Page 64 of Final Betrayal

Lottie rang the bell. The door opened almost immediately and Richard Whyte stood there in a creased white shirt, beige chinos and loafers.

‘Come in,’ he said, leading the way into the enormous living room. ‘Have you news about Amy’s death? And what’s going on over at the apartments?’

‘Mr Whyte, I’m sorry, I’ve no update on our investigation into Amy’s murder, but I would like to ask you a few questions about Cristina Lee.’

‘Cristina? Why? What did she do?’ He sat in an oversized armchair.

Lottie glared at Boyd when he sat down too. She remained standing. Whyte had breadcrumbs stuck to his unshaved chin. She resisted the urge to reach down and brush them away.

‘You told me you had a housekeeper. I found a card in Ms Lee’s apartment that says she provides cleaning services. Does she clean for you?’

‘She does a few days a week. What’s this about?’

‘There’s been an incident at Park Lane. We are currently investigating it. Ms Lee lives over there, is that correct?’

‘Cristina? Yes, she does.’

‘Did she know Amy?’

‘Sure she did. But I’ve already told you, Amy wouldn’t allow her into her room. Cristina’s a good worker. She told me she’ll help out at the wake … you know … when Amy’s allowed home so I that can bury her. When will that be?’

‘As soon as the state pathologist allows.’ Lottie sat, feeling that there was no reason for her to be intimidating a grieving father. ‘Richard, this is very important. Look at me.’ When he raised his head, she looked into his eyes. ‘Had Amy been in contact with Louise Gill recently?’

‘Louise? No. I don’t think so. Why?’ He paused, wringing his hands into a knot. ‘Conor Dowling is out of prison. When I heard about Amy’s murder, he was the first one I thought of, but then I thought, no, the case was too long ago. But if that scumbag killed my girl, I won’t be responsible for what I do to him.’

Feeling the need to get on top of things before Richard took matters into his own hands, Lottie said, ‘We have no evidence to support that idea. We’re exploring all avenues. Nothing can be left to chance.’

Whyte eyed Boyd, then turned his attention back to Lottie.

‘Are you sure you’re the best officer to be leading this investigation?’

‘Of course I am. Why would you say that?’

His eyes flicked to the blank television screen hanging on the wall above their heads.

Shit, Lottie thought. Cynthia Rhodes and her damn reports. ‘I give you my word, I will do everything in my power to bring to justice the perpetrator of these heinous crimes.’

‘You see that you do or I’ll personally ring the garda commissioner to have you removed.’

She knew he meant every word, and he had the clout to make it happen. She had to watch her step, and her back.

‘Richard, did you know that Cristina was friends with Louise Gill?’

An unreadable expression flitted across his face. ‘No, I did not. What are you driving at?’

‘Were Cristina and Amy close?’

‘They hardly knew each other. I’m not sure they even bumped into each other here more than a couple of times. Amy worked in town. I don’t know where else Cristina worked. Maybe they met socially, I have no idea.’

‘How long has Cristina been in your employment?’

He blushed, and she knew Cristina wasn’t on the books. Something to hold over him, if things went belly-up at any stage.

‘About a year,’ he said.

‘How did you find her?’

‘After my wife died, I couldn’t cope with the house as well as the shop and the council. Amy was working too. I saw a card on the noticeboard in the pharmacy. I called the number on it and Cristina started working for me. Cleaning in the pharmacy and also here. She brought sunshine and polish into this house. I don’t think I’d ever seen it sparkle so much.’

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