Faraway Eyes_A fast-paced romantic murder mystery Read online

  Chapter 5 – A Proposal

  April 2017

  The unaccustomed dry spring was at halfway point, and summer, with all the anticipation of long hot days and short warm nights it demanded, was just around the corner. Sam was enjoying the first picnic of the year with Harry on a rug beneath the apple tree at the bottom of her garden, when she heard a familiar voice.

  “I did ring the doorbell, but on such a glorious day, I guessed you must be out here,” said Polly Brennan, as she ambled towards them; a wicker basket draped over her arm was filled to the brim with goodies. “I’ve been baking, so I thought I would bring you a few things. There are pies and half a dozen scones.”

  Sam rose to her feet and took the basket. “Thanks Polly it’s very kind of you. Let’s go inside, I’ve got a jug of homemade lemonade in the fridge.”

  With Harry trotting behind them they made their way along the stone path, through the backdoor and into the kitchen.

  Several minutes later, whilst Harry played happily in his sandpit, the two women sat on the patio beneath a large green parasol.

  “It’s a really beautiful cottage garden,” remarked Polly over the top of her sunglasses.

  “It’s all down to Brian, he’s worked really hard to get it this way. I think he’s particularly pleased with the tulips.”

  Polly looked down at the glass of lemonade between her hands. “Actually, Brian is the reason I’m here.”

  Sam sat back in her wooden chair and grinned. Brian Harvey, now in his sixties, had been her father’s clerk, when he worked as a barrister in London. Following Brian’s forced retirement, due to ill health, Sam’s parents had welcomed him with open arms to the family home, even building an annex to accommodate him. To pay his way, Brian had become their handyman and chauffeur. However, Sam had known for a long time that he and Polly were an item, although the pair naively believed it was a well–kept secret. Michael had been the one to spot the lovers making love in the cornfield all those years ago, as they perched on the branch of the old oak tree looking out to the land beyond. So, when Polly, very generously gave up her rooms in the main house, and moved into the annex with Brian, in order for her mother to use her two rooms to rent for her bed and breakfast, it wasn’t too much of a surprise. Although they had never talked about it, Sam was pretty sure it wasn’t a surprise to her mother either.

  “What’s Brian been up to? I hope he’s not been stealing the family silver?”

  Polly looked shocked. “Goodness me no, Brian is the most honest person I’ve ever met …”

  “It’s OK Polly, I was only joking. Since my father died he’s become like a second father to me, I agree with you he’s a wonderful man.”

  Polly lowered her eyes. “Yes, yes he is. Look, I need to tell you something in confidence.”

  “Of course, you can tell me anything, it won’t go any further.”

  Polly put the iced glass of lemonade to her lips and took a big gulp. “Brian has asked me to marry him.”

  “Oh, that’s great news, congratulations!” Sam leapt from her seat and planted a big wet kiss on Polly’s cheek. Polly sat motionless. “Polly,” said Sam, taken aback by her cool reaction, “I’m taking it you said yes?”

  Polly’s eyes filled with tears. “I haven’t given him my answer yet. You see it’s not that simple.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Oh, this is so hard … the thing is,” she began, wringing her hands tightly together, “I lied when I came here. I told everyone I was a widow, the fact is I could be, but I’m not a hundred per cent sure.”

  A frown erupted on Sam’s face. “So, are you telling me your husband is still alive?”

  “The simple answer is I don’t know. He walked out of the house one day and never came back.”

  “I see. Have you any idea where he went?”

  “Yes, he took a flight to New Zealand, I know that for sure.”

  “New Zealand, goodness me. When was the last time you heard from him?”

  Polly looked down at her feet. “I’ve not actually spoken to him since the day he left, after he cleared out our joint bank account.” Raising her head again she looked directly at Sam. “Three years ago, I had him declared dead, so officially I am a widow now, but I still wonder if in fact he is still alive? I really need to know, before I can say yes to Brian.”

  “I see. Is there a reason you’re confiding in me in particular?”

  “Isn’t it obvious, because you’re a detective.”

  “An ex-detective, as I keep having to remind everyone.”

  “OK, an ex-detective. I want to hire you.”

  “You want to hire me to do what exactly?”

  “I want you to go to New Zealand for me and see if you can find him, or at least evidence he’s died. Obviously, I’ll pay all your expenses, I’ve plenty of money saved.”

  Sam shook her head and looked at her in disbelief. “I’m sorry Polly, there’s no way I’m going to travel halfway around the world and leave my little boy. Why don’t you hire yourself a private detective?”

  “I went down that road several years ago and they came up against a brick wall. It was soon after that I had him declared dead.”

  “I see.” Sam was beginning to think Polly was holding back on her. “Look my answer then is to tell Brian everything you’ve just told me. He loves you I’ve no doubt he’ll understand and as you say legally you’re a widow.”

  Polly arose from her chair. “I just can’t tell him, I know he’ll look at me differently and I couldn’t bear that. In the eyes of the law I’m a widow, but I have nagging doubts that keep me awake at night. Now Brian has asked me to marry him, I really need to find out for sure. Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind? Your mother and I could look after Harry, if that’s your main worry. You know he’d be in safe hands.”

  Sam could see the anguish in her eyes. “Sorry Polly, there’s nothing you could do or say to change my mind. Have you considered going to New Zealand yourself?”

  “If only I could, but I have a fear of flying. You’re my only hope.”

  Sam shook her head. “I’m sorry Polly, but it’s still no ... For your own sanity though you really should tell Brian. Please, just tell him.”

  Polly leaned forward and squeezed Sam’s hand. “Thanks for listening anyway. Well, I’d better go.”

  Sam watched with some sadness, as the poor woman disappeared from her sight around the corner of Honeysuckle Cottage.

  Chapter 6 – An Unpleasant Meeting

  May 2017

  It was that time of the year again when Kate and James Robinson opened up their garden for a party for the villagers of Willow Green. It was May Day and the lawn, surrounding Lime House, was enveloped with tents and children’s activities. In fact, the whole place pulsated both with families and individuals enjoying a day of fun and relaxation. Sam had been roped into running a stall alongside Beth, selling homemade cakes and jams.

  “I think there’s more people here than previous years,” pointed out Beth, wrapping up the last Victoria Sandwich, before handing it to a delighted Laura Cain, the Willow Green postmistress.

  “I think you’re right,” replied Laura, “perhaps this year’s ‘Cause’ has something to do with it. The Reverend Stanton has been mentioning it’s in aid of a new church roof for the past few Sundays.”

  “Well, let’s hope we manage to raise enough money to help pay towards it then.”

  Several more customers later, Sam turned to Beth. “We’re almost sold out, why don’t you go and get yourself some of the pig roast before it disappears, I know you’re particularly partial to it.”

  “I must admit I’m a bit peckish. If you’re sure you don’t mind … Oh, don’t look now, but Barbara Hamilton is heading our way! I’ll see you a bit later.”

  “Coward,” laughed Sam, as Beth vanished behind the gazebo, seconds before Barbara Hamilton came to a halt in front of their stall. “Mrs. Hamilton, nice to see you again. I’m sorr
y, but we’re very low on cakes.”

  Barbara Hamilton, a pivotal resident of Willow Green, at least that’s what she believed herself to be, stood before her in a bright yellow twinset. Several rows of pearls hung heavily around her neck. She had lived in The Manor House, which lies in the heart of Willow Green, for years with her husband Charles, (a former headmaster of the Willow Green Primary School) and Stephen her only son. Unfortunately, in recent times, her husband had left her, to live with a man. And her son? She didn’t usually like to mention his whereabouts.

  “Not to worry, it’s my fault for arriving so late. I’ll have that little fruitcake at the back, must support the Reverend in his hour of need. How are you my dear and your gorgeous little boy?”

  “We’re great, thanks.”

  “By the way, I’ve some news, I’m moving away.”

  “Oh really. I remember you saying two years ago you hoped to move into something smaller, but I thought you wanted to stay in the village?”

  “Yes, well, my plans have changed. My son’s coming home to me at last.”

  “Oh, that’s nice for you,” replied Sam, knowing full well Barbara’s wayward son had been incarcerated in one of Her Majesty’s prisons for the past few years.

  As if reading Sam’s mind, Barbara tossed back her head. “I know what people say about him, but it’s not true. He didn’t do those awful things to those girls. He’s spent years away from me because of their evil lies. My Stephen wouldn’t hurt a fly let alone rape someone. He’s had his whole life ruined. So, I feel we have no choice. We need a fresh start away from here.”

  “You’re probably right ... have you managed to sell The Manor House?”

  “No, not yet. However, I’m in the process of buying a three-bed detached house in Northampton. Fortunately, I have enough funds to go ahead with the purchase without having to sell first.”

  “That’s a good few miles away.”

  “Yes, I’ll be sad to leave the village, I’ve made a lot of friends here especially amongst the WI. I’ll have to relinquish the position of Chairwoman of our committee, of course. That will be hard for me as I’ve been a member for over thirty years. Nevertheless, we simply can’t stay around here with everyone talking behind our backs. It’s definitely better if we move away.”

  Sam noticed Barbara’s eyes were misting over. She actually found herself feeling sorry for the naïve woman and hoped her plan of a successful reunion with her son, would turn out as she imagined.

  “You’ll say goodbye before you leave?”

  “Of course, my dear. Well I’d better be off, lots to do. For one thing I have to find the Reverend to break my news. I’m dreading it, I know he’ll be upset.”

  Half an hour later, Beth returned and Sam went off to get herself something to eat. Kate, as always, was presiding over the pig roast.

  “I’ve just been having a conversation with Barbara Hamilton,” said Sam, “she says her son is coming out of prison. Didn’t you tell me once you knew him?”

  Kate pulled Sam to one side. “Yes, unfortunately he was, and I’ve no doubt still is, one of the most evil people I’ve had the misfortune to meet. Whatever Barbara says, he was guilty as sin; I’ve no doubt about it. Between you and me he should have been put away for manslaughter.”

  “Really? So why wasn’t he?”

  “Because no one knew it was manslaughter. It happened when he was a teenager. He caused the death of Albert Reed, Emily Stanton’s elderly father, by tampering with his bike. The poor man ended up in a ditch on a cold winter’s night and froze to death. Everyone thought it was an accident, but I know differently.”

  “Are you telling me what I think you’re telling me - that you spoke to Albert’s spirit?”

  “As it happens, yes. Can you imagine the scenario of me, a mere teenager myself at the time; going to the police to tell them a dead man had told me he had died because of Stephen. I’d have been put into some institution and the key thrown away.”

  “Yes, you’re probably right.”

  Kate looked at her sheepishly. “By the way, James let slip to Alex that we were holding the garden party today. I was really cross with him; he shouldn’t have mentioned it. Only I just saw Alex and that woman arrive about ten minutes ago. I’m so sorry. If you want to leave I’d understand?”

  “I’m not leaving, I’ll have to see them together some time, it might as well be here than anywhere else. Ironically, Josie and I only spoke about Ana the other day. She said she wished she could say something negative about her, but there was nothing discreditable to say. Apparently, Ana is a popular member of staff, and Josie hadn’t seen anything in her manner to make her think she is anything other than a genuinely nice person. I have to face it Kate, if there’s a strong attraction between them, perhaps they were meant to end up as a couple anyway, and no matter what I say or do, it won’t make any difference.”

  Kate put her arm around her friend. “That’s my girl. Come on, I think we could both do with a large glass of something alcoholic.”

  The refreshment tent was buzzing with adults, mostly men, enjoying the locally brewed beers on offer.

  “Sam, eyes to the right, they’re talking to Laura. Do you want to go back?”

  “No, I’ll just keep out of their way. It’s a long queue I’ll wait for you here. Make mine a double gin and tonic, with ice and lemon.”

  “Right, a double it is. I’ll try to get past them without them seeing me.”

  Too late, Alex spotted her in the crowd and made his way purposely towards her.

  “Kate, so nice to see you again, it’s been a while,” he said, placing his hands on her shoulders and kissing her on both cheeks. “I’ve just seen James and the girls, can’t believe how much they’ve grown …”

  “Alex darling, aren’t you going to introduce me?” broke in Ana.

  “Yes, sorry. Kate, I don’t think you’ve met my girlfriend Ana.”

  Ana stretched out her bare arm to shake Kate’s hand, returning the gesture, Kate forced a smile.

  “No, I haven’t, nice to meet you. I hope you’re both enjoying our garden party?”

  “It was good of you to invite us,” Ana purred in her undoubtable Russian accent. “You really have a beautiful place and so big, I hope to live in surroundings like this someday.”

  Kate couldn’t help but notice Ana wasn’t wearing a bra under her thin strappy top.

  “Thank you. We actually hold it for the villagers of Willow Green, but colleagues of James are always welcome … I’m sorry I have to go, I’m in line for drinks.”

  “Oh, let me get them for you,” said Alex. “White wine, isn’t it?”

  “White wine is fine, and a double gin and tonic.”

  “If that’s OK?” asked Sam, unexpectedly appearing beside Kate.

  “Yes, of course, no problem,” returned Alex, his eyes noticeably brightening as he met Sam’s gaze. “It’s nice to see you again Sam.”

  He leaned forward and planted a warm kiss on her blushing cheek, hovering seconds longer than he needed too, while his hand gently held her upper arm. How stimulating it was to feel his breath on her face and to feel his skin on hers. Was she imagining it, but was he just as pleased to see her, as she was to see him? Had he missed her? Was he regretting how their last evening together ended? Did he want her back in his life?

  “Ana, of course you know Sam,” said Kate, feeling the undeniable tension around her.

  “No, not really, but our paths did cross I think, at the New Year’s Eve party, wasn’t it?”

  Ana knew full well they had met at the New Year’s Eve party. Why was she playing it so nonchalantly? What was this woman up to?

  “Yes, that’s where we met,” replied Sam.

  “I know your mother of course,” Ana continued, “such a kind lady. If it wasn’t for her inviting me along that evening, I wouldn’t have met my darling Alex.”

  Sam couldn’t help but notice Ana slip her immaculately manicured hand into Alex’s, bef
ore reclining towards him, where she settled her breasts firmly against the right side of his body. Presumably demonstrating, for Sam’s benefit, how close they had become. The whole scene felt uncomfortable. Part of her wanted to run away as fast as she could, however, the other part wanted to stay and tell Alex how much she had missed him.

  “How’ve you been keeping, Sam?” asked Ana.

  “I’ve been busy, having a child takes up all of my time. How are you Alex, is work OK?”

  “It’s been full on. We’ve had a spate of burglaries, lots of paper work; well, you know the drill. Digger told me you popped in the other day …”

  “Let’s not talk shop, Alex darling,” said Ana, reaching out and turning Alex’s head towards her before kissing him hard. Finally releasing him, she posed, “Don’t you think it’s time we announced our good news?”

  Alex looked uncomfortable. “I don’t think this is the time or the place …”

  “Don’t be silly darling, it’s the perfect time and place with so many people here. Will you tell your friends or do you want me to?”

  “I’ll do it.” Avoiding Sam’s eyes, Alex cleared his throat and with a voice almost inaudible said. “Ana and I are engaged.”

  A gasp went up, Sam realised it had come from her. This was too much. Her blood seemed to drain from her body – she thought she was going to faint.

  “Congratulations,” she mumbled, before turning and sprinting towards the house. Flinging open the front door she crossed the blue and red tiled hallway and headed towards the kitchen at the back, where she found Kate’s housekeeper Flo Devine sitting at the kitchen table, drinking tea.

  “Oh, my dear girl, whatever is the matter? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost, which wouldn’t be unusual in this house.”

  “Flo, I’ve been so stupid. I love him and now I’ve definitely lost him, he’s only going to marry her!”

  “Oh, my dear, I’m guessing your talking about your policeman friend. Let me pour you a cup of tea. Then tell me all about it, I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”