Page 70 of Murder in the Winter Woods
‘And you want me to ask those questions?’
‘Yes,’ said Julia. ‘I know people. But you know crimes. You’ll know what to ask.’
Hayley thought for a moment and then got to her feet. ‘Let’s go,’ she said, pulling the jacket off the back of her chair, and swinging it over her shoulders in one swift, fluid movement. She was at the door before Julia had gathered her handbag and stood up. ‘Come on,’ Hayley said. ‘Leave your car here. I’ll drive us. We can talk on the way. I’ll phone and tell Pippa we’re coming. I need to speak to Margaret.’
‘So after what Lewis did to her, Margaret left London and the whole record deal fell through?’ Hayley asked as she drove.
‘Yes, that’s what it sounds like. And she went without talking to anyone, not even Matthew. So no one knewwhyshe left. There was a lot of anger and disappointment.’
‘I’m sure there was. And what about Lydia? Did Margaret tell you if she had anything to do with the band? She seems to have nothing in common with the others.’
‘No connection to the band. Margaret knows her from the butcher’s, of course. Grumbled about the quality of the chops she sold her. But she didn’t know her from the old days, or from the band, as far as I know.’
‘Mysterious.’
Pippa showed them through to the sitting room, which was bedecked with Christmas decorations. A fire was alight in thegrate. It all looked quite festive. Even so, Julia’s mood was sombre.
Hayley sat down and indicated that Pippa should do the same. Once Pippa was perched on the edge of her chair, Hayley said, ‘I have some questions for you, and for your aunt, if that’s okay.’
‘I’ll bring Margaret,’ Pippa said, ‘although I’m not sure how she can help you in your investigation, Detective. Whatever happened, it was so long ago. I can’t see how it has any bearing on what happened to poor Lewis and Matthew.’
‘It might be nothing, but I’d like to hear first-hand what she remembers,’ Hayley said.
‘She’s not a robust person and the conversation about the assault really shook her up. She did some baking, which always calms her, and she had a little lie-down. I don’t want her upset. You’ll be gentle, won’t you, Hayley?’
‘Of course. I won’t press her on the details of the assault. I’m more interested in the relationship dynamics at the time. And what happened after.’
‘All right,’ Pippa said, with some reluctance, and went to fetch her aunt. Once Margaret, Pippa and the pack of puppies were back and settled, Hayley got down to business.
‘Margaret, Julia told me about the band, and what a good singer you were. She told me about your trip to London.’
‘Long time ago.’
‘Yes. Margaret, I know Lewis treated you badly,’ Hayley said. ‘And I’m sorry you went through such a terrible experience. If he was still alive, I would help you press charges against him, and make sure you get justice for what he did all those years ago.’
Margaret gave a humourless, monosyllabic almost-laugh: ‘Hah!’ Her eyes narrowed as she said, ‘He paid the price in the end. He got his comeuppance.’
Julia and Hayley glanced at each other.
Hayley continued her questioning: ‘Margaret, can you tell me about Matthew? He was your boyfriend, wasn’t he?’
‘We were in love. Sweet young love. Until…I ran away that night. He should haveknown. He should have helped me. I was so lonely.’ Her voice wavered pitifully. ‘I never forgave him for how he treated me.’
Pippa shot Hayley a warning glance.
The detective spoke gently: ‘Have you seen Lewis and Matthew since you came back to Berrywick, Margaret? Did you see them before they both died?’
‘Yes, I saw them.’ Margaret’s tearful moment was gone, replaced by rage. She spat out the words. ‘All of them, laughing. Bunch of good-for-nothings.’
‘Who are you talking about? Who did you see?’
‘All of them. The people from the band. The boys’ club. Together. Bastards.’
‘Ken Payne?’
‘Yes, him. And the other one. Dom. I saw them all,’ Margaret said. ‘I saw them all together. But they didn’t see me. Too busy with their lunch. Laughing about the poor stupid girl I was in those days. Lewis was likely telling them the story. I could tell. They didn’t see me. Not then, and not the other times. Never knew. Never saw it coming. Who’s laughing now? Who?’ A humourless shout of laughter exploded from her frail chest.
‘Aunt Margaret, gosh, you are getting worked up. I think we could all do with a cup of tea and something sweet. I’ll put the kettle on and get us a little something to eat,’ Pippa said, standing up from the sofa. ‘I think we should talk about something else. It’s not good for Aunt Margaret to get so emotional. Perhaps you can speak to her another day.’
