Murder on the Island by Brian Kavanagh

Author:Brian Kavanagh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vivid Publishing

Chapter Eighteen

Resuming their seats by the fire, they were joined by Manny. His clothing was soaked and wet hair plastered to his skull. “We’ve done as you suggested, Lady Sallinger. Ms Massey’s body is secure now. I had a good look around outside. There’s no way we can get out. From what I can see there is a large tree down over the driveway and several more on the main road. A car would never get through, and an attempt to drive off road would end up axle-deep in mud. I’ll get out of these wet things and then –”

“Then we’d better call the police,” said Hazel sharply. “They’ll not be able to get through the storm damage, but the sooner we report to them, the better. If there’s a murderer out there, they should be put in the picture.”

Manny suddenly became aware of Max. “Who the hell are you?” he demanded, taking in the grim, dark figure.

Hazel handed him a glass of brandy. “This is Max. He crashed his bike and came here to take shelter.”

Manny accepted the brandy automatically, never taking his eyes off Max. “And you just let him in? When there’s a murderer about?” he said, in disbelief.

Max turned from the fire where he was warming himself. “At the moment, I appear to be the chief suspect, isn’t that so?” He glanced across to Belinda, who met his gaze unflinchingly.

“We’ve given him the benefit of the doubt, Manny,” said Hazel, “we know him to be a bookseller down at the Port. As a matter of fact, I believe Father Ignatius and Catherine know him as well.”

The priest gave a start and turned to look at Catherine, who was seated away from the group, almost invisible in the limits of the lamplight.

“Well, I…we…” muttered the priest, his voice failing. Hazel smiled to herself and glanced around the group.

“I suggest we stay alert and do as Hazel suggested, ring the police,” said Manny

“Good idea,” said Belinda, “I’ll dress and get my phone.”

The others agreed on this plan and went to their bedrooms to dress, with Max despatched to the laundry to remove the mud from his motorcycle suit and boots. Melba made it clear she didn’t want him sitting on any chairs or traipsing mud through the house, so she waited until he was led away. She hesitated in the entrance hall as though uncertain which direction to take. Certain now, that the others were out of sight and she was alone, she made her move.

Once in her room, Belinda mulled over the situation. She glanced at her watch; 4.30 AM. So it must have been just before three o’clock when she saw the lights and people moving about. But who? She calculated they had heard Meg’s screams about an hour ago, which means Ms Massey must have been up and awake probably at the same time as she saw the lights.

Was it her she’d glimpsed in the stairwell?

On her way to her death?

Belinda gave a shudder and finished dressing.

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