest experience, tip or sliver of advice.
    The contacts he made and the impression he left brought Roger the job of a trainee at a carpeting company. It was new and growing, and the future looked optimistic. But Roger stayed for only a year. In interviews afterwards, he said that it was a sufficient length of time to learn all he could from the firm, and more importantly to save up the money required for his next move: the tradition of taking on a market stall.
    He worked punishing hours, but fared well. The following year Roger Newman opened his first store on the edge of the city. The year after, it took over the pet shop next door and doubled in size. Twelve months later, a second store opened. And after three more years there were 12 branches of Roger’s Rugs across Devon and Cornwall, and plans afoot to begin an expansion outside of the region.
    ***
    Roger had never been shy of the media, and the briefing contained a series of interviews he’d given. In one, an admirably cheeky reporter had asked, “Given your success in business, and your wealth, is there anything missing in your life?”
    The answer had taken a few seconds to come, the article said. When it did, the words were thoughtful and heartfelt. The desire to have a family was perhaps the sole ambition remaining.
    At the time Roger Newman was 28 years old. The company had expanded across much of England and the tally of stores was now 94. The symbolic century would soon be passed.
    Then, as if to mark the man’s 30th birthday, came a surprise announcement. Roger was engaged. Rachel Hawker was three years his junior and a solicitor. They had been introduced at a dinner party by some friends who had taken upon themselves the quiet art of matchmaking.
    The wedding was a lavish affair, at a stately home in Cornwall overlooking the River Tamar. Pictures filled the papers. Faces glowed with happiness. The following year a girl was born, Annette Louise Newman.
    All was set fair and Roger’s high profile waned. He was devoting his time to the twin demands of business and a young family; plenty enough to occupy any man.
    Until the next story came to dominate the news. Rachel had left the family home to live with a barrister, as if one lawyer in a household was not enough. There were reports of attempts at reconciliation, but none budded. In the sad, modern-day way, to the courts they went to contest custody of Annette.
    To the surprise of many, Roger won. He could afford the finest of lawyers, but the briefing notes said it was his personal plea which had been decisive. In tears, obviously genuine and all the more powerful for that, he argued he had the means, but most importantly the love and determination to bring up Annette.
    Why, he ended his address, should a woman who had left, taking much of his heart, also take his only child?
    ***
    Once more, the life of Roger Newman quietened. Annette was growing up and, as he had promised, fatherhood was taking much of the man’s time.
    But the pain of the separation was still evident. As often happens with people who suffer a loss, Roger looked to put new meaning into his world. He set up a charity to help children born to the kind of background he knew on the Eddystone Estate. Significant sums of