“When was the last time you saw Mrs Abernathy?” I ask.
“About a week and a half before my wedding.” Polina frowns. “I was supposed to work right up until the day before because I’d saved all my holiday for my honeymoon, but I was very sick for about a week.”
“Sick?” I tilt my head as I study her. “What kind of sickness?”
“Severe stomach cramps, vomiting. I was very ill, so much so that my husband wondered if we would have to delay the wedding. Fortunately, I recovered enough for the wedding to go ahead, and it was a beautiful day, even though I was still not at my best.”
“What had you done the day before you became ill?” I ask.
“My usual duties.” She cast her eyes to the ceiling as if trying to remember. “I’d worked the afternoon and evening shifts. I’d taken Delores to the community centre to meet with her friends for a craft session followed by afternoon tea. I brought her back to the home, but by the evening I’d begun to feel very unwell. I left work early and once I got home, I started vomiting. After a few days, my husband called the doctor, and they said it was most likely a virus of some sort.”
“Did you eat or drink anything at the community centre that afternoon?”
“I had a cup of tea as usual.” Polina frowns. “Actually, Delores was feeling fussy that afternoon. She had a scone she didn’t want so I ate it instead. Scones with cream and strawberry jam is something I have discovered a love for since I’ve lived in the UK.”
Maddie and I share a concerned look.
“Polina, I don’t want to alarm you,” I say carefully, an uncomfortable suspicion occurring to me. “But you really should go back to your doctor for a follow-up appointment. I think it’s possible you may have been poisoned by eating something intended for Delores.”
“Poisoned?” Her eyes widen as her hand unconsciously drifts to her stomach. “But I discovered a few days ago that I’m pregnant.”
“Congratulations,” I offer, although the words seem hollow. I glance down at her hands, looking for the telltale Mees’ lines Tristan had pointed out to me on Mrs Abernathy’s body, but her nails are painted a pale pink, concealing any potential markings.
“We don’t want to scare you,” Maddie says. “The chances are you’re fine if you were only exposed once. But I really think you shouldn’t take any chances since you’re pregnant. Try to get in to see your GP today and if you can’t, go to the nearest hospital and let them know what to check for.”
Polina looks very pale so I reach out and grasp her hand. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
“I have to speak with my manager and call my husband.” She rises shakily, her hand still resting on her belly. “If there’s nothing else?”
“Actually just one more thing, if you don’t mind,” I say. “You said they were hosting an afternoon tea at the community centre that day.” She nods. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you remember who made the scones?”
She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”
“Okay. Well, thank you for your time,” I say gently. “I hope everything is well with the baby.”
“Thank you,” she mutters, her eyes filling with tears as turns and heads toward the door.
“Well fuck, I feel shitty.” Maddie rubs her face and breathes deeply.
“You and me both,” I agree. “I think we can probably exclude her from the suspect list.”
“Everything does seem to be pointing to the community centre, doesn’t it?” Maddie rises from her seat, and I follow.
“She also had a valid point.” I scratch my chin thoughtfully as we cross the room and head out into the corridor. “If it was anyone at the home, they’d have access to much more efficient and undetectable medications. Hell, they could have smothered her with a pillow and still make it look like she passed away in her sleep.”
“Fuck, that’s a scary thought.” Maddie grimaces as she pulls out her phone and taps out a quick message. “Just telling Sonia to never put me in a home,” she says after seeing my curious glance. I shake my head.
“We need to contact the community centre and find out who organised and who catered the afternoon tea that day,” I muse as we head back toward the reception.
“Danny!” I hear someone call my name and I stop and turn to see Lois hurrying down the corridor toward me. “Oh, I’m so glad I caught you. I know you’re technically working right now, but Martin is very unsettled. I think it’s the storm.”
Her words are suddenly punctuated by a roll of thunder and a crack of lightning, both so loud the glass doors slightly shake. I glance across to Maddie, who smiles sympathetically.
“Go on, Danny, it’s fine.” Maddie pats my arm. “You’re owed so many hours anyway. Why don’t you finish up early? I’ll head back and see if I can contact the community centre. You go and settle Tristan’s dad, then for god’s sake, go home and get a few hours’ sleep before your date tonight, or you’ll be falling asleep and face-planting in the starter. Then you’ll end up tragically drowning in your soup and won’t have the conversation with Tristan, which in turn will mean Sonia will be unhappy because she won’t get the chance to wear her new hat to your wedding.”
“I’m not bloody proposing.” I roll my eyes. “But thank you anyway. I’m not going to lie, I could do with a couple of hours’ kip to recharge my batteries.”
She nods and heads out the door into the storm as I turn back to Lois, who is eyeing me with a barely concealed smile.
