Blood In The Sand: Betrayal, lies, romance and murder. (A Jack Le Claire Mystery) by Kelly Clayton

Author:Kelly Clayton [Clayton, Kelly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stanfred Publishing
Published: 2015-12-10T22:00:00+00:00

They pulled up to the offices of Layzell Estates, where a sign on the door said they were closed. Through the windows, Le Claire could see several people huddled around one desk. A pretty blonde saw them and came to unlock the door, giving Jackie a watery smile.

At the expectant looks from the subdued group, Jackie spoke over her shoulder to Le Claire. “I told them what Sarah had said before I went to the cottage.” Turning to the group in the room, Jackie spoke quietly. “I’m afraid it’s true. Emma is dead. This is,” Jackie blushed, “Sorry, I can’t remember your name.”

Le Claire stepped forward and introduced himself, though he wasn’t sure his voice would be heard over the gasps and tears. “I am DCI Le Claire. We may have some questions for you later, but for the moment, I’d like to have a look at Miss Layzell’s office, if that is possible?”

Jackie gestured to the red-eyed blonde. “Holly will show you the way. Everything is unlocked.”

Le Claire followed Holly down a long carpeted corridor, their footsteps muffled by the plush pile. Stopping at the last door, she opened it wide and gestured for Le Claire to go in. The outer office was generally the only one that customers saw. It was neat, modern and professional—no doubt the aim was to be welcoming and not intimidating.

However, Emma Layzell’s office whispered luxury and hinted at money. Thick cream rugs lay atop the polished, dark wood floor. A low glass coffee table was flanked by two sofas upholstered in cream velvet. A curved bar ran along one wall, and Le Claire lifted his eyebrows. Holly saw the gesture. “Emma uses this space to entertain wealthy clients. We often have lunches or dinners delivered here.”

Le Claire was sympathetic. Holly hadn’t yet started to think of her deceased boss in the past tense. It would be a shock to her when she did. “And her workspace? Where is that?”

Holly crossed to the far end of the room to a linen-covered folding screen modelled on a Japanese design. The dark wood frame matched the floor. She folded it back to reveal a glass-and-chrome desk. At least he suspected it was glass; it was difficult to tell. Files were lying haphazardly across the top, all jumbled together with scraps of paper and Post-it notes.

Holly grimaced. “Sorry, Emma is a bit untidy. Was, I mean she was a bit untidy.” At the realisation that everything to do with her boss would now be in the past tense, tears escaped and freely fell. With a mumbled “excuse me,” Holly fled the room.

Le Claire was left on his own, facing the messiest desk he’d seen in a long time. No wonder it had been hidden behind a screen. Selfishly, he wished that Dewar were here. He could have set her the task of searching the office while he interviewed the staff. Unfortunately, his aide had sent him a text to say that Sarah Welham was hysterical and in no state to be left alone.

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