‘All sorts,’ says Emma. ‘Sometimes they deliver books to housebound readers or help with children’s activities. Avril did general administrative work– putting protective covers on books, that sort of thing– but she also helped out with IT support. She was proud of being a silver surfer.’
‘How did she seem when you last saw her?’ says Judy. ‘Did she seem anxious or depressed?’
‘Not at all,’ says Emma. ‘I saw her on Monday. She seemed her usual self.’
According to the post-mortem, Avril died sometime on Monday night or early on Tuesday morning. She was found by Tina the next morning. In a locked room.
‘Can you remember what you talked about?’ asks Tony. Obviously aimless chat is one of his specialist subjects.
‘We were laughing about something we saw on TV,’ says Emma. ‘I can’t remember what.’ She looks from Tony to Judy. ‘Is it true? That she committed suicide? That’s what people are saying but I just can’t believe it.’
‘We’re still investigating,’ said Judy. ‘I’m sorry. I know it must be distressing. Did Avril ever mention anyone or anything troubling her? Anyone hanging around the house, for example?’
‘No,’ says Emma, wide-eyed. ‘Avril got on with everyone.’
‘Is there anyone that we should be talking to? Her daughter mentioned someone called Hugh that Avril used to meet here?’
‘Oh, Hugh Baxter. He’s another volunteer. A lovely man. Very interested in local history and all that. I think he’s a bit sweet on Avril. He’ll be devastated when he hears.’
‘Do you have an address for Hugh?’ asks Judy.
Lovely man or not, he’s going on their list.
Hugh Baxter lives nearby so Judy and Tony leave the car and walk. It’s midmorning and the streets are very quiet. Tony stops to talk to a cat sunning itself on a wall but otherwise there is not a living creature to be seen. Is everyone staying inside because of the threat of coronavirus, thinks Judy, or is Hunstanton always like this?
Hugh’s house is an end-of-terrace cottage. The brickwork looks slightly shabby but the garden is immaculate. A birdbath stands in a perfect circle of lawn and early daffodils are pushing their way up through the soil.
‘My uncle Wang Lei loves gardening. . .’ Tony begins but Judy silences him with a look. The door is opened by a white-bearded man in the sort of clothes Judy’s grandfather wears for relaxing: shirt, tie, cardigan, neatly pressed trousers and slippers.
Judy had thought she would have to break the news about Avril. This is something she has been trained to do but it’s never pleasant. However, it’s clear that Hugh already knows. When Judy says why they have come, he rubs his eyes.
‘Poor Avril. Such a tragedy.’
Bad news travels fast, thinks Judy.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she says. ‘Do you feel up to answering a few questions?’
Hugh ushers them into a small sitting room smelling strongly of furniture polish. ‘The cleaner’s just been,’ he says. ‘That’s why everything is so tidy.’
‘Who does your cleaning?’ asks Judy. Though she thinks she can guess.
‘Tina Prentice,’ says Hugh. ‘She’s wonderful.’
‘Was it Tina who told you about Avril?’
‘Yes. She rang yesterday. She knew Avril and I were close.’
‘How long have you known Avril?’ asks Judy.
‘About three years,’ says Hugh, picking imaginary fluff from the arm of the sofa. ‘When she started working at the library. We had a lot in common. She’d just been widowed. I lost my wife, Doris, ten years ago. We were both interested in gardening and local history.’
‘Your garden is lovely,’ says Tony.
‘Thank you,’ says Hugh. ‘It’s a great comfort. I like watching the birds too.’
Judy gives Tony a look to warn him not to start talking about Uncle Wang Lei.
‘We’re talking to everyone who knew Avril,’ says Judy. ‘Trying to get an idea of her state of mind. When did you last see her?’
