“Perhaps it wasn’t Ventham at all? Perhaps we’re just being blinded by what’s in that file? By the twelve million. I mean, where was he when Curran was killed? Do we even know? Could he have done it? Do the timings work?”
“Elizabeth, forgive me,” says John. “But have you ever watchedEscape to the Country?”
Elizabeth is still not really used to John speaking, but he does seem to be coming out of his shell recently. “I don’t believe I have, John, no.”
He’s fidgeting a little. Something is clearly on his mind. “I mean, it’s rather good. I’m sure it’s nonsense, but even so. There will be a couple on, and they will be looking for a new home.”
“In the country, John?”
“In the country, as you say. And a chap—well, sometimes it’s a woman—will show them around some houses. I watch it with the sound down, because it’s not really Penny’s sort of thing. You can really see in the eyes of the couple which one wants to move, and which one is just going along with it. For a quiet life, you know?”
“John,” says Elizabeth, leaning forward and staring straight into his eyes, “I’ve never known you to utter a sentence without a reason. Where is this heading?”
“Well, it’s only heading here, I suppose,” says John. “I was watchingEscape to the Country, you see, on the day that Curran was killed, and they’d just got to the end, where they decide whether to buy the house or not. They never do, but that’s half the fun. I got up and wandered out to get a Lucozade Sport from the machine, and I looked out of the window, the one at the front, and saw Ventham’s car driving off.”
“The Range Rover?” asks Elizabeth.
“Yes, the Ranger Rover,” says John. “Coming down the track from the top of the hill. And I just thought I would mention it to you, asEscape to the Countryis on straight afterDoctors, and it finishes at three on the dot.”
“I see,” says Elizabeth.
“And I thought that perhaps if you knew exactly when Ventham left Coopers Chase, and you knew exactly when Curran had been killed, it might be useful? For the investigation?”
“Three p.m.?” asks Elizabeth.
“Mmm. On the dot.”
“Thank you, John. I think I need to send a text message.” Elizabeth takes out her phone.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to use your mobile telephone in here, Elizabeth,” says John.
She gives a kindly shrug. “Well, imagine if we only ever did what we were supposed to, John.”
“You have a point there, Elizabeth,” agrees John, and goes back to his book.
34.
Donna is getting ready to go out when her phone pings—a message from Elizabeth. She only left her a few hours ago. It will be trouble, for sure, but she likes seeing the name pop up.
What time was Tony Curran killed?
Well, that was short and to the point. Donna smiles and composes a reply.
Maybe ask how I am, share a bit of gossip, before asking for a favor? And sign off with a kiss. Soften me up a bit x
Donna sees the speech bubble, showing that Elizabeth is replying. She is taking her time, so what will it be? A lecture? A reminder of why Donna is investigating a murder instead of measuring the depth of tire treads in the car park at Halfords, which is what Mark was doing today? Perhaps it would be something in Latin? There is a ping.
How are you, Donna? Mary Lennox has just had a new great-granddaughter, but she is worried that her granddaughter has been having an affair, because the husband has a very prominent chin, and it is nowhere to be seen. What time was Tony Curran killed? X
Donna is choosing between lipsticks. She wants something that doesn’t look too obvious, while at the same time looking obvious. She replies.
I can’t tell you that. I’m a professional.
There is an immediate ping back.
LOL!
LOL? Where had Elizabeth got that from? Two can play at that game.
