The Price of Butcher's Meat

3

FROM: charley@whiffle.com

TO: cassie@natterjack.com

SUBJECT: things get worse!

Hi!

Im really frustrated. Lots happening-some fascinating stuff-its like being in a Miss Marple movie-but the screen goes fuzzy when youre not actually in shot!

Breakfast was a bit of a scratch affair.

Tom gobbled his then shot off to see what he could find out- amp; more important to reassure his troops that the violent events of the previous day were just a glitch in the triumphal progress of Sandytown! Mary made polite conversation-trying not to sully the ears of the children. Neednt have bothered. The younger kids had decided whatever was going on was adult stuff-disregardable so long as it didnt get in the way of their own plans- amp; they shot off outside as soon as theyd stuffed their faces.

Minnie of course was having none of that- amp; it took a couple of-for Mary-sharp rebukes to keep her from cross examining Clara.

Then we heard the sound of a car coming up the drive amp; Min looked out of the window amp; screamed-its Novello-come to take me for my interview!-

Mary ordered her to sit still amp; went to the door- amp; we all waited-with bated breath-to see how she would handle things. If Tom had been home-Im sure thered have been a confrontation-but Mary kept her voice low amp; a few moments later she reappeared with Novello-looking a bit chastened-by her side.

Min jumped up-face bright with expectation-but it was me the DC was looking at.

Good morning Miss Heywood-she said-very formal-that should have warned me-Mr Pascoe our DCI would like to talk with you-

— here? — I said stupidly-like he might be traveling in the boot of her tiny car.

— no-down at the hall-as soon as you can-if thats OK-

I shrugged amp; said-why not?

Min-who was standing there like an actress whos got to her feet in anticipation of winning an Oscar only to hear someone elses name-burst out-but you promised wed go swimming!-

— later-I said-I dont expect Ill be long-will I?-

I looked at Novello who shrugged.

We went out to her car. Behind us-from the doorstep-Mary said-you will remember what I said Constable Novello? — If at any time in the future you should wish to talk to any of my children-I would appreciate it if you contacted myself or their father first-

No special voice here-just her normal gentle conversational tone-but I saw Novello wince like shed been whipped. She turned amp; began to speak-but Mary was already closing the door.

On the way down the hill-I said-whats this all about Shirley? Is it true youve arrested Mr Godley?-

— sorry-I cant discuss the case-she said-still formal. I put it down to being told off by Mary- amp; we did the rest of the short trip in silence.

I expected to find the police had taken over the hall. Instead I was taken to a flat above the stables block. Looked in on Ginger. Seemed like someone had remembered to feed amp; water him-so not all townie morons!

The flat was a decent size but run down. First room I entered looked like it had been a living room-now it had computers amp; telephones amp; display boards on all the walls. There I met 2 men. One was thickset with the kind of face people will eventually be paying me good money not to dream of! By contrast anyone would have looked good-but the other really was quite dishy-slim-mid 30s-a shock of pale brown hair either attractively disheveled-or carefully arranged-narrow intelligent face-bright blue eyes that ran me up amp; down without undressing me-which I found rather disturbing-or disappointing? — amp; a nice smile as he said-Miss Heywood? Im DCI Pascoe- amp; this is Detective Sergeant Wield-so good of you to come-

So this was the supersleuth-I thought. Easy to believe now Id seen him-except of course I was still certain hed got it dead wrong with regard to poor Mr Godley.

He took me into another room-bedroom I suppose-peeling wallpaper-smell of damp-just enough room for a small kitchen table-several hard chairs-a clutter of recording equipment on a recessed shelf.

The ugly sergeant was with us-but not Novello.

We sat down-me opposite Pascoe-the sergeant to one side.

For a few moments no one spoke-old psychologists trick-trying to let silence push me into speech-so-childishly-I resolved not to say anything before he did.

Finally he opened a folder hed brought with him amp; spilled onto the table several sheets of closely printed paper. Even upside down I recognized them. The printouts of my emails that Id given to Novello. Suddenly I had a bad feeling amp; forgot my resolve.

I said-where did you get those?-

He said-from DC Novello of course-where else?-

I thought-that dykey cow! (sorry-but even psychologists relapse into non-PC thinking at moments of stress!) No wonder she was a bit off with me this morning. Guilt!

I said-well hold on there. I want to make it clear-I let DC Novello look at them on the strict understanding that shed only extract from them anything she thought might be useful amp; not pass it on without keeping me informed-

— indeed-he said-so we may assume she found it all useful- amp; as for keeping you informed-thats whats happening now-isnt it?-

This with the smile again-but I was on to him now. He wasnt trying to charm me into accepting Novellos shattering of my foolish trust. No-hed probably listened to her account of me amp; decided-rightly-I wasnt going to fall for the all mates together line again. So-get in my face-provoke a reaction-get it out of the way-then down to business.

Not bad psychology-I thought. OK-I wasnt going to forgive bitch Novello in a hurry-but he knew that- amp; why should he care? In fact her getting all the crap left a clear field for him to be nice cop amp; get all the benefit of my interesting insights!

I gave him a faint smile- amp; could see he was pleased.

But every quid has a quo-as the HB used to say- amp; always make sure you see the quo before you let any sod get his hand on your quid-

Not big on double entendre our dad- amp; Im sure hed have been shocked to have heard you amp; me giggling every time you came home from a first date amp; Id ask how big was his quo- amp; did he get his hand on your quid!

I said-before we start-is it true youve arrested Mr Godley?-

— hes been helping us with our inquiries-yes-he said.

— then you must be mad-I said. If he wanted blunt-he was going to get it!

— why?-

— cos theres as much chance of him committing murder as the pope! — I said.

— which pope would that be? — he said-John Paul the 2nd? Or Alexander the 6th?-

I didnt get the reference but did get the message-I was dealing with a real clever bugger here-a category that ranks just above daft buggers on the HBs hit list!

He hadnt finished either. He went on-in any case Miss Heywood-why would you think it impossible that a man you find distinctly odd-mad as a hatter was your description I seem to recall-should commit murder?-

I said-youre right Mr Pascoe-I did find him odd-still do-but if-as I presume-youre trying to impress me with your total recall of what youve read in my private emails-you will also have noticed I modified my first impression considerably as I came to see his oddness was mainly the oddness of goodness amp; innocence in a corrupt amp; guilty world-

There! Let him see he wasnt the only clever bugger around!

Of course all I was saying-when you dumped the fancy packaging-was-dont know how I know it but I just know Mr Godley couldnt kill anyone!

He gave me a get-her! kind of look-then said-goodness amp; innocence can be motives too-but lets not get bogged down in psychology amp; metaphysics-lets look at the facts. Godley was found by 2 police officers beside Hollis’s body-with his hand on the instrument that killed him. My officer searched the house immediately after the discovery. There was nobody else there-

— which indicates-if you know your Agatha Christie-I interrupted-that he certainly did not do it!-

A stupid thing to say-but he nodded as if really pleased- amp; said-you read Christie do you? I collect her first editions-Ive got one or two rarities-

— no-I dont read the books-but Ive seen a lot of the movies-I said.

— yes-like Jane Austen she films surprisingly well-he said-But you will recall that occasionally-as in The Hollow-the character you dismiss from the frame because theyve been caught apparently in flagrante can turn out to be the perpetrator after all-

— youre suggesting Mr Godley let himself be caught-to divert suspicion! — I mocked.

— in a way-yes-he said. His story is-he called at Witch Cottage-Miss Lee was out-he let himself in-sat in the living room to await her return-thought he heard a noise-got up-went across the hall into the consulting room-discovered Ollie Hollis on the treatment table-realized there was something wrong amp; was just on the point of trying to remove the fatal needle when interrupted by two of my officers-

— its a good story-I said-but I expect youve got a better one-

— an alternative certainly-he said-Mr Godley enters the cottage-discovers Hollis on the table-kills him with a needle-then hears my officers car pull up outside. The house has no rear exit. He could of course have let himself be discovered in the living room amp; claim he knew nothing of the body in the consulting room-but he knows what forensic science can do amp; he has not had time to reassure himself he has left no traces of his presence on or near the corpse. So he grasps the nettle- amp; the needle- amp; lets himself be discovered allegedly trying to pull it out of Hollis’s back-

— this is Mr Godley youre talking about-not Professor Moriarty-I said-why on earth do you imagine he would want to kill Ollie?-

— perhaps because of something Mr Hollis saw at the hog roast? — he suggested.

I was gobsmacked.

— you mean you think Gordon had something to do with Lady Denhams murder? — I cried-now youre being really crazy! — what the hell could put a stupid idea like that into your head?-

— well-for a start-you-he said-shuffling the email printouts-first you mention seeing Godley amp; the victim having an argument-an incident confirmed by several other witnesses. Then-after the discovery of the body-you describe how you found yourself being comforted by Godley- amp; he was dripping wet-

— it had been raining! — I yelled-rain makes you wet-or havent you noticed?-

— indeed- amp; the normal reaction is to head for shelter-he said-unless you have some good reason to stay out in the downpour-

— anyone can get caught in the rain-I protested-what does he say?-

— he says that he was preoccupied with his thoughts amp; did not notice it was raining-till he was soaked to the skin-

— amp; whats wrong with that? — I demanded-are you so completely unimaginative that youve never got so deeply involved in something you didnt notice the weather?-

— oh yes-he said-last time it happened I was lying in wait for a murderer-

I suddenly realized-for a long time now hed been totally in control-while Id been on the defensive-with lots of yelling- amp; heavy sarcasm.

I took a deep breath amp; said-so that was his motive for killing Ollie-but what would be his motive for killing Lady D? — Hed only ever seen her twice!-

— twice when youd been present-you mean? — he said.

— well yes-I said-but I know he had never been to Sandytown till Tom Parker persuaded him-

— you know-how?-

— because he hadnt-I said feebly.

— I see-but didnt you think it odd that he hadnt when clearly-as you yourself so astutely observed-his relationship with Miss Lee was so…

He was shuffling through the printouts again.

— lovey-dovey-he read-bit of mutual alternative therapy going on there perhaps? — so-2 people in a close personal relationship-living within half an hours journey of each other-yet ignorant of the significant details of each others life? Doesnt seem likely-does it?-

He was right-it didnt.

I said-OK-but it seems to me that its Miss Lee you should be looking at-if youve been reading my private correspondence as closely as you claim youll have noticed she wasnt exactly Lady Ds greatest fan!-

He smiled-turned to the ugly guy amp; said-Novello was right sergeant-Miss Heywood would make a very good detective-

I noted the subtle attempt to repair feet-of-clay Novello-maybe he hopes I can be set up again for her all-girls-together act. Well forget it fellow! Remember Suzie Bogg who threw my favorite Barbie in the duck pond when I was 7? I still hear the splash every time I see her in the village.

I said-so whats her story then?-

— she says that Mr Hollis came to her in the throes of a bad asthma attack-she alleviated the worst symptoms by her usual treatment then had to go out for a regular appointment with some old lady who suffers badly from arthritis-

— youve checked this? — I said.

That got another approving smile amp; nod- amp; he went on-she left Mr Hollis on the table in the treatment room-she had no concern about doing this as in Mr Hollis’s case retention of the needles for up to ninety minutes had proved to be efficacious- amp; she expected to be back within the hour. Mr Godley meanwhile had been having problems with his motorbike. Realizing he couldnt fix it himself he abandoned it at a local garage-which was closed-with a note asking them to check it out in the morning. Then-needing a bed for the night-he walked to Witch Cottage. When he realized Miss Lee wasnt home-he let himself in…

He paused. I took the cue.

— he had his own key? — I said.

— no-but he knew that a spare key was left on the stone ledge above the front door-which implies a considerable familiarity does it not? Then he sat in the kitchen drinking Miss Lees whisky-till he thought he heard a noise. He went into the passage-saw nothing-returned to his whisky. Then a little later-twenty minutes perhaps-he wanted to go to the toilet. In the passage he noticed that the door of the treatment room-closed before-was now ajar. He looked inside-saw Mr Hollis on the table-realized there was something seriously wrong-that one of the needles was plunged in far too deeply- amp; he was attempting to pull it out when my officers interrupted him-

— how did they get in? — I asked.

— another good question! — they found the front door open-he said.

— does Mr Godley say he left it like that? — I asked.

— no-he is adamant he closed it behind him-he said.

I said-when your men brought Mr Godley in-did he need to go to the toilet?-

He looked surprised-then checked his notes amp; said-in fact yes he did-urgently-I see what youre getting at-this supports his story-on the other hand-with us men-stress often brings on the need to urinate or defecate- amp; killing somebody would be most stressful I imagine-especially for a healer. But that was a good point Miss Heywood-do go on-

He was inviting me-almost provoking me-to speculate-which was rather flattering. But I wanted to get away amp; mull over these things by myself.

I stood up amp; said-where is Mr Godley now? — would it be possible to see him?-

To my surprise he said-no problem-in fact one of our cars is giving him a lift to his home in Willingdene-so they can drop you at Kyoto House en route-

Gobsmacked-I said-you mean youre letting him go?-

— we dont hold people unless weve got good reason Miss Heywood-he said.

Which-of course-wasnt really an answer.

Pascoe now shook my hand amp; said-thank you for helping us. I may need to talk to you again-if thats all right- amp; dont worry about your emails. Need-to-know is my watchword! Shirley!-

Hed opened the door into the bigger room. Bitch Novello was there-still not meeting my gaze.

Pascoe said-drop Miss Heywood off as you pass Kyoto-will you?-

Neither of us spoke as Novello led me down the stairs amp; across the lawn to where a police car was waiting. I could see Mr Godley sitting in the back. Novello opened the rear door for me amp; I got in.

Every time I see Mr Godley I seem to adjust his age downward. Id got him down to nearer thirty than forty-but today when he turned those gentle gray eyes on me-if it hadnt been for the grizzled beard-he could have been a frightened teenager. In fact-up close-I could see that the beard wasnt so much grizzled as gilded-the lighter colored hairs amidst the dark brown being bright gold rather than gray. Some genetic quirk-I thought-or maybe hes got highlights! He was wearing jeans amp; a t-shirt-the former a bit too big-the latter a bit too small. Meaning theyd got his own clothes for examination-so he was still some way from being out of the woods.

He did his usual shrinking away thing- amp; when I said-how are you? — he said-fine-in a choked sort of voice- amp; turned his head to look out of the window.

Novello had got in the front passenger seat. She looked round amp; said to Mr Godley-wheres our driver then?-

— he said something about getting a cup of coffee-said Mr Godley.

— Jesus! — said Novello-whats he think hes on? — a coach tour of the dales?-

Then she got out amp; strode off back toward the garage.

I said-nows our chance-we could make a run for it-

He looked round at me amp; said-why should I want to run?-

I said-I didnt mean anything-look Mr Godley while Ive got the chance-I just want to say I think its absolutely ludicrous suspecting you of being involved in Lady Denhams murder-

He looked at me blankly for a moment-then he smiled- amp; bang went another 5 years!

— thank you-he said-thank you-

To my horror I realized that-above the smile-there were tears in his eyes.

— sorry-he said-brushing them away-its just that-a kind word-from you-

I wasnt really listening-I was too busy staring at his hands. It wasnt till he raised them to his face that I realized he was wearing handcuffs!

I burst out-I thought they were letting you go-Pascoe said they were taking you home-

— oh yes-he said-so that they can search it with me there-

— what a bastard that man is! — I cried.

— hes doing his job-he said resignedly.

— Im going to put in a complaint! — I fulminated.

Hed been looking at me sort of assessingly-rather disconcerting-seeing hed never managed to meet my gaze for more than a split second on our previous meetings.

He said-Miss Heywood-could you do something for me? — if you see Doris-could you tell her Im all right? — amp; no matter what they say-I havent said anything?-

I said-Doris?-

He said-Im sorry-Miss Lee-

I said-but I thought she was called Yan-

He said-thats her professional name-she was christened Doris-

— christened? — I said. For some reason I found myself thinking-Miss Lees converted so that they can get married in whatever happy-clappy chapel Godly Gordon worships at-but whos daft idea was it to lumber her with a name like Doris?!

Then I pulled myself up amp; said-sorry Mr Godley-your private relationships are your own business-yes-of course Ill pass on your message-

He was looking all anguished-us trick cyclists are good at spotting that kind of thing-the facial spasms amp; writhing lips are the subtle clinical signs we look out for-then he burst out-shes my sister!-

Well I was fair gobsmacked! — stunnered! — dundercowpt! — all those other things dad is whenever something happens to remind him its the 21st century!

— but youre not Chinese-are you? — I said stupidly.

At least that made him smile again.

— youve noticed-he said. 1st time Id heard him make anything like a joke.

Then it all came out.

Miss Lee is really Doris Godley-Gordons half sister! His dad married the daughter of a Taiwanese couple who ran a takeaway in Leeds. They produced Doris. When she was 9 her mother died. Cancer. Gordons dad married again a year later. Shortly afterward Gordon appeared. When he was 5 his mum ran off with a salesman- amp; Gordon was more or less brought up by his half sister-Doris. Age 16 she started working in her grandparents takeaway-till they sold up amp; went back to Taiwan. After that she was a checkout girl at Tescos-but shed got interested in acupuncture through some practitioner her grandparents used-name of Yan Lee- amp; acted as a sort of part-time assistant cum apprentice. When Yan Lee died a few years later-Doris thought of taking over but found the old ethnic clientele didnt much fancy being stuck with- amp; by-Doris Godley from Tescos. By this time Gordon-now 19-had discovered his-alleged! — healing powers-though this was a talent not much valued in the council wages office where he worked.

Then-a few years on-their dad died leaving them a surprisingly large insurance payout amp; the family home-a terrace house in a bit of Leeds which was in the process of being gentrified. So-with a bit of money to play with-they each decided to follow their true calling. Doris headed upmarket-first moving to Harrogate amp; taking over her old mentors name-Yan Lee-even recycling some of her professional certificates for added authenticity.

Eventually she fetched up in Sandytown-because a patient whose arthritis she did wonders for turned out to be Lady Denhams land agent! He was the one Lady D told to do the deal with Avalon while she was putting Sir Harry through his paces in the Caribbean! Hearing Doris was looking for new premises he said-why not relocate completely? — Sandytowns on the up-exaggerating a bit probably cos he wanted his own treatment source handy! As a sweetener he offered a generous 10 year lease on Witch Cottage.

She thought it all looked a bit too Sleepy Hollowish to start with-but clever agent made sure she met Tom Parker-already a crazy fan of alternative medicine. So she stayed- amp; when the Great Consortium sprang into being-with Toms plans for promoting alternative therapies-she thought shed really got it made.

But there was a downside. Lady D now began to look at all her many land amp; property holdings in the light of the new marketing opportunities on offer. Eventually it occurred to her that Witch Cottage-picturesque amp; historical-was a potential mini-goldmine. Guided tours-local fare-a gift shoppe! The only trouble was Miss Lees lease-watertight- amp; with renewal options. Doris was unbudgeable. She knew a good thing when she saw it. But dear old Daph was no slouch when it came to finding angles! Somehow she found out the truth about Doris amp; she put it to her-if she insisted on the terms of her lease-Lady D would go public-taking the high moral ground-insisting that the good name of Sandytown would be soiled forever-if they permitted a known con artist to continue practicing her unqualified medicine there!

Nothing Doris could do but agree to move out. When she told Gordon he was furious-hence the row with his hostess at the hog roast.

But none of this did he want the police to know-because of what it would do to his sisters reputation if it got out.

I told him he was crazy-he was under suspicion of murder for Godsake! — he had to come clean. But he was adamant. He owed Doris more than he could ever repay. In any case-he said-in this country innocent people dont get condemned for crimes they havent committed.

I started to say-if you beleive that youll beleive anything.

Then suddenly Novello amp; Wield appeared.

The sergeant said-change of plan-we need to talk to you a bit more Mr Godley-

amp; he started to help Gordon out of the car.

At the same time Novello opened the front passenger door. I saw her pick something up from the seat- amp; start slipping it into her pocket.

I leaned forward amp; got hold of her wrist.

It was a mobile phone- amp; it was switched on.

Novello didnt pull away or anything-just turned bright red-confirming what my mind was telling me.

Id been put in the car with Gordon Godley to get him to talk- amp; uglymug Wield amp; cunningbastard Pascoe had been listening in on everything he said!

What was worse-Gordon had paused half out of the car amp; was taking in this little scene-only-from the way he turned those big gentle eyes on me like a dear old Labrador whose owner has inexplicably given him a hard kick-he had jumped to the conclusion that I was in on it!

I yelled-no! I didnt know! — really!-

But already Wield was marching him away from me.

Novello started to slide across into the drivers seat-saying-right-Ill drive you home now-

I opened the door amp; got out.

— fuck you-I said-fuck you amp; all the rest of you-Ill walk-

OK-not the most elegant of put-downs-I thought of several much better on my way back up the hill-but none of them good enough to damp down my anger. When I got back to Kyoto Minnie was waiting for me-gagging for a blow-by-blow account-but I brushed past the poor kid amp; came straight up to my room to e you. O God Cassie-I wish you were here so we could talk-face to face. Something like this happens amp; suddenly everyone looks different-everything has at least a double meaning-theres nobody to trust. Id pack my bag amp; head for home-except I know that Id just take all this other baggage with me. You used to say one day it would get me into real trouble-always putting the most sensational interpretation on the most ordinary of incidents. But this time Im not fantasizing.

Shit has happened-is still happening-here in Sandytown- amp; Im not leaving till Ive helped clean it up!

Lots of love

Charley xxxxxx