The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray

Author:Eleanor Ray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published: 2021-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Two visits in a week, Amy,” said DCI Jack Hooper. “After eleven years with barely a word.” He was sitting at his desk, but a hand rested on the mouse of his computer and his eyes were flicking back and forth to the screen as if the answers were to be found there.

“I’m sorry to bother you again,” said Amy, feeling like he wished she’d leave. She hadn’t even been offered water this time.

“I am very busy,” he said, typing something on his keyboard.

“It’s just that I’ve found something else,” said Amy. “It’s a letter. From Chantel.” His eyes finally left the screen, and Amy felt as though he’d jolted a little. “You are busy,” she said. “Maybe I should take this to someone else.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” said Jack. “I’ve sent the e-mail now.” He turned away from his computer properly and gave Amy his attention. “What…” He paused, with uncharacteristic hesitance. “What does she say?”

Amy got out the letter and passed it over to him. “See for yourself.”

He grabbed the letter and studied it. “It’s not in great condition,” he said finally.

“It’s been in a pot for rather a long time,” said Amy. “It must have fallen in when I kept it by the door, and I didn’t notice it in there when I moved the pot into the garden.”

“All sorts have been eating at this,” he said. “I really can’t make out what Chantel is getting at. Can you?”

“Just the odd word,” said Amy. “But I think perhaps it is a confession.”

“Confession?” echoed Jack.

“That she and Tim did run away together. Look. Jealous, love, run.”

“I see,” said Jack. He looked at the letter again. “Yes,” he agreed. “It must be that. I always told you.” He smiled at her. “Perhaps this is the closure you need.”

“There’s more,” said Amy. She passed him the photograph. He took it and stared at it for a long time.

“Do you know what this is?” he asked finally.

“No idea,” replied Amy. “I thought you might recognize it?”

“No,” he replied. “Sorry.” He looked again. “I don’t see any landmarks either. It could be anywhere. Impossible to find out.”

“I’m going to investigate,” Amy told him. “Ask around the people we used to know. Someone must recognize it. Surely if I can find out where the photograph was taken, I can find out more about what happened. It must be linked.”

“I can take care of that for you,” said Jack, his hands on the photograph. “I am the professional, after all.”

“I’d rather do it myself,” said Amy, grabbing the photo back. “If you don’t mind.”

“Of course,” replied Jack. He paused. “A word of warning though.” Amy looked up at him, surprised. He leaned forwards. “I didn’t want to tell you this,” he said. “But Tim came to me, before he left.” He sighed. “He was having money trouble. You know what he was like.”

“He came to you?” queried Amy.

“Yes,” replied Jack. “He needed my help.”

“He asked to borrow money?”

“No,” said Jack. “He’d already borrowed money, from people he shouldn’t have.

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