‘Because when I returned to the place where the scream came from, those footprints in the sand, they were far too small to be a man’s. And there’s something else,’ she said, opening up her bag and unzipping one of the inside pockets. ‘I kept this in my handbag because I wanted to avoid my housekeeper finding it and asking questions. I didn’t know what to do with it. I thought it might have been dropped by someone walking along the beach but now … well, after our discussion, it could be evidence.’
Cat and Liam watched her curiously as she pulled a small velvet pouch from the depths of her handbag.
‘A bracelet,’ she said, handing it over to him.
He took the small bag from her, opened it and teased out the contents. The fine gold serpent-like links slithered out, landing on his writing pad. ‘This looks expensive,’ he said as he draped it across his palm, gazing down at the weave of gold leaves embedded with diamonds and emeralds. He looked at Emelia curiously. ‘Where exactly did you find it?’
‘On the beach near the bottom of the steps. It looks as if the catch is broken. I suppose it could have been Marika’s or it may not have anything to do with the murder at all. Someone from the barbeque who was fed up with the music and the laughter might have come down to my small beach for some peace and quiet.’
‘Can I have a look?’ Cat interrupted, leaning forward and taking it from Liam’s outstretched hand.
She looked at it thoughtfully as she ran it across her palm. ‘I’ve seen this before,’ she said, closing her eyes as she tried to place it.
‘Does it belong to someone you know?’ Liam prompted, shifting in his seat, his gaze fixed on Cat.
‘Yes,’ she nodded, ‘yes it does.’
‘Is it one of your friends?’ Emelia offered.
‘No, but it’s someone close to the family,’ she said, handing it back to Liam. ‘It belongs to Evie Hunter.’
‘Evie?’ Emelia’s hand landed heavily against her chest. ‘Oh my word.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
Luke’s eyes opened. He was aware of the sound of bolts being shot back. He had no idea of the time but guessed it must be around mid-morning.
The young officer who normally delivered his meals appeared in the doorway. ‘DI Phillips wants to see you,’ he said.
He was ushered out of the custody suite and back into the corridor. What now, he wondered. Another grilling, maybe? They reached the door of the interview room and the officer showed him through, closing it behind him. Phillips and Cousins sat with their backs to him, while a dark-suited man occupying the seat where his brief normally sat got to his feet. Luke clocked thick jet-black hair and an expensive suit, a gold Rolex on his left wrist.
‘Ah.’ He looked up with a smile. ‘Mr Carrack.’ As Luke approached the desk he extended a hand in welcome. ‘Good morning. I’m Liam Richardson-Clarke. I’ve been appointed as your new legal brief. There’s been an important development. DI Phillips will explain …’
Aware of Luke’s imminent release on bail, Cat and Jodie had almost reached the outskirts of Truro when Nathan called to say after giving her statement he was on his way home with Em.
‘I’ve asked Liam to let Luke know you’ll be picking him up, so get a move on,’ he shouted down the phone.
‘Another five minutes and we’ll be there,’ Cat replied, giving Jodie the thumbs up. ‘He’s free,’ she said as she ended the call, trying her hardest not to cry. ‘Luke is free.’
Minutes later Jodie parked up in the pay and display car park opposite the police station. Cat got out and headed for the pay station with a handful of coins. As the machine ejected the ticket,she caught sight of Liam crossing into the car park and heading towards a grey Volvo Estate. She waved. Dropping his briefcase on the back seat, he slammed the door and walked over to her.
‘Cat?’ He gave a puzzled frown. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘We’ve come to collect Luke.’
‘But I thought you’d already been and gone?’ He raised his hand, brushing his hair from his eyes.
‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand. What’s happened?’
‘We were with the custody sergeant. He was handing back all Luke’s personal possessions and I thought I’d better visit the little boys’ room before my drive back to Bristol. By the time I came out, Luke had gone. When I asked the desk sergeant where he was he said his girlfriend had turned up to collect him. Naturally, I thought it was you.’
‘But why would he go with someone else when he already knew we were coming?’ Seeing Liam’s uncomfortable expression she added, ‘You did tell him, didn’t you?’
‘Actually, no.’ Liam shook his head, embarrassed. ‘I’m so sorry. I completely forgot.’
Damn.Cat damped down on her frustration. Although they couldn’t change what had happened, the important thing was to find him. ‘How long ago did he leave?’ she asked.
‘Can’t have been more than ten minutes,’ Liam said as he checked his watch. ‘I would imagine whoever picked him up is on their way back to Carrenporth as we speak.’
