Faraway Eyes_A fast-paced romantic murder mystery Read online

  “Veronicah is very beautiful, I’ve no doubt you will love her like I do,” Ana had begun, “She doesn’t speak any English, so we will have to teach her.”

  “I don’t think she’ll be here long enough to learn very much,” said Alex, buttering his toast.

  Pouring herself out a cup of coffee, Ana sat down beside him, her robe open exposing her breasts, but that didn’t do it for him anymore.

  “You will be able to pick her up from Heathrow on Friday afternoon? I know it’s last minute, but she couldn’t get away from her job any earlier.”

  “You’re asking me now, Ana? I’m working remember, I said I was on a late shift on Friday. I’m sorry, you’re going to have to get a train up to London.”

  “You couldn’t do this one thing for me!” she yelled and then, not for the first time, swore at him in Russian. “How do you expect me to travel to London alone, the day before my wedding?”

  “Our wedding … why don’t you ask one of your colleagues to drive you then?”

  “I guess that’s what I’ll have to do, if you can’t be bothered! Вы ублюдок!” she repeated, jumping up and throwing her mug into the sink. “By the way, I won’t be sleeping here on Friday night, I’ve booked myself and Veronicah into a spa hotel."

  “Fine, whatever makes you happy.”

  They had hardly spoken since that conversation. In fact, it was fair to say, they hardly did anything together these days. If it wasn’t for the baby …

  He couldn’t believe the whirlwind of change in his world since he’d met her. His biggest regret though was not having Sam and Harry in his life anymore, he really missed them. He even imagined on the rare occasions when he was making love to Ana, it was Sam lying there in his arms. If only she had let him into her heart …

  ***

  “Morning DCI Walker,” said Lilly, as Alex approached the secretaries’ station. “How are the arrangements for Saturday going? I expect you’re getting excited.”

  “Morning Lilly. I think everything’s going OK. Any messages?”

  “Yes, I’ve already sent you several emails.”

  “Thanks … By the way have you seen or heard anything from Sam Adams recently? I was just wondering how she’s doing.”

  “Sam? No, I’ve not heard anything from her for a while. Why don’t you go around and see her?”

  “Yes, I might just do that.”

  It was just at that moment that Digger poked his head out of his office.

  “DCI Walker, nice of you to join us. Have you got a minute to have a word with your best man?”

  Making his way towards him, Alex glanced up at the clock on the wall and grinned, “I’m not late, in fact, I’m fifteen minutes early, Sir.”

  “What, your bride kicked you out of bed this morning, did she? You’re a lucky so and so. How’re you feeling? Looking forward to your stag tonight?”

  “Everyone keeps asking me how I’m feeling. To be honest, I’ll be relieved when it’s all over. I can’t get wasted tonight though, I’ve still got one more shift before the wedding.”

  “I’m sure whatever happens, the lads and I will give you a night to remember.”

  ***

  After work, Alex decided not to go straight home, instead he set out along the lanes towards Willow Green. It was always a lovely drive along these B-roads, the high hedges and colourful verges reminded him of Devon. He felt more at home here amongst the birds’ songs and the enormous sky – here he could finally breathe. Stopping his car at an entrance to an empty field he climbed out. Circling a puddle, the size of a small crater, he leaned over the five-bar gate and stared out into the distance, speculating if it was actually a good idea to see Sam alone after all this time?

  He recalled the shocked expression on her face when he told her he was engaged. When she ran off like that, he had to stop himself from going after her, to tell her about the baby, knowing her as well as he did, he believed if she knew she would understand. Seeing a smug look appear on Ana’s face, when Sam disappeared, made him seethe with anger. Was it so wrong of him to have actually hated her at that moment?

  He looked down at his watch, four forty-five; Ana would be getting home about now. She was off on her hen night with her friends from school later, so she would be too preoccupied with her preparations to be wondering where he had got to. Anyway by the nature of his job it was rare for him to get home on time. Clambering back into his car he started the engine and began travelling the last few miles towards the village.

  It really was a lovely tranquil place to live, with ancient thatched cottages surrounding the village green. He understood only too well why Sam decided to put down roots here. Passing the post office and The Rose Cottage Tea Rooms, he drove slowly to see if he could spot anyone he knew and felt quite disappointed when he didn’t. Turning into Horse Lane, he was relieved to see Sam’s car parked in front of Honeysuckle Cottage. He jumped out, clicked open the gate and started up the path to the front door and knocked. No reply. Perhaps she was in the garden. He tried the side gate but that was locked and bolted. Turning his head on hearing a car’s engine, he could see at once it was Josie coming home from school.

  “Alex, this is a pleasant surprise,” she said, opening her car door. “Have you come to see me?”

  “Actually, I was looking for Sam. I see her car’s here, but she seems to be out.”

  “Yes,” Josie stuttered, “she’s gone away for a few days with Harry. She’s visiting her friend Victoria.”

  “She’s not gone by car then?”

  “No …” Josie really wished she had thought this lie out properly. “No, she’s been having trouble with the clutch, so she’s gone by train.”

  “I see. If you speak, or see her, tell her I called round.”

  “Do you want to come in for a drink and a chat? I’ve hardly seen you since you and Ana got together.”

  Alex bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. “OK just for a minute then,” he said, following Josie into Brook Cottage.

  “Tea or coffee?”

  “Coffee please, white, one sugar.”

  “So, Alex,” said Josie, placing two large mugs of steaming coffee on the table, before sitting down opposite him. “I’ll come right out with it, why have you come around to see Sam after all these months?”

  “Wow, you don’t mince your words.”

  “I’ve always found a direct approach stops all the nonsense. So, why have you, after all this time?”

  “I was thinking of her this morning, and as you say, it’s been a long time since she and I talked, and I guess I miss her.”

  “I see.”

  “By the way,” he added quickly, “Ana doesn’t know I’m here, so please don’t mention you’ve seen me. I take it you’re out tonight with her and the rest of your work colleagues?”

  “Yes, I’m looking forward to it, but why would Ana be upset to know you’re here?”

  “Ana doesn’t like Sam. For some reason, she’s got it into her head there was something more than friendship between us. I think she sees her as a threat. That’s why I’ve kept away.”

  “Is Ana right, do you love Sam?”

  He fell back in his chair. “Wow, wait a minute, who said anything about love?”

  “I did, well?”

  Diverting his gaze, unable to look her in the eye, he said, “You’re very good Josie Forrester … I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I think I fell in love with Sam the very first time I saw her on the harbour wall in Tenerife. I’ve never had the guts to tell her of course, I thought she would run a mile if she knew. So, I’ve just had to be content to be her friend.”

  “I see.” Should she reveal to him that she knows Sam feels the same way? What good would it do now? Besides, it wasn’t her place to tell.

  “Anyway,” he continued, raising his head, “I’m marrying Ana in two days!”

  The lines on Josie’s forehead deepened. “Why are you marrying Ana? If, as you say, you love Sam.”<
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  “To be honest, Josie, it’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately.” He breathed in deeply. “However, there are two very good reasons, which I can’t change. First Sam doesn’t love me and the second … Ana is carrying my child.”

  “Oh my god, I didn’t know!”

  “No, no one else does. Ana wanted to keep it quiet until after the wedding, she doesn’t want people thinking I’m only marrying her because she’s pregnant. So, I would appreciate it if you kept it to yourself for the time being.”

  Josie met his gaze. “Are you marrying her because she’s pregnant?”

  Clenching his jaw, Alex leapt to his feet, his face reddening as his heart rate increased. “Alright yes, I’m marrying Ana because she’s carrying my child! I don’t want him or her to grow up without loving parents around like I had to! Happy now you know?” he bellowed.

  Josie stared at him with heavy eyes, realising she knew so little about him. Out of the blue this outwardly resilient detective seemed in such emotional pain.

  “Oh Alex, I’m sorry, I had no idea, I didn’t mean to upset you. Of course, I won’t breathe a word.”

  He slumped back down again, wiped his hand across his face and took another deep breath. “Sorry for losing it, but it has been a tough couple of months. I’m trying my best to keep positive, but it’s so bloody hard … Look, can I ask a favour? Ana’s friend is arriving from Russia early on Friday afternoon, I’m working and Ana can’t drive, so would you be able to take her to Heathrow to meet her?”

  “Of course, I can, I’ll do anything if it helps. I’ll try and get into conversation with her about it tonight, without mentioning I’ve seen you.”

  “Cheers, I really appreciate it. Right,” he said, getting to his feet. “I’d better get home, I’m meeting the boys in my local at eight.”

  Accompanying Alex back to his car, Josie took his hand. “I’m truly sorry things didn’t work out with you and Sam, but I hope for your sake and your baby’s that your marriage turns out well. If it helps, I think you’ll make a wonderful dad. I’ll see you at the church on Saturday.”

  She watched with sadness, as he manoeuvred back along the lane. How could two intelligent people be so lacking in showing their emotions to each other. If only he and Sam had talked about their feelings, their paths would have come together, and without doubt their relationship would have been a happy one.

  Chapter 17 – An Arrival

  England, Friday 26th May

  Buckling up her seat belt, Ana pulled down the sun visor of the passenger seat and checked her makeup in the little mirror, not for the first time.

  “It’s very good of you to drive me to the airport, Josie.”

  “No problem. I just hope we don’t hit a car park of traffic on the M25, Friday is usually bad,” Josie replied, putting her foot down.

  Ana’s hen night, in the main, had been a success. It did help that the school holidays had already started, which meant that all partygoers, who worked at the school, could at least have a lie in. Josie, however, had been woken as usual by a persistent paw on her face, from her large ginger cat, Sandy. The feline’s ravenous appetite meant he had to have at least two full meals per day, starting with breakfast and he hated having to wait. Of course, if Max had been home, he would have fed the insatiable cat, leaving her to sleep the morning away, however, Max had been at a conference for a few days and wouldn’t be back until later. Her head had been thumping for most of the morning from the beat of last night’s disco and her throat felt parched from all those cocktails and glasses of champagne she had devoured; it was only now she was being to feel human again. The majority of the hens had turned up in some sort of fancy dress, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and certainly the bride-to-be had joined in the fun. Ana had looked stunning, as always, with her boobs barely being contained within a white lacy Basque, which Josie thought should have been worn under a dress not as an outer garment. Hell, what did she know anyway? She had no problem instigating a conversation with Ana about driving her to the airport without mentioning Alex, so a good result all round.

  It was now twelve-thirty, and they were well on their way to Heathrow to meet Veronicah off the Moscow flight.

  “How long is it since you’ve seen your friend?”

  “The day I left Russia for England, six months ago. She doesn’t speak any English by the way, so please excuse us if we talk together in Russian, I’ve got so much to tell her, only I know some people would think it rude.”

  “I understand,” smiled Josie, “you chat away … how did Alex’s stag night go?”

  Ana turned her head and stared out of the window. “I didn’t hear him come in, he slept in the spare room, he only just got in the shower when you arrived, he’s on duty at three.”

  Two hours later, following a long frustrating drive, they finally arrived at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. Parking in the multi-storey car park they made their way to arrivals, whereupon Ana ran excitedly ahead – Josie had never seen her so animated. Thankfully the arrivals board said the flight was on time so they didn’t have too long to wait. Standing nervously, Ana’s head continuously bobbed up and down over other expectant individuals, as she attempted to get the first glimpse of her friend.

  “There she is,” she squealed at last.

  Appearing in the midst of a group of passengers, her vivid red hair hanging loose around her shoulders, Veronicah strode confidently towards them. Dressed immaculately in a long flowing pale blue dress, her tall physique meant she stood out from the rest of the crowd. Ana almost leapt over the barrier when she first caught a glimpse of her friend, nonetheless, she had to wait a few seconds more before she could throw her arms around her. Then, totally oblivious to anyone else, they embraced.

  While the two friends chatted away in their mother tongue, Josie stood watching and listening intently, before stepping forward and introducing herself. Shaking her hand and smiling sweetly, Veronicah linked arms with Ana, and together they followed Josie back to her car.

  Chapter 18 – A Mysterious Find

  The Rose Cottage Tea Rooms in Willow Green, were particularly busy, they always were on market day. The quaint establishment was like stepping back in time, with its blue gingham tablecloths and ornate trinkets from years gone by, decorating the walls and the deep windowsills. The windows themselves dressed in floral curtains and part lace, was an enticing vision from the high street for any would be customer. When Beth purchased the shop and the flat above two years ago, it had been ‘a dream come true’. She’d always loved cooking even as a child. Now her reputation, for the best cream teas in this part of the county, had grown to the point where people came from miles around to sit and eat at one of her tables. Her husband Ben did complain on the rare occasion when his own tea wasn’t ready, but then as the money in their bank account started increasing to a very comfortable level, he soon mastered the art of beans on toast.

  The little bell over the door had been ringing out most of the morning. It was almost two, when Beth noticed Barbara Hamilton making her way slowly towards the glass counter.

  “Mrs. Oliver, you certainly are busy today! I’m sorry this is short notice, but I’m holding a little gathering for my WI members tomorrow morning, and I was wondering if I could purchase a couple of your delicious cakes?”

  Beth smiled, “Yes, of course Mrs. Hamilton, which two would you like?”

  Barbara looked down at the cakes on display.

  “I’m very partial to your Victoria sponge and perhaps that carrot cake in the middle.”

  “Good choice, I’ll box them up for you.”

  “Um, actually, I was wondering if you could ice and pipe something on the top. It’s my going away party, so I thought something like ‘Thank you for all your support’.”

  “I couldn’t possibly work on them until after closing.”

  “That’s absolutely fine, you know where I live.”

  Beth sighed, “Yes, of course, I’ll be by about six.”
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  ***

  It had been a long tiring day, turning the ‘Closed’ sign on the café door, Beth went to the back of the shop to collect her handbag and the cakes Barbara Hamilton had ordered. Now iced to perfection, she secured them in their cake boxes.

  It wasn’t worth her driving to Barbara Hamilton’s house, it was only on the other side of the village green, just a short stroll and anyway, she could do with a breath of evening air after being stuck inside the shop all day. Striding out across the common, past the duck-filled pond and the ancient willow trees, Beth filled her lungs with the clean air. Arriving at the paved driveway, the grand entrance to The Manor House, she glanced up at the white frontage of the handsome building, partly adorned with vibrant bundles of purple wisteria, clinging to the trellis attached to its wall. Making her way to the front door she reached forward and pulled the antiquated lever connected to the bell. No answer. She pulled it again, still no answer.

  “Hello, my dear, Mrs. Hamilton’s car’s not here, she must have popped out somewhere.”

  Startled on hearing a familiar voice, Beth spun round.

  “Flo, hi! I was just dropping a couple of cakes round Mrs. Hamilton ordered. I did tell her I would be here at this time, I can’t really leave them on the door mat.”

  “I bet something’s come up, my dear, her head’s all over the place since she decided to move away. Mind you, neither of us is getting any younger, why, I’ve had to come back myself, because I left my watch somewhere in the house this morning when I was doing the cleaning and I’ve only just realised. Look, I’ve got a key I can let you in. You can leave your cakes in the kitchen with a note if you like?”