The Silent Wife (Detective Kat Ballantyne) by Andy Maslen

Author:Andy Maslen [Maslen, Andy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Published: 2024-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Kat started guiltily. But then steadied herself. She wasn’t taking part in the investigation.

Carve-up stood just behind her right shoulder. ‘I suppose I can forgive you showing an interest,’ he murmured right into her ear. ‘Might be the last murder investigation you ever get to see close up, after all. How’s it going in there?’

And with a flash of unwelcome insight, for which no degree in criminology was necessary, she knew who’d tipped her dad off about the tie.

She spun round and leapt to her feet, unwilling to cede height advantage to Carve-up.

‘You told him, didn’t you,’ she demanded. ‘That’s why he brought his tie in.’

He sneered. ‘Don’t be stupid, DS Ballantyne. Why would I tell him about the monogram?’

She smiled mirthlessly. Carve-up was cunning. But he wasn’t smart.

‘How did you know I meant the monogram, Stuart? As far as I can recall, we haven’t discussed it.’

His eyes bulged in panic. ‘I, er . . . I . . . I know you took a tie into evidence. I just assumed it was monogrammed. But obviously I would never share that with a potential suspect.’ He regained some of his usual swagger. ‘In fact, DS Ballantyne, I resent your insinuation that I would tip off someone as to the direction of an interview. An interview you shouldn’t even be watching.’

Kat turned away. She knew he’d done it. That was enough.

‘Of course. Maybe he just guessed he’d need to bring in his own monogrammed tie. Now please be quiet. They’re just finishing up.’

Kat returned her attention to the glass. The lawyer was closing his leather portfolio.

‘Will there be anything else? My client had to cancel a meeting to attend this interview. He does, passionately, believe in helping the police, but he is also a very busy man.’

‘No,’ Leah said. ‘That’s everything. Thank you for coming in, Mr Morton. You’ve been very helpful.’

‘Don’t you want my alibi, DC Hooper?’ He smiled at Tom. ‘Tom, you’ve not said anything for a while. Don’t you want to check it?’

‘For the record only, then, Mr Morton—’

‘Colin, please.’

‘Colin . . . can you tell us your whereabouts on Monday morning?’

‘Yes. I was with my wife until 7.30 a.m. when I left for work. I arrived at my office at 8.00 a.m. and I was in meetings until noon. My PA Suzanne Watkins can confirm the details.’ A beat. ‘If you feel that’s necessary.’

Kat shook her head. More fun and games.

Leah reached over and switched off the interview recorder before stalking out of the room. Rather than getting up, her dad stayed in his chair, nodding to the lawyer, who left a few seconds after Leah.

Kat frowned. What the hell was going on?

Her dad leaned towards Tom and spoke in a low voice. ‘I’ve been impressed with your progress so far, young Tom. I can see you going all the way. If you play your cards right. But I have to say . . .’ He rubbed the tip of his nose. ‘It would be a shame if certain unfortunate facts were to come to light about you.

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