Page 25 of Her Lips Are Sealed

‘Someone was murdered.’

‘Chantelle, let Morgan speak, please.’

‘I’m sorry, there has been a murder.’

‘Please tell me it’s not Ash; her door is open and there are police going in and out.’

At the mention of Ash’s name Chantelle’s eyes widened. ‘Oh no.’

‘I’m sorry, yes, it’s Ash.’ She had no choice but to tell them. They would hear it sooner or later, as they had front row seats to the awful scene that was being played out in front of their home. ‘How well did you know Ash?’

‘Very, we used to work together at a solicitor in Ulverston. Lenox and Son, on Market Street. Ash left to work for an estate agents, showing houses, that kind of stuff. Oh my God, I can’t believe this. It’s so sad and terrifying. How did she die? Do you know who did this to her?’

Morgan wrote the name of the law firm in her notebook. ‘Not yet. Was she in a relationship with anyone? Her mum said not but sometimes we don’t always tell our parents what’s going on in our lives.’ Morgan tried not to look at Chantelle when she said this, she seemed like a good kid.

Marina shook her head. ‘I don’t think so, I never saw anyone going in or out and she never mentioned it.’

‘When was the last time you saw her?’

‘Saturday, we were chatting on the street.’

‘How did Ash seem to you?’

‘Fine, happy, said she was busy with work and a bit tired but didn’t mention anything to make me worry about her. I mean we’re all busy working for not enough money these days, aren’t we…?’ Marina paused, then sniffed and wiped her eyes with a tissue she’d plucked out of a box on the coffee table. ‘I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.’

‘Who’s going to look after Milo? Mum, can we take him in, please?’

‘I can’t afford to, love.’

‘I’ll buy his food, I promise.’

Marina looked stressed to hell and Morgan felt bad for her. ‘I’m sure Ash’s mum will have him.’

Chantelle shook her head. ‘You can’t do that to him; he loves it around here. He spends all his time basking in our plant pots anyway. He won’t be any bother. Please, Mum.’

‘Okay, for a few days he can stay.’

‘Yay, I’m going to go find him.’ She stood up and rushed out of the door, leaving them sitting staring at each other.

‘Sorry about that,’ Morgan offered.

Marina shrugged. ‘Not your fault, she’s wanted a cat for years. I guess I can’t really say no. Poor Ash. Can you tell me what happened, was it quick? I hate the thought of her being in pain.’

‘I don’t really know much at this point, it’s very early days. The forensic pathologist hasn’t even arrived at the scene yet. I’m sorry.’

Marina leaned over and patted her arm. ‘It’s not your fault. It’s just kind of hard to get my head around, this is such a quiet village, well, when it’s not full of tourists, but they’re great, keep all of us in jobs and pay the bills.’

Morgan nodded. ‘I’m struggling too, it’s so random. Do you know if Ash had ever fallen out with anyone or did she mention if she was having problems with anyone?’

‘No, she wasn’t that kind of woman. She was lovely and I know that’s what everyone says after someone has died, that they lit up a room, that kind of thing. Ash genuinely was a lovely person, kind, caring, maybe liked her own company more than socialising, but there’s nothing wrong with that. After my disastrous marriage I get that, I don’t think I’d ever trust another guy again. It’s me and Chantelle now, she’s my priority.’

‘I don’t blame you. Have you noticed anyone hanging around in the area? Has anyone complained about anything odd?’

‘No, I’m sorry, I haven’t and none of the neighbours have ever said about anything like that. I can’t be of any help. I really don’t know what’s happened or why it has, I’m just so sad that Ash is dead.’

Morgan stood up, water bottle in one hand and notebook in her other. ‘Look, I don’t want to worry you, but until we know what’s going on I’d make sure that you keep your doors and windows locked, maybe don’t let Chantelle go out on her own of an evening or if she does make sure she has her phone with her.’

‘I won’t, thank you. Should we be worried, are we a target?’