Page 62 of Murder in the Family

LAILA FURNESS

Not on its own, no, of course not. But taking your mate to your stepmother’s drinks do is one thing, having him actuallymarryher is quite another. And when you add in the cash factor—

HUGO FRASER

I agree – half my criminal work is down to precisely that. Trust me: you shouldneverunderestimate how quickly money can detonate even supposedly happy families. And as far as I can see, this one was hardly that.

(glances across at Guy)

No offence.

GUY HOWARD

(holding up his hands)

Not a problem.

LAILA FURNESS

Was there a financial angle, though, in Rupert’s case? From memory, Andrew’s will gave Caroline a life interest in Dorney Place, which she still has, even though she married again—

MITCHELL CLARKE

(drily)

Twice.

LAILA FURNESS

—but it’s Rupert who inherits it when she dies. How did her marrying Luke change any of that? I can see it might give Rupert a motive to killher, to get his hands on the house – but not Luke—

GUY HOWARD

(laughing sardonically)

And if Rupert dies before me I’m next in line for the house, which would give me a big fat motive to killhim.

LAILA FURNESS

(looking a little embarrassed)

Well, yes, I suppose so. But like I said, how did Luke’s death benefit Rupert?

HUGO FRASER

I think we need to do a deep dive into the Howard family finances. There may be something buried in Andrew’s will, for example, or in the wording of the trust funds – I think I’m right in saying he set up separate trusts for all his children. Assuming that’s OK with you, of course, Guy?

GUY HOWARD

Absolutely. Like I said, I only want the truth. I can put you in touch with our lawyer.

JJ NORTON

So we’re agreed? We take a closer look at Rupert?

There’s general agreement around the table.

So shall we divvy up? Alan – could you pick up on the mystery lover? I reckon your Met connections might serve us well there, especially if we’re trying to run down that car. No pun intended.

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