The Dead Fall (DI Olivia Austin Book 2) by Nic Roberts

Author:Nic Roberts [Roberts, Nic]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

13

“Yes, I’m calling to speak with a Margaret Anderson—is she available?” Olivia spoke dejectedly into the phone, trying not to stare at Lawrence’s empty desk. Lydia’s sister still had the maiden name Anderson, something Olivia had made note of before calling. She offhandedly pressed ‘record’ on the machine just in case Lawrence wanted to listen in after he got back from his drive.

“I’m Margaret Anderson,” the caller responded.

“Brilliant. Miss Anderson, my name is Olivia Austin; I’m with the Devon and Cornwall Police.”

The woman cleared her throat.

“Oh yes; Lydia said you’d be calling,” Margaret responded. “And please, Margaret is fine.”

“All right, well Margaret, I know you’ve heard by now that your sister’s husband, Simon Fisher, has passed away. You should know that this call is being recorded, by the way,” Olivia added.

“That’s quite okay, I’ve got nothing to hide,” she answered. “And yes, I heard the bastard had a meetup with the ground from his flat yesterday morning.”

Olivia was a little shocked by the rage in her voice.

“You didn’t like him, then?” Olivia asked, pressing further.

“Well, Lydia felt the need to leave, didn’t she? That’s enough of a reason for me,” Margaret replied with a hint of sarcasm.

“That’s fair. Did you know Simon well?” Olivia enquired. She knew that the main purpose of this call was to get verification of Lydia’s alibi, but it felt like too good of an opportunity to give up.

“Not terribly, no,” Margaret answered cautiously. “Back when he and Lydia were still together, they’d have me over for supper every now and again. He was fine up until he wasn’t, in my book.”

Her voice had a certain caustic quality about it; Olivia found it oddly comforting. At least she wasn’t the only one with a bitter attitude towards the world.

“I see,” Olivia mused, biting her bottom lip. “And do you know why your sister left Mr. Fisher?”

Margaret scoffed on the other end.

“Lydia’s about as closed off as they come,” she replied. “When she showed up to my doorstep, a sobbing mess, I was just grateful she’d come to me and not run off to who knows where. So no, I didn’t ask, and Lydia didn’t bother telling me. All I know is that you’ve got to be some sick bastard for someone as loyal as my sister to leave your sorry arse.”

The vitriol in Margaret’s voice was evident; she truly cared that her sister had been wronged.

“I understand, Miss Anderson,” Olivia replied calmly.

“Do you though? Margaret asked. “Do you have a sister, detective?”

It caught Olivia slightly off guard. She wasn’t expecting to be interviewed in kind.

“I do,” Olivia replied after a moment. Images of Mills’ pink hair and wide smile flashed behind her eyes. Camilla was the epitome of a free spirit; how had it been that she was the one settled down with a child and husband while Olivia lived like a spinster in her cottage? She supposed it was foolish to ponder such questions. Life, after all, always had a funny way of happening.

“Do you love her to death, detective?” Margaret’s tone had become grave, interrupting her thoughts.

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