Blood of the Rose by Kevin Murray

Author:Kevin Murray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urbane Publications Ltd

TWENTY-FIVE

VAN DEVENTER replaced the telephone receiver, looking thoughtful. The call had come as both he and Winters were preparing to go home.

“That was Trevor Bergman, a reporter from the London Evening News,” said Van Deventer.

“What did he want?” asked Winters. He didn’t like the way the Dutchman was looking at him. Their open hostility had quietened to a dull dislike lately, but Winters felt it coiled and ready to spring to life at the slightest provocation. He wondered whether something would trigger it now.

“He said he was an ex-member of Jennifer’s team. He thought we should know about it, for their sake,” said Van Deventer.

Winters shrugged. “I know about it.”

Van Deventer remained silent. But his pale blue eyes fixed on Winters, relentlessly.

“Jennifer told me about it herself,” Winters said.

“Yes, yes. But what did YOU say to her?”

Winters stood up. He wanted to leave early for once, without a conscience. This could take a while. “I was hoping to get away on time tonight,” he said. “You know where to reach me?”

“First tell me: What did you say to Jennifer about this team of hers?”

“I said what she was doing was dangerous. That she should leave it to us. She told me where to get off.” Winters tried to sound as if it was an impersonal exchange. That it was none of his affair.

“No, no, no,” said Van Deventer. “Answer my question properly.”

“What does properly mean?”

“It means telling me whether you think you have any influence with her. This is dangerous. Very dangerous. She must stay out of it.”

Winters sat down in his chair again, folding his coat in his lap. He tried again to evade the question. “Why did Bergman call?” he asked.

“Because he chickened out of their investigation. It appears Jennifer tore strips off him in front of the others. He claims to be acting in their interests, but I think he wants to sabotage their efforts,” said Van Deventer.

Winters surrendered. He knew the Dutchman would not give up easily. “I have no influence in that regard,” said Winters. “Jennifer will do her own sweet thing.”

Van Deventer chuckled, without genuine mirth. “She’s always been like that,” he said. “Always. Chapman used to encourage it. He was proud of that streak in her.”

Winters said nothing. He wasn’t sure he liked the direction this conversation was taking. “I really must go,” he said, standing up again.

“Alan. Wait. Just one more thing.”

Winters sat down again, heavily, hoping this would deter the Dutchman.

“In many ways I feel obligated to Chapman. He was a friend for many years. Many years. I want things worked out as best they can, under the circumstances. I worry for her.”

Winters stared at Van Deventer.

“When are you seeing her again?” asked the Dutchman.

“Tonight. Now.”

“Then you must go. But do me one favour.”

“What’s that?”

“Do what you can to dissuade her from pursuing this thing. Convince her she must drop it. Tell her I said she is being foolish. Very foolish. Blame me, do whatever you have to. But stop her.”

“I’ll try,” said Winters, rising from his chair.

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