Last Seen Alive by Jane Bettany

Author:Jane Bettany [Bettany, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Police Procedural, Fiction & Literature, Suspense, England, British Suspense, Murder Investigation, Crime, Mystery & Suspense
ISBN: 9780008494841
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2022-04-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

‘After a little persuasion, we now have DNA samples from both James Derenby and Ross Allwood,’ Isabel said, at the following day’s briefing. ‘Christina Matheson had already granted permission for us to take a DNA sample from Benedict Matheson, so we’re now in a position to make a comparison. I’ve asked for the results to be rushed through as a priority.’

‘Both Derenby and Allwood have strenuously denied any sexual relationship with Anna Matheson, never mind fathering her child,’ Dan said. ‘The fact that they’ve volunteered a DNA sample does suggest they’re telling the truth.’

‘I agree,’ Isabel said. ‘And in light of that, I think it’s time to issue another statement to the press and on social media, appealing to Benedict’s father to come forward and speak to us.’

‘I’ll arrange that, boss,’ said Theo. ‘Leave it with me.’

‘Apart from getting the DNA samples, are there any other developments?’ Lucas asked.

‘I’ve been given an unexpected heads-up by Ross Allwood’s PA,’ said Dan. ‘She mentioned that a friend of her cousin’s … a woman called Hayley Carter … went out with James Derenby for a while. When they split up, Derenby didn’t take it well … made a nuisance of himself by all accounts.’

‘Have you spoken to the woman?’ Isabel said.

‘Not yet, the PA’s only just confirmed Hayley’s surname.’

‘In that case, you can let Lucas follow it up,’ Isabel said. ‘The PNC checks flagged up nothing on Derenby, but if he has formed an unhealthy attachment to a woman in the past, what’s to say the same thing didn’t happen with Anna Matheson? See what you can find out, Lucas. Talk to Hayley Carter, and get Derenby’s version of events as well.’

Lucas nodded. ‘Will do, boss.’

Zoe put her hand up.

‘What is it, Zoe?’ Isabel said.

‘We’ve been focusing on the identity of the baby’s father,’ Zoe said. ‘But how important is the question of paternity? How relevant is it to the investigation?’

‘The honest answer to that is … I don’t know,’ Isabel said. ‘But you’re right. We mustn’t get side-lined by something that may have no bearing on the case. Right now, the most important question we should perhaps be focusing on is: Why was Anna murdered?’

‘As far as I can see, there’s no clear motive,’ Lucas said. ‘It might even be a random killing. Anna could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.’

‘I don’t think so,’ Isabel said. ‘We can rule out the perpetrator being a sexual predator, because there are no signs of sexual assault, but I strongly believe that’s Anna disappearance from Allwoods is significant. The party was for staff and special guests. Partners weren’t invited. Anyone at the factory that night either worked for, or with Allwoods.’

‘What do we know about the company?’ Adrian Bostock said. ‘Do we have the financials yet? And what about the senior management team? Did anything show up on any of the background checks?’

‘The latest set of company accounts show that the business is doing very nicely,’ Dan said. ‘Profits have increased by around twenty per cent in the last two years.

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