Page 63 of Murder in the Winter Woods
‘Ah, um,’ Walter was so engrossed in the baby’s spine that he seemed unable to answer her simple question. ‘Hot chocolate,’ he said, finally. ‘And a scone please, Flo.’
‘Coming up.’
He popped the precious bit of paper tenderly back into his pocket.
‘What a special time this is for you and Amaryllis. It’s so good that the dads are involved in everything these days. It’s a very good start to the bonding between you and your baby.’
‘I almost didn’t make the appointment yesterday. It’s been so busy at work. The DI, she’s got a lot on her plate, and she sends it my way too, of course.’ As if to prove his point, DC Farmer’s phone rang. ‘Good morning, boss,’ he said, smiling at Julia. It was indeed Hayley Gibson. Speak of the devil…
Some mumbled words could be heard from Hayley’s side.
Walter nodded, and made affirmative noises, and when she’d finished speaking, said: ‘So I checked the CCTV cameras this morning, and saw Anthony Ardmore’s car leaving the market at 4.15 when Matthew was alive and well and selling his honey. I checked the number plate, and it was definitely the car, but from a different angle I saw that Clarissa was driving. No Anthony. He was at home, as he said.’
There was another long pause, during which some indistinct mumbling could be heard from DI Hayley Gibson. ‘Good heavens…Do they know what…Really? Yes. Yes. I’ll be right in. See you in ten.’
Julia had picked up enough of the conversation to say, ‘Sorry about the wild goose chase with Anthony Ardmore, that was my fault. I told Hayley that Clarissa and Anthony had bought the honey that day.’
‘Well, you were half right,’ Walter said. ‘She did. But they were both back at his place and watchingAgatha Raisinon the telly when Matthew died. We also checked his phone records forthe night that Lewis was killed, and he was on the phone with Clarissa for hours, at the relevant time. Put those two things together, and DI Gibson says we can safely rule him out. Now, I have to get to work.’ He waved his arm to get Flo’s attention. ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t stay and eat. Can I have my order as a takeaway, please?’
‘Ah, police work is it?’ asked Flo, with blatant curiosity. She didn’t move.
‘Yes. Soon as you can, if you wouldn’t mind.’
This was unusually blunt for Walter. Flo nodded, and went on her way.
‘Everything okay?’ Julia asked.
‘Well, not really. I’m sure you’ll hear soon enough, but it seems Lydia’s death wasn’t from natural causes.’
‘You don’t mean…’ Julia lowered her head and her voice. ‘Was she killed?’
‘Poison,’ he muttered, behind his hand. Flo was so determinedly curious that she had been known to lip-read.
‘LydiaandKen?’ Julia whispered back, barely moving her mouth.
‘So it seems. But keep it under your hat, please. I shouldn’t be telling you.’
‘Of course, I won’t say a word. But Lydia from the butcher’s? I mean, why would anyone…?’
Flo appeared silently behind Walter with a steaming takeaway cup and a paper bag with a scone-sized lump in it. ‘I popped in some butter and jam, and a few slices of cheese. Looks like you’ve got a long day ahead of you, Walter. You’ve got to keep your strength up!’
‘Thank you, Flo, that’s very kind.’
She hung around for a moment, looking hopeful, but when no information was forthcoming, she bade him goodbye and went about her business.
Walter got to his feet. ‘Okay, Mrs B, I’m off. Lots to do at the station, what with this latest development.’
‘Walter, wait,’ said Julia, waylaying him with a hand on his arm. ‘If Lydia and Ken have both been poisoned, presumably it’s by the same person?’
‘I would think so. I mean, what are the chances of there being two unrelated poisonings within days of each other, in a small village?’
‘Close to zero, I would say. But why them? Why Lydia and Ken?’
‘Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a thing that could connect them. We’ll ask Ken, but he’s having a whole battery of medical checks today.’ Walter turned towards the door, signalling the end of their conversation.
‘Unless…’ Julia said slowly.
He stopped.
