Dark Rooms

Chapter Nine

At nine Jane was at her desk typing up her report following her visit to the care home. There was a light knock on her door and DS Hunt walked straight in. He got right to the point.

‘We’ve just had a very unpleasant call from Jason Thorpe. He’s concerned that a family photograph album is missing from his aunt’s room at the care home. He was told that you visited Miss Lanark there yesterday afternoon, and he’s suggesting that you took it without permission. I don’t want to go and run this by DCI Carter because you know what a prick he can be.’

Jane pulled out the page from her typewriter and held it up between her finger and thumb.

‘I’ve just finished my report on my visit, stating that I asked permission to take Miss Lanark’s photograph album, which she granted.’

DS Hunt leaned against the side of her desk.

‘He’s saying that she couldn’t have given you permission because she has dementia. You, therefore, had “no right to remove the effing album”.’

Jane knew she was in the wrong, but she wasn’t going to admit it. Instead, she handed him the report to be filed.

‘So, you’ve got the album, have you?’ Hunt asked.

Jane sighed. ‘Yes... all right, I know I shouldn’t have, but it was just an impulsive thing and I intended to return it — as I make very clear in my report. Due to the length of time we believe this baby has been buried, it’s very difficult for us to work out who could have been involved. Helena Lanark was unhelpful, and I think it is therefore necessary for us to use the photographic information in the album for identification purposes.’

Hunt shrugged his shoulders. ‘Yes, ma’am, but you know the boss is getting tetchy about this entire investigation. If you want my humble opinion, he’s getting ready to shelve it.’

Jane tensed. ‘He can’t do that! It’s a suspicious death and by law it has to be fully investigated. It’s obvious that someone in that family buried that baby when it was alive. I don’t care if it was ten, twenty or even thirty years ago. Added to that, I’m beginning to think that some kind of major fraud has been going on concerning Miss Lanark’s wealth.’

DS Hunt looked at her quizzically. ‘Have you any evidence to support that theory?’

Jane shrugged. ‘At the moment it’s just a gut feeling... but if there is any I’ll find it.’

‘Well, if you are right, you know Carter will probably tell you to get on to the fraud squad and let them deal with it.’

As Hunt opened the door, he had to step back for DCI Carter to enter.

‘I was just leaving, sir,’ Hunt said.

‘No, you stay,’ Carter snapped, giving Jane an icy look.

‘I’ve just had a complaint against my senior officer about removing personal items without permission. We need to sort this out immediately. The complainant wants to take it further.’

Jane stood up, her fists clenched. ‘For God’s sake! I asked if I could take the family photograph album because I felt it was of evidential value for the investigation. I really don’t understand why Mr Thorpe is creating such a fuss...’

‘Well, he is... and I’ve also had his lawyer, Arnold Hadley, bending my ear about it, and...’

Jane interrupted. ‘Sir, this is being blown out of all proportion.’

‘Be that as it may, Detective Inspector Tennison,’ Carter said coldly. ‘Hadley’s on his way, and I suggest you return their property and apologise. My patience is fast running out and I’m seriously contemplating closing this investigation.’

‘Sir, I’m totally against dismissing this case — we still don’t have any leads on the murder of the baby,’ Jane pleaded.

‘Dear God! The only person you can question is a sixty-year-old woman who’s suffering from dementia. How far is that going to get you?’

‘That’s not correct, sir. Helena Lanark’s sister Beatrice is still alive and her son, Jason Thorpe, has said that she is in good health. I will obviously return the album, but I’ll need to take copies of the photographs before handing it back.’

Carter put his hands on his hips. ‘All right, I’ll give you a couple of days after the weekend — but sort this out with the lawyer chap. If you think any further expenditure is justifiable on a thirty-year-old case, then you’re going to need a lot more than a family photograph album.’ He turned and walked out of her office before Jane could respond.

DS Hunt waved her report in his hand. ‘I notice you didn’t mention that Beatrice Thorpe lives in Australia.’

‘Oh, shut up... just go and file my report,’ she said with a half-smile.

Jane also hadn’t mentioned that the album was still at her home.

Arnold Hadley was ushered into Jane’s office later that morning. He seemed rather ill at ease but accepted Jane’s profuse apology about the photograph album. He was wearing a rather worn grey suit and his tie was skewed.

‘I am unsure why Mr Thorpe is so irate, to be honest,’ he said. ‘I think his mother must have a similar album. Perhaps he was more concerned about what Helena might have revealed verbally... although sadly I doubt that would have occurred.’

Jane leaned back in her chair, purposely not reacting to his comment about Helena’s inability to communicate. It seemed strange that with such a condition both Hadley and Thorpe continued to visit her. As a result of her silence Mr Hadley continued.

‘Mr Thorpe arranged the sale of the Lanark property,’ Hadley continued, filling the awkward silence. ‘And negotiated the subsequent purchase by the development company. Due to the collapse of the previously undisclosed tunnel, and the delays caused by the tragic discoveries, Mr Thorpe is concerned the developer may now take legal action for false representation during the sale of the property.’

Jane glanced at her notebook and frowned. If Thorpe had legitimately sold the property to a developer eighteen months ago, why was he now concerned about any legal action?

Jane leaned forward. ‘Mr Hadley, whose idea was it to convert the property into flats?’

‘Jason decided that there could be a viable income from doing so, and Miss Lanark agreed.’

‘I would appreciate it if you could give me the name of the company that did the conversions.’

‘Good heavens, it was such a long time ago. Why could that possibly be relevant now?’

‘It would be interesting to know if they were aware of the basement, and obviously the shelter too.’

Jane started writing in her notebook.

‘I’m also interested in the time frame. I’m aware that the property was left empty for many years before it was divided into flats. I also know that the basement area was never allowed to be used or rented out, and the large garden attached to the property was out of bounds.’

Hadley began to toy with the crease in his right trouser leg. ‘Yes, that is correct.’

‘I’m sorry to infer this, Mr Hadley, but it appears to me that your client could have been aware of what was subsequently found in the shelter — at least, the body of the baby.’

Hadley could not meet Jane’s eyes.

‘I cannot comment on that... this was never discussed with me.’

Jane knew she was on to something. She saw him grow tenser as she continued.

‘Then Miss Lanark agreed to sell the property, so if she had been aware of what was hidden there, that would be odd. But I know that Miss Lanark has been suffering from dementia for many years.’

Jane saw Hadley clench his fists. He kept his head bowed as he spoke.

‘Detective, Jason had power of attorney and as such it was his decision to sell the property. To be perfectly honest, I am uncertain if Miss Lanark is even aware of these transactions.’

‘But aren’t you her lawyer?’ Jane said.

Hadley looked up, unable to contain the anger in his eyes.

‘Jason Thorpe’s mother is Helena Lanark’s sister and she and Jason were financially dependent on my client for many years, so it was entirely her decision to grant him power of attorney.’

Hadley stood up. ‘I think I should leave.’ He turned, as if eager to get out of her office.

‘Mr Hadley...’ Jane said. He turned back, an almost fearful look in his eyes. ‘The family photograph album is not here at the station, but I will make sure it is delivered to your office first thing in the morning.’

He waved his hand dismissively. ‘Yes, of course... that will be fine. I think you should know that I am retiring today, but I will inform Mr Thorpe of your intention.’ He hesitated, apparently unsure of what he was about to say. ‘Perhaps I should warn you that it would be unwise to antagonise Mr Thorpe. He is... not a man to be crossed.’

Hadley left, closing the door quietly behind him. Jane picked up her pencil and tapped the notes she had made. She was now certain Helena Lanark had known about the buried baby. But she doubted that Helena could have acted alone. Jane was also suspicious about when exactly Jason Thorpe had gained power of attorney. One thing was certain: it was now imperative that she questioned his mother, Beatrice. Hadley had seemed evasive and when she had reminded him that he was Miss Lanark’s lawyer, he had been unable to control the look of anger in his eyes. It made Jane wonder if Helena Lanark had ever been aware of the proceeds from the sale of her property, and if Hadley and Jason Thorpe had worked together to defraud her. But then, why would Hadley warn her about Jason?

Jane went over to Sergeant Hunt’s desk and told him she was going home. He nodded.

‘Are you having a long weekend?’ he asked. ‘That old boy Hadley, he seemed a bit unnerved when he left. Did you get anything from him?’

Jane raised an eyebrow. ‘Can you do me a favour? Could you go to his offices and ask for full access to Helena Lanark’s files? He’ll know why you’re asking for them, but I’ll be interested to hear what he says.’

‘And if he refuses?’

‘I’ll ask DCI Carter if we can get a warrant.’

‘Did you give him the album?’ Hunt asked.

‘No, it’s still at my house. I’m going to fetch it now.’ She walked off as Hunt padded over to young DC Timothy Taylor’s desk.

‘Come on, son, I need you to drive me. She wants me to do her a favour... anything for a change of scenery.’

That afternoon, Jane spent a considerable amount of time in John Lewis looking at paints and picking up colour charts to take home. She then made her way to the carpet section and requested various samples.

She had missed lunch, so she went into the café on the third floor and bought a pot of tea and a ham sandwich.

Jane didn’t arrive home until after four. She put the samples on the table in the kitchen next to the Lanark family photograph album, then opened the album, wondering what could be in it that had made Jason Thorpe so eager to get it back.

As she turned the heavily mounted pages of the album, she was frustrated at how little information was written beneath the sepia photographs. Eddie was right, the numerous images of the three sisters wearing matching white dresses were reminiscent of the Romanovs — but looking at the photographs didn’t tell her anything. It was not until she had flicked through to the back of the album that she found several blank mounts where the photographs had obviously been removed. There were also some photographs that had been pasted in, rather than placed in the elegant mounts. One of them showed a boy in a wheelchair, with a woman wearing dark glasses standing behind him. There were three more images of the same woman standing beside a rather good-looking man.

At first Jane wondered if the man was Jason, but then realised that it was perhaps his father. Two more pictures were loosely inserted, one with the same man’s face scratched out. The second photograph was even more disturbing as it depicted Marjorie in an open coffin. Jane turned the heavy pages back to some of the sepia photographs and she noticed that the Lanark girls’ mother was often wearing elaborate jewellery.

She continued turning the pages back and forth until she found a faded manila envelope that, at one time, appeared to have been stuck down. Opening it, she eased out a folded sheet of almost parchment-like paper. Unfolding it carefully, she saw at the top written in elegant calligraphy the words ‘Family Tree’. Jane was afraid of the paper tearing as she carefully flattened a second page. She noted the references to Henry Lanark’s parents and grandfather — then her attention was drawn to the marriage between Henry and Muriel. Her parents were listed as Count Antonin Petrukhin, and his wife Aida and the date of Muriel’s birth seemed to suggest that Henry Lanark was marrying a fourteen-year-old.

Jane jumped as the phone suddenly rang. She hurried into the hallway to answer it, carrying the family tree with her. It was Sergeant Hunt.

‘We’re back at the station... it was a bit of a wasted journey.’

He explained that Arnold Hadley had refused to allow them any access to Helena Lanark’s files.

‘What, he just said no?’ Jane asked.

‘Yes, he did. He said that he was not allowed to give access to any of his client’s files as Helena Lanark’s representative had been to see him and warned him that he would take legal action if he divulged any personal information about her.’

Jane sighed. ‘I doubt I’ve got enough evidence for Carter to approve a search warrant. But thank you for trying anyway.’

‘I didn’t try too hard because I had a gut feeling he was scared. Remember I told you how he anxious he seemed when he left your office?’

‘The representative Hadley mentioned — did he say it was Jason Thorpe?’ Jane asked.

‘He didn’t mention him by name. But he said his client’s representative, who had power of attorney, had been to see him. Anyway, you have a good weekend, ma’am.’

‘Just a minute,’ Jane said. ‘I need another favour. Can you do a search on the birth and death of Muriel Lanark and reference a Count Antonin Petrukhin? I want both dates.’

‘Bloody hell... how far back are you going?’

‘Just see what you can come up with.’

‘Can you just spell it out for me?’

Jane could hear Hunt’s heavy breathing as she spelled out the name and he repeated it back to her to be absolutely sure.

‘Right, I’ll start on that, ma’am. Oh, have you seen the Evening Standard?’

‘No...’

‘Apparently, the developers have now been given clearance by DCI Carter, and the headline is, “House of Horrors to be Demolished”.’

‘Well, that should make Mr Thorpe a happy man,’ Jane said, now certain that the threat of legal action by the developer was a fabrication.

‘I’ll get young Tim to track down as much as we can get on Muriel Lanark,’ Hunt said.

Jane thanked him and was just replacing the receiver when the doorbell rang. She put the family tree on the phone table before opening the door, expecting to see Eddie — then stepped back sharply as she found Jason Thorpe on the doorstep.

‘Sorry to turn up unannounced,’ he began with a smile, ‘but I believe you have my aunt’s photo album. I want to apologise if I have caused any problem by contacting the detective in charge at the station — it’s just that my aunt is very frail, and she was anxious about the album’s whereabouts. I’d like to get it back before I leave for Australia.’

Jane opened the door wider. ‘Of course, I understand, and I do apologise — but can I ask you how you got my home address?’

‘Yes, of course, and I’m sorry again for intruding. I had a chat with old man Hadley, and he gave me your address because you had told him you had the album at home.’

Jane forced a smile but was still hesitant about inviting Jason into her home, as she knew he was lying: she had never given Hadley her home address. However, she kept up the charade and smiled pleasantly at him.

‘Yes, of course, Mr Thorpe. If you wait one moment, I’ll just get the album for you.’ If she was putting on an act, Thorpe was going one better and gave her a dazzling smile. He put his hands in his trouser pockets and leaned casually against the door frame.

‘No need to hurry. I’m not going anywhere. Well, I will be soon, as I’m flying back to Oz.’

Jane knew this was a potential opportunity to get the information that she needed, but she was aware she had to be very wary of him. Jason peered into the hall.

‘Have you just moved in? We have little terraced houses a lot like this in Sydney and Melbourne, but they all have open verandas at the front.’

‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Jane asked.

‘I am a bit parched — that’d be very kind. Thank you.’

Jane closed the front door and turned to see Jason pointedly looking at where Eddie had pulled up the carpet.

‘I’m thinking of having the floors sanded,’ Jane said. ‘The kitchen’s just on your left.’

Jane followed him into the kitchen and was relieved to see that she must have closed the album in her hurry to answer the phone.

‘How do you take your tea?’

‘Builder’s tea for me. Even though I was brought up in Sydney, my mother used to brew a strong pot for my dad. She joked you could stand a spoon up in it. For her it was delicate Earl Grey in a porcelain cup and saucer. And she makes these little cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.’

Even though he could clearly see that the photograph album was on the table, he made no reference to it.

‘Do sit down,’ Jane said. He pulled out a chair as he looked around the kitchen.

‘This looks like it could do with a makeover,’ he commented.

Jane laughed. ‘The truth is, I’ve just had one, with a new fridge and new sink unit. But I picked up some colour charts this afternoon as I can’t decide on a colour scheme for in here.’

‘White,’ Jason said. ‘Go with white... it always looks fresh. Strong colours tire easily. My mother goes in for flock wallpaper in bright colours and I have to say I think it’s a mistake.’

Jane remained standing, leaning against the sink as she sipped her tea.

‘I was wondering if it would be possible for me to speak with your mother?’

‘Why would you want to do that?’ he said, his smile growing brittle.

‘Well, the case is still ongoing, Mr Thorpe, and I feel that it would be helpful for me to be able to ask your mother a few pertinent questions. As your aunt, her sister, has dementia, she is obviously unable to assist in giving closure to the investigation.’

Jason had hardly touched his tea and she could tell he didn’t like her query.

‘I’m afraid, Detective Tennison, I will not encourage my mother to have any conversations regarding this tragic situation. You have to understand she is has not been well. It would be too distressing for her to even contemplate any involvement with your investigation.’

‘But perhaps she could help us understand how this baby was found in the shelter?’

He turned his head slowly to look at Jane. Although he had blue eyes, he hadn’t inherited the iciness of his Aunt Helena’s.

‘If you are implying that my mother had anything to do with this, I give you fair warning that I will take legal action for defamation. You have already overstepped your legal rights by taking my aunt’s personal photograph album from her care home. When I told my mother you had done so, it made her deeply distressed and she wants me to take the album to her for safekeeping.’

Jane ran her teacup under the tap.

‘I’m sorry if I have upset your mother in any way, Mr Thorpe, but the reality is this is a murder investigation and I am legally empowered to ask any question I feel relevant to my inquiry. As you can see, I have your album on the table. Perhaps I should mention that there are a number of mounts without any photographs and there are also numerous loose black-and-white photographs at the back of the album, which were not in any order. But I took great care and did not remove any photos.’

Jason rested his hand on the embossed cover of the album. ‘Perhaps, Detective Tennison... can I call you Jane?’

She gave a small nod. ‘Yes, of course.’

‘Jane, the album is of great sentimental value because it shows a part of my mother’s childhood which abruptly ended when her beloved sister committed suicide. Their father was exceedingly strict and demanded from his daughters complete obedience. My mother fell in love with my father, but my grandfather refused to allow her to marry him. She had no option but to run away, as far as she possibly could.’

He now appeared more confident, leaning back in the chair and using his hands expressively.

‘I think Australia was the furthest possible place from her father she could find. The reason I now have to protect her is that she has had a very hard life. My father became sick and...’

Jason turned away as if it was too painful for him to continue. Then he took a deep breath.

‘My brother, Matthew, was born severely mentally challenged and my poor mother had to care for him as well as my father. Now, due to my success with my company, she can enjoy her later life.’

He stood up and shook Jane’s hand. ‘I think it will be beneficial to everyone if this investigation is closed. I will be returning home tomorrow.’ He picked up the album. ‘I know my mother will appreciate this.’

Jane followed him through the kitchen and couldn’t help but notice how beautifully tailored his casual jacket was. In fact, he was exceedingly well dressed from his fawn cord trousers to his silk shirt and heavy gold cufflinks. She kept her tone friendly.

‘I must say, that is a very nice jacket,’ she said, as they walked through the hall.

‘Yes, made for me by my father’s tailor in Savile Row. One wouldn’t trust any of the outfitters in Sydney.’

Jane smiled. ‘Well, I hope you have a safe journey. I understand that everything has now been cleared for the property to be demolished.’

He turned, halfway out of the door. ‘Yes, it’s a great relief, but I could do without all the sensational press attached to it. Thankfully, I no longer have any association with that house.’

‘Do you have a property here in London where you stay when you’re here?’

‘I have a small flat attached to my offices in Queen’s Gate Mews, but I usually stay at Claridge’s.’

Jane stood by the front door, watching as Jason Thorpe walked down her path, gingerly stepping over some of the detritus Eddie had left by the door. He had parked his BMW only a short distance from her own car, but she closed the door before he drove off.

She couldn’t quite fathom Jason Thorpe out. When he had first arrived he had seemed intent on accentuating his Australian accent. But when he had become defensive about his mother, he had sounded rather aristocratic. She had to concede that he was a very good-looking man, with his tan and his sun-bleached hair. However, there was something unsettling about him. To begin with he had been very pleasant, really laying on the charm, but that quickly evaporated when she mentioned wanting to talk to his mother and he had briefly become quite aggressive. It made her even more determined to find out what Beatrice Lanark knew.