Page 36 of Murder in Shades of Blue and Green

Moving Rico’s body

Kaylan’s missing week

Arson attack on cars

Computer disruption at college

Computer disruption at police station

Alleged payments for college places

Assault(s) on female student(s)

Videos in H-B’s desk

Patsy and Mags being followed

Eddy made them both a drink and they sat and stared at the board. Charlie drew a line between Gwilym and Harrington-Bowen, adding the word nephew and connecting Gwilym to the arson attack. “We don’t know it was him,” Charlie said. “But he fits the description, he’s connected to someone we know doesn’t want us to succeed, and he’s disappeared. We need to find him.”

Eddy nodded. “I’ve been making a list of all his mates, and his family, and I’ve got his mobile number, so we can ask for that to be tracked. We can get round most of his family and friends in one evening. Small town.” Charlie shook his head.

“Phone track first. We haven’t got the resources to spend looking anywhere he might not be. If you see what I mean.”

Eddy grinned. “I’ll ring Wrexham as soon as we’re done.”

They stared at the board some more.

“Why Vitruvious?” Eddy asked. “I can’t say I took to him, but why him, out of all the tutors?”

“Vitruvious is the senior painting tutor. We know he was in contact with Kaylan over the summer. Rico was a painting student. The painting students’ applications have disappeared. Vitruvious wasn’t where he was supposed to be when Patsy and Mags went to find him. There’s something there.”

“There’s no connection to Harrison-Bowen or Gwilym,” Eddy said.

“No connection that we’ve found,” Charlie replied.

Noise from the corridor announced the return of Patsy and Mags, both complaining of the cold wind and asking for cups of tea. Charlie obliged while the two women studied the board.

“Don’t suppose you stopped at the shop on your way back?” Eddy said.

“Didn’t need to,” Patsy replied and opened the fridge. “Cupcakes, anyone?”

Charlie almost groaned. He had a passion for the ridiculously over sugared cakes, and the more outrageous the decoration, the more he liked them. He made a grab for a lemon-drizzle confection.

“What’s college computer disruption and fraud?” Mags asked.

Charlie explained. He added, “Tom, the acting principal, has been getting those pop-ups about me, the same as you have been getting here.” Mags blushed furiously, but Patsy just looked interested.

“We didn’t want to tell you,” Mags said.

“I’ve had my name in every paper in Britain,” Charlie said.

“She means that she thinks you’re a good bloke and she didn’t want you to be upset,” Patsy said. Eddy snorted.

“Thanks, I think,” Charlie said.

Mags blushed even harder, and wrapped her arms below her breasts. “Patsy,” she snapped, voice higher than usual. “You aren’t talking to idiots. Please try a little respect, or even common courtesy.”

Patsy opened her mouth to say something. Mags held a finger to her own lips and glared at Patsy.

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