Angie was too shocked to rebuke her for trespassing, and Emilia took that as her cue to advance, placing a comforting hand on Angie’s arm.
“How are you getting on, Angie? I hear you had a terrible shock.”
One of the girls at work had obviously blabbed. Angie was irritated and pleased in equal measure. To be sought out by the local press was an unusual and gratifying experience. Effortlessly Emilia guided Angie back onto the sofa, seating herself beside her.
“I’m bearing up,” Angie replied bravely.
“Of course you are. You’re a strong woman—that’s what everyone says about you.”
Angie very much doubted it, but was pleased by the compliment.
“And our article will reflect that.”
Angie nodded, excitement mingling with unease.
“TheEvening Newswants to do a double-page spread on you. Your life, your important work at Zenith Solutions and your bravery in dealing with such an unpleasant incident. We’d like to pay tribute to you. Is that okay?”
Angie nodded.
“So let’s get a few details straight. We can do your career history in a moment, but let’s focus on the day itself for now. You received a package for your boss...”
“Mr. McPhail.”
“Mr. McPhail. You open all his mail, presumably?”
“Of course. I am his personal assistant. This was a couriered package and I always open those straightaway.”
Emilia was scribbling keenly now.
“And inside...”
“Inside... was a heart. The smell was terrible.”
“A heart?” replied Emilia, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. She hadn’t really expected it to be true, but it was.
“Yes. A heart, a human heart.”
“And can you think of any reason why someone would send such a thing to Mr. McPhail?”
“No,” replied Angie firmly. “He’s a brilliant boss.”
“Of course. And the police have been in touch?”
“I spoke to Inspector Grace.”
“I know her well. She’s a good copper. Was there anything in particular she wanted to know?”
Angie hesitated.
“I quite understand if you’re uncomfortable disclosing details of your conversation,” Emilia continued. “All I would say is that if I’m to convince my editor to give this story the center spread it deserves, then I am going to needallthe details.”
A long pause, then Angie spoke.
“She did seem particularly interested in getting a full list of Zenith’s employees. Particularly those who were absent that day.”
Emilia’s writing hand paused for a second, then carried on scribbling. She didn’t want to give away her excitement at this very interesting development. It was all fitting together nicely and would play well for her purposes.
Once again a major story had fallen into her lap.
