Page 71 of She Saw What He Did

‘Yes, she came yesterday.’

Ellen found that hard to believe with the state of the place, but she said nothing.

‘You and your husband were quite near her house yesterday evening,’ said Ellen.

‘We were near lots of people’s houses,’ Abby retorted sharply.

‘Yes, of course,’ Ellen conceded.

‘Your husband was driving very fast,’ said Weis.

Abby shifted on her chair.

‘I’m not sure what you’re trying to say,’ she said.

‘If you know anything,’ said Ellen gently. ‘Anything that could help with the investigation …’

‘I don’t know who would murder Maria …’ said Abby, her voice breaking.

‘Do you know if they had enemies?’ asked Weis.

‘I wouldn’t know.’

‘Your husband doesn’t seem the speeding type,’ said Ellen.

‘He didn’t realise,’ Abby said, looking away.

‘Right,’ said Weis.

There were a few seconds of silence before Ellen pulled a card from her handbag.

‘Here’s my number.’

‘I already have it,’ said Abby, turning her head.

‘Take it anyway,’ said Weis, removing the card from Ellen’s hand and placing it on the coffee table. He stood up and Ellen followed.

‘Thanks for your time,’ said Weis, shaking Abby’s hand.

Abby followed them to the door. Weis pulled back the bolt and said casually, ‘A lot of locks.’

‘There’ve been several burglaries in the area,’ Abby said.

‘Don’t forget,’ said Ellen, ‘If you remember anything just give me a call.’

Abby nodded. The door closed, and they heard Abby locking up. Weis didn’t speak until they were in the car.

‘There have been no burglaries in the area. I checked all that stuff out with the local station following the cleaner’s murder. So Abby Miller is not telling the truth.’

Ellen looked back at the cottage. Abby Miller was watching them from the window.

‘Those locks were extreme,’ she said.

‘She’s afraid of something,’ agreed Weis.

Ellen wondered what on earth that could be.

‘A visit to the cleaner’s house,’ said Weis, starting the engine. ‘Then onto Fernsea police station. We’ll have time for a little jaunt along the pier. There’s a nice restaurant along the front.’

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