Unnatural Wastage by Betty Rowlands Read Free Book Online Page B

wouldn’t like to think of him turning out to be that sort of low life, especially as he’s a friend of Sukey’s.’ He thought for a moment. ‘I’m pretty sure, from what Matthews said just now, that everything he knew was already public knowledge. Donaldson isn’t exactly a shrinking violet – he’ll talk to anyone who’ll listen.’
    â€˜So what happens next, Sarge?’
    â€˜As far as you and I are concerned, a quick snack in the canteen before our appointment with Doctor Ellerman. A word of warning,’ he added drily. ‘Mind you don’t fall under the spell of his fatal charm!’
    â€˜You can see why they need new premises,’ Rathbone remarked as they approached the three-storey red-brick building. ‘That pile was put up at the beginning of the last century; it was probably the last word in high-tech disguised as architecture in those days.’
    â€˜It looks more like a country house from here,’ Penny remarked as, after they had been admitted by a uniformed guard, they drove through the gates and followed the drive that ran through well-tended lawns bordered by flower beds on either side. ‘You’d never associate it with an industrial company.’
    â€˜Wait till you get round the back,’ said Rathbone.
    Following the signs, Penny found a space in the car park and switched off the ignition. ‘Yes, I see what you mean, Sarge,’ she said, glancing at the heaps of metalwork and various unidentifiable pieces of machinery which were being loaded on to heavy trucks. ‘It looks like a scrap-metal yard.’
    â€˜Which is more or less what it is,’ commented Rathbone. ‘Most of that stuff is well past its sell-by date. That’s why the company’s moving to a new purpose-built factory. I wonder if our friend Ellerman will be one of the unfortunate victims of “natural wastage”,’ he added as they made their way to the front of the building and entered by the main door. ‘It could be that his arrogant manner is a cover-up and that he’s as scared of losing his job as the rest of the staff.’
    The receptionist smiled and nodded as she inspected their IDs and said, ‘Doctor Ellerman is expecting you so please go up. His office is on the second floor.’
    â€˜I hope this lift doesn’t break down,’ said Penny as the old-fashioned metal cage creaked its way upwards.
    â€˜It’s in keeping with the terminal state of the premises,’ commented Rathbone.
    Ellerman’s office was at the front of the building overlooking the garden. On this bright summer afternoon the room had a cheerful aspect, despite the dark panelling on the walls, the dull red carpet and curtains and the narrow sash windows. On a sunless day in winter it would, Penny thought, be thoroughly depressing.
    When they entered, Ellerman was seated behind a huge mahogany desk. Two chairs had been placed in readiness facing him, and with a gesture and a brief, ‘Good afternoon,’ he indicated that they should sit down. ‘I see you’ve brought another attractive member of your harem, Sergeant,’ he said, with an approving glance at Penny.
    â€˜DC Osborne is a valued and highly professional member of the team that is currently investigating the murder of Fenella Tremaine,’ said Rathbone.
    â€˜I’m sure she is,’ said Ellerman, showing no sign of being abashed by the detective’s curt tone. ‘Let’s have your first question, Sergeant.’
    â€˜First of all,’ Rathbone took from his briefcase a photograph of the murder weapon, ‘Do you by any chance recognize this knife – or can you recall seeing one like it?’
    â€˜I take it this is the murder weapon?’ Ellerman studied the picture briefly and handed it back. ‘I’ve seen plenty of knives with this sort of handle in India – they’re in all the tourist