Page 76 of Three Widows

‘And it’s difficult to understand.’

‘Don’t even try. Give her time and space. Can you imagine how she feels?’

‘She is in this zone that no one can penetrate, especially me, and she wants to go back to her own house. She can’t live there alone, Boyd. I’m scared for her.’

‘You need support. Are there agencies you can contact?’

‘Most have a six-month waiting list.’

‘Register with all of them.’

‘I want to help her, Boyd, but she repels me at every intervention and I end up upset and angry.’

He drove in silence and she berated herself for offloading her problems on his already weighted shoulders. Before she could say anything further, he had parked the car outside a brightly painted house with a modern lime-green door sporting black chrome accessories. The garden could do with better maintenance.

The door was opened by a tall woman. As she stood out onto the step, her long hair shone with a reddish hue under the sun.

‘How can I help you?’ she said, once Lottie had made their introductions.

‘Is Helena here?’

‘Helena? God, no.’ The woman glanced at her watch. Lottie figured she was in her fifties. ‘She’d be at work at this time of the day. I don’t know how many times I’ve told her to give up that loss-making venture, but she won’t listen to me. Girls and their mothers, ha!’ Her laugh was strained, and Lottie heard pain behind her words.

‘When did you last see your daughter?’

Kathleen’s face paled. ‘Is she in trouble?’

‘Not that I’m aware of. We need her to identify her friend’s body.’ On seeing the look of horror falling across Kathleen’s face, Lottie added, ‘She agreed to do it.’

‘Whose body? Not that poor woman they’re reporting on the news this morning, is it? Or is it the woman you found yesterday?’

‘I can’t confirm the victim’s identity. That’s why we need to talk to Helena.’

‘I haven’t seen her for over a week. She doesn’t call that often. Her shop takes up all her time.’

Lottie glanced at Boyd, who shrugged, looking mystified.

‘Let me get this straight, Mrs Foley,’ he said. ‘You haven’t seen Helena for over a week, but aren’t you caring for her son and their dog at the moment?’

‘Her son? You must be mistaken. Ah, now I’m thinking you’re looking for someone else.’ Relief flooded the woman’s face. ‘Helena doesn’t have a son, or a dog.’

Boyd stepped forward. ‘She definitely mentioned that you were caring for her son while she was out on Thursday night, and while she was at work.’

‘No, you’re wrong.’

‘Why would she say that?’ Lottie scratched her chin, perplexed by this information. ‘I can understand that she might still be grieving for her husband, but why would she make up a story about having a son?’

‘Now I’m convinced you have the wrong person. Helena’s not married.’

‘But she said… she told us…’ Lottie floundered helplessly.

Boyd said, ‘She said her husband’s name was Gerald.’

‘My daughter isn’t married and has no children. I think you both should come in and have a cup of tea. We need to talk about Helena.’

49

Having to witness McKeown’s performance in front of the boss churned Kirby’s stomach. The angst didn’t mix well with his recent chicken salad, and his tummy rumbled loudly, craving its normal fat intake.

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