Dead Guilty by Michelle Davies

Author:Michelle Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

40

Maggie hadn’t got more than two steps towards the hotel again when someone else called her name.

She turned to see Lyndsey Shepherd, the consular officer, bearing down on her.

‘How’s it going with the family?’ Lyndsey asked.

‘Good. I’m getting a lot of info from them – now it’s a case of deciding what’s relevant and what isn’t. What brings you here?’

‘I wanted to see how they’re bearing up and to discuss rearranging their return flights and accommodation in case Jade doesn’t turn up by the time they’re due to go home. It’s not going to be the easiest of conversations, so it would be good if you were there while I had it.’

‘Agreed. Let’s go up together.’

They walked into the reception and Maggie revelled in its air-conditioned coolness after the heat of outdoors.

‘I passed George Pope and his dad a moment ago,’ said Lyndsey. ‘The dad looked upset.’

Maggie felt her cheeks warm and cursed herself for reacting to the mere mention of George’s name.

‘That’s my fault. He wanted me to introduce him to Clive and Mandy so he could offer his support. I told him it wasn’t a good idea. George was walking him back to his apartment.’ She caught the look of disquiet on Lyndsey’s face. ‘Philip meant well.’

‘I’m sure he did. It’s a shame the same can’t be said of his son.’

‘You really don’t like George Pope, do you? What’s up with that?’

Lyndsey pulled a face. ‘Is it that obvious?’

‘Blindingly,’ Maggie laughed.

‘I know I should be kinder because of his sister, but I find him obnoxious. The way he talks down to people really grates on me.’

‘I can’t say I’ve noticed myself.’

‘He’s on his best behaviour for the anniversary. But George is a regular visitor to Majorca and he’s not a nice person to deal with, trust me. The last time he was in Palma the police had to be called when he threatened a jeweller at his store – the same one your boss tracked down over Katy’s missing ring. I was called in to smooth things over and the way he spoke to me was so awful I should’ve let the police arrest him.’

Maggie felt a spike of alarm.

‘Why was he there?’

‘He said he wanted to see if the jeweller could remember anything else about the man who came in asking about the value of a ring like Katy’s.’

It sounded like a plausible reason for him being there, Maggie thought.

‘He wants his sister’s killer to be caught. There’s nothing wrong with that,’ she said.

‘He called me a stupid bitch for doing my job,’ said Lyndsey.

Maggie was shocked: she couldn’t imagine George calling anyone by that name, let alone a consular officer.

‘No, you’re right, that’s indefensible.’

The lift pinged to announce it was on the ground floor and the doors slid open for them to board.

‘Exactly. He’s got a nasty streak, so watch yourself with him.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ asked Maggie abruptly.

Lyndsey shot her a look. ‘George Pope is all charm when he wants something, that’s all I’m saying.

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