DH:He said how thrilled they both were that I was going to be selling her work. Told me that she’d had a really difficult time looking after their daughter and how much me believing in her art had meant to her. He asked if I might host an exhibition, something to make her feel good about herself, said he’d pay for the drinks and to invite the whole village, but not to tell his wife that he was behind it all. He wanted her to think it was my idea. Build her confidence. Apparently she was a bit of a recluse, he said she rarely left the house, though I have to admit she didn’t come across like that last night. I thought it was very sweet for a husband to want to do that for his wife and I was pleased to help. Now this has happened. She seemed so happy last night, but do you think it was all too much for her? The attention and people looking at her work? Is this my fault?
LC:No, of course not. So you never met Eden Fox in real life until last night?
DH:No, but we spoke on the phone—
LC:And you’re sure it was Eden Fox you were speaking to?
DH:Who else would it have been? We only spoke once, I mainly dealt with the husband. Harrison delivered the paintings, along with all the wine for the event. He’s very generous and equally charming. A real gentleman. That poor man, he must be devastated. Do you think it’s too soon to take him a casserole? I’m sorry, where are my manners, I didn’t offer you a drink. Would you like a cup of tea?
LC:No.
33CARTER
I head to The Smuggler’s Inn looking for my new boss. I’m guessing she has read the transcript by now. I am greeted at the door by DCI Bird’s wolf, and stand perfectly still while it stares at me. Big dogs make me nervous and I wish she would keep him on a lead.
“Don’t worry, he’s harmless,” she says from a table in the corner.
“If you say so.”
“I was talking to the dog.”
Funny.
She invites me to join her, which I do, and the wolf dog sits down on the floor beside us, watching me. Bird looks up and does the same.
“Sunday.”
“What?”
“You were about to ask his name.”
“Was I?”
“The transcript of your interview with the owner of the art gallery was interesting. What do you make of her?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, she was one of the last people to see Eden Fox before she went missing. Harrison said that he and Eden stayed late at the galleryand had a drink with Diana after everyone else left. The husband was lying about something. Was Diana lying too?”
“Diana Harris has outlived three husbands and might well be on the lookout for a fourth. She’s guilty of having a crush on Harrison, but I don’t think she’s a suspect.”
Bird tilts her head, taps her finger on the top of her laptop like she’s sending Morse code, and stares at me in a way I find super disconcerting. The laptop is old and battered and covered in childish stickers. One saysKEEP CALM AND FUCK OFF. She smiles and it only makes me feel more discombobulated.
“Everyone is a suspect until they’re not, Carter. That’s rule number two.”
“What was rule number one?”
“Remember to eat. Nothing good is ever achieved on an empty stomach. Do you fancy a cheeseburger? They’re really tasty. My treat,” Bird says, as though I am a child.
I know they’re good. I live in this village and I’ve eaten more burgers in this pub than she has. I want to say no but I say yes because I am hungry and I never turn down free food. Especially the best burgers in all of Cornwall. Bird waves at the barmaid who is behind the bar, and my heart sinks again. I already know that this is going to be awkward in more ways than one. Maddy looks up from her book, tucks her long red hair behind her ears, and grins when she sees me sitting at the table.
“Hello, Lulu,” she says to me.
This. Isn’t. Happening.
My name isLukeCarter. I don’t know why Maddy insists on calling me Lulu. Bird’s face lights up like a Christmas tree and I feel my cheeks burn.
“Hello, Maddy,” I reply.
