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“Do you know anything about why? Was he in trouble?”
“I think he was,” said Banks.
“Roy always sailed a bit close to the wind.”
“Yes, he did,” Banks agreed. “But somehow this time I don’t think that’s what it was.”
“Why’s that?”
“Just a feeling. There’s been another murder, a young woman. They might be co
Arthur Banks rubbed his face. “Not that girl he brought around last year, Cori
“No, Dad. Cori
“No.”
“Look, I’ll help around here all I can,” said Banks, “but I might be more use back in London trying to find out what happened. That’s what I do, after all. Right now, though, I’m just worried about you and Mum. Is there someone you’d like me to call? Uncle Frank, perhaps?”
“Bloody hell, no. He’d be more a hindrance than a help, would Frank. No, you leave it to me. I’ll handle your mother. Maybe, if she wants, I’ll ask Mrs. Green to pop over later.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sure-”
At that moment Banks and his father heard a cup break on the kitchen floor, followed by a long wail of anguish that froze their blood.
A
The name Carol gave A
Well, A
A
“Come in,” called a voice from inside.
A
“I understand the two of you were quite close?” she said.
“Yes,” Georgina agreed. “I’d like to think we were friends. I’m simply devastated by what’s happened. I know that sounds like a cliché, but I just can’t articulate my feelings any more clearly.”
“I’m very sorry,” said A
“Would you like me to get us some coffee?” Georgina suggested. “It’s really not that bad.”
“No, thanks. I’ve had my ration for today.”
Georgina stood up. “Would you mind if I… It’s not far. I won’t be a minute. Sit down. Make yourself at home.”
“Go ahead.” Left alone, A
A
Moments later Georgina reappeared with a mug of milky coffee.
“I’ve asked Carol to hold all the calls, so we’re not disturbed,” she said. “Though I don’t see how I can help you.”
“That’s what everybody thinks,” said A
“About two years. I was here when she started.”
“What was she like?”
“In what way?”
“Whatever comes to mind.”
“She was good at her job. It was important to her, that’s why I mention it. She was considerate, cared about people. Maybe a bit too much.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, as a counselor you come into touch with a lot of grief, a lot of people with problems. You learn to sort of separate it out of your normal life; distance yourself a little bit. I don’t think Je
“Did she get friendly with the clients here?”
“I wouldn’t say ‘friendly,’ but she did take an interest. We run a very open office. Everybody pitches in. You know, one day some poor girl would bust into tears and Je
“But she didn’t socialize with clients?”
“Not that I know of. Oh, I suppose there was that girl she shared the flat with, Kate. But that was different. Kate wasn’t pregnant. She just had a pregnancy test and that was that.”
“What about Roy Banks?” said A
“I wouldn’t know about that.”
“She never mentioned how they met?”
“No. Je
“Didn’t you counsel Cori
“Is that her name? No, it must have been Andrea. I’m afraid she’s on holiday at the moment.”
“Never mind,” said A
“She certainly had something on her mind last week.”
“But she didn’t tell you what it was?”
“No. I didn’t see much of her. I was worked off my feet, so we didn’t get to have our little chats.”
“She didn’t confide in you about anything that was bothering her?”
“No.”
“What about Victor Parsons?”
“That waste of space. What about him?”
“I heard he caused a bit of trouble here at the center.”
“Yes, but he’s all bluster. I mean, he’s obnoxious enough, but I can’t imagine him doing… you know.”
“What happened between them?”
“Search me. I think Je
“Do you know if he ever hit her?”
“I don’t think so. At least she never said, and I never saw any evidence of it. The breakup hit her hard, though. She didn’t say a lot, but you could tell she was under a lot of stress, poor thing. She lost weight, let herself go, as you do.”