Treble Clef by Malcolm Hollingdrake

Author:Malcolm Hollingdrake [Hollingdrake, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

For Alan Bowen the day was dragging; Tuesdays offered nothing. The weekend seemed so far off. He recalled the game in Harrogate. It had been close. He then thought of the character in the pub. Dipping his hand into his pocket he brought out the blue figurine he had given them. His phone signalled that he had a message.

We met in the pub the other night in Harrogate. You said you were keen gamers. I’ve a friend with the ultimate escape room. You don’t just get an hour you get longer but the stakes are higher too. Still interested? Meet me on Saturday by the library steps on Victoria Avenue at 7.00pm. Just you. If you’re unsuccessful we’ll challenge your mate at a later date. No need to reply to this message as you’ll either pick up the gauntlet or you’ll not show, either way, no hard feelings. I’ve booked you a room at Grants B&B on Selby Drive. Sorry, you’ll have to pay for that but it’s cheap and cheerful. Check in after 3pm if you wish to take it. Remember, if you’re successful the celebrations will be massive. If you work Sunday, you might want to book a day off from work too! Make a note of the time, place and accommodation. Don’t tell David. Call him if you’re successful and offer him the same challenge.

Good Luck!

P.S. Bring the figure I gave you as it might be one of the clues.

Bowen reread the message before fumbling for a pen and writing the date, time and name of the accommodation on the back of his hand.

Within five minutes the message had been removed.

***

“Quinn, sir. We’re in Richmond at Carruthers’s digs and we’ve just found out the name of Carruthers’s landlord is Boardman. DS Richmond instructed me to notify you immediately and that further info would follow as soon as we have it.” Realising he should have asked for a Christian name too he had to think on his feet. “Hopefully we’ll have a photograph and we’ll post as soon as.”

Back in the lounge, Fliss perused the pictures. “That’s Kevin without a shadow of a doubt. He seemed such a lovely lad at first. How is he?”

April paused surprised by her question. Kevin’s murder had been in all the papers. “He’s dead, Fliss. He was murdered. That’s why we’re asking about his past. I just assumed…”

It was clear from the expression on her face that she was totally oblivious to Kevin’s demise. At that moment Quinn returned.

“Is everything okay, ma’am?”

April nodded.

Quinn looked across at Felicity Brooke and then at April. “I’m sorry to have to ask you this but do you have a photograph of your husband and can you tell me his Christian name?”

Felicity looked older than she had minutes ago. What was going round in her head was anyone’s guess. She returned Quinn’s gaze. “I do and his name’s Colin. He’s not killed him has he?”

Both April and Quinn felt a flush of excitement and that emotion clearly contrasted with that of their interviewee.

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