No Escape (The Kent Fisher Murder Mysteries Book 8) by Robert Crouch

Author:Robert Crouch [Crouch, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Thirty-One

Charley and Nigel look at each other, as if they thought this would happen. Neither of them wants to reply, but she relents.

“On the morning of the wedding, while we were having our hair done, she seemed distracted, checking her phone every few minutes. When I asked her if everything was okay, she said she’d be happier if you hadn’t invited Niamh.”

“There’s no love lost between them,” I say, sensing Charley can’t tell me much more. “So, let’s talk about something positive. You two look amazing. You’re glowing with health.”

They glance at each other once more, aware of what I’m doing. Charley tells me how they’ve discovered the gym, breathable tops and healthy eating. They tell me about the transformation, each chipping in to finish the other’s sentences. They’re so relaxed and comfortable, like they’ve known each other a lifetime.

In the eight years since we met, Gemma and I have been ‘a couple’ on two occasions, totalling up no more than a few months together.

No wonder I hardly know her.

I’m not the woman you think I am.

Why did she marry me?

“Earth to Kent,” Nigel says, pulling me from my thoughts. “You wanted our help.”

I pull myself back to the present. “I’m searching for a property near Ditchling with a studio of some kind. I thought it was a recording studio, but I’ve searched high and low on Google without success. I’ve rung other local studios with no joy.” I take a slurp of tea. “Now, I’m thinking it’s a studio for pirating DVDs.”

“Don’t people watch Netflix these days?”

“Some of us have significant rom com collections.” Charley smiles and turns to me. “You want me to see if I can find the place, I take it. Do you have an owner’s name?”

“Two names, possibly the same person.” I spell out Bryan Halliday and Bryn Hemmingway. “If you could check with your Council Tax guys, it would help.”

She makes a note on her phone. “I’ll do my best, but you know how protective these people are about personal data. Your friend, Ashley, might have more joy. How is she?”

“She’s keeping a watching brief. She can’t instigate any action, or tell me what’s going on, so I’m not sure how much she can help.”

“She can listen,” Charley says. “And pass on information.”

“She won’t thank you for calling her a messenger.”

“At least you’ve involved the police,” Nigel says. “We thought you were trying to find Gemma on your own.”

She chuckles. “He is. That’s why he wants our help. So, where does this guy Halliday or Hemmingway fit in?”

I drink more tea, knowing I can’t mention Gemma’s note. “My car was abandoned and torched on an industrial estate in Lower Dicker. About ten days before, on the same estate, a small unit was burned to the ground. It seems to be the office and despatch point for a DVD subscription business.”

“Have you told Ashley?”

“No need. The police investigated both fires, but I’ve no idea what they found.”

“So you’re doing your own digging.”

Nigel leans forward, a twinkle in his eyes.

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