Uncertainty of Reason: Book Eleven in the Harrogate Crime Series by Malcolm Hollingdrake

Author:Malcolm Hollingdrake [Hollingdrake, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Cyril did not need to resist the temptation of nipping into his favourite pub, The Coach and Horses, even though he could have killed a pint and a moment’s solitude, as it had been closed for quite some time. He continued down West Park until the Cenotaph came into view. The area was busy as usual.

Mounting the steps, he entered the hotel. It was a place he knew well. The Receptionist was all smiles. “Detective Chief Inspector, it is our pleasure. How is your lovely wife?”

Cyril felt his mood immediately lift. “She’s fine thank” – he swiftly glanced at her lapel badge noting her name – “you, Fiona. You look well and your greeting is a tonic after a difficult day, a day that’s not quite over yet. I’m here to see Philip Ashton.”

“He’s in the garden area probably under one of the heaters. He said he was expecting a guest. May I bring you a coffee?”

Ashton was reading, the table spread with notes and photographs when Cyril emerged. The lights were already on. He immediately looked up, stood and nodded. “DCI Bennett?”

“Indeed.” Cyril proffered a hand. Both men sat. “Thank you for meeting me and I’m grateful you’ve travelled from France so swiftly. I’m sorry the circumstances have become so grave.”

Ashton’s initial reaction was to smile but his expression quickly changed on hearing the word ‘grave’. “Yes, grave. I believe the young man has passed away. I was sorry to hear that. I’ve had a word with my staff who are responsible for the garage when I’m away and we have some information for you.” He pointed to the table. At that moment the coffee arrived. Another table was brought.

Ashton explained the reason the location was used by the business on occasion.

Cyril made a mental note of the words ‘overflow, sensitive and convenient’. It was the term ‘cock-up’ that brought a greater focus.

“We occasionally employ young people who make an approach for work experience. We expect a reference, of course, and we give them a trial. This lad came to us.” Ashton pushed a photograph towards Cyril. It was clearly an image taken from CCTV. “His name was Paul Latham.”

“Was?” Cyril was quick to respond.

“I’m coming to that, Chief Inspector. Latham was good; smart, efficient, a careful driver I’m told even for one with a limited amount of experience owing to his age. He needed our trust to develop his driving ability – none of us improves without practice wouldn’t you say?”

Cyril said nothing. It felt as though bad news was being wrapped in yesterday’s papers. He patiently waited for the answer to his question.

“We check that. There was, however, an issue. He would ring in to say he was suffering from a migraine. According to my manager, one or two of the workshop lads believed he was a drug user.”

“You mentioned references.”

“Reference in this case, from the Army Foundation College. He said the experience wasn’t as he’d expected and he had requested to be released. The reference referred to an additional medical condition.

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