Devious Intention, page 10
“Ha, I wonder if you’ll be saying that this time tomorrow after we’ve said our vows.”
“I will. I assure you that won’t change. God, we’ve known each other long enough for that not to happen.”
“I know, but there’s always that niggling doubt lingering, isn’t there?”
“What? Is this a wind-up? Are you telling me in a roundabout way that you’re having second thoughts about the wedding?”
He put a finger to his lips, telling her to keep her voice down in case Cally overheard. “No! Did I say that? Sounds to me like your investigative skills have gone a little too far here, Ellie.” Brian pointed at the windscreen. “Not wishing to get accused of changing the subject or anything, but is that Bould?”
Ellie swiftly looked round to see Bould searching the car park outside the police station. “That’s the weasel, yes. Come on, before he gives up on us and goes back inside.”
Ellie watched Brian remove the car keys from the ignition and shook her head. Could you make it more obvious that you don’t trust Louise, Brian? They left the vehicle and rushed over to meet the sergeant. He eyed Brian up and down as they approached, then his gaze drifted beyond them, to see who was also sitting in the car.
“Nice of you to fit us into your busy schedule, Sergeant Bould. This is my fiancé, Brian. He’s also my working partner, so anything you say about the case will be treated in the strictest confidence by both of us.”
“All right! Forgive my confusion, but you’re the one who contacted me to say you’d discovered something interesting in the Gillespie case, not the other way round. Would you mind telling me what you were referring to?”
Ellie inhaled a deep breath and let it seep out slowly between her lips before she replied. “Okay, first I have a question for you.”
Bould frowned and placed his hands in his trouser pockets. “Go on.”
“How thorough was the search at the scene of the accident?”
“As thorough as it needed to be by the local SOCO. Why do you ask?”
“Because we found some evidence that was likely missed by your experts.”
Bould’s head tilted a little, his interest sparked. “Such as?”
“Such as parts of a car, or even several cars,” she informed him smugly.
“In the exact same spot? Only that part of the road is notorious for accidents. It has been for years.”
“Yes, we took Louise with us to verify the spot. Here’s where our frustrations lie, Sergeant Bould. Because you’ve destroyed Louise’s car, neither we, as private investigators working on our client’s behalf, nor your experts will be able to match these parts to her vehicle in order to eliminate it.”
“Ah, well now, that is a shame, isn’t it?”
Ellie’s blood started to boil. She felt Brian briefly touch her arm, warning her to keep her temper under control. “It is a shame, as you rightly say. I wonder if your superiors would see it that way. Now, in our case, back when we used to be serving police officers, our superiors would’ve seen the faux pas as a dereliction of duty, which would have led to an instant suspension.”
“Maybe that’s the difference between the forces. We do things a little differently down here.”
“Unless this was a deliberate act of getting rid of vital evidence on your part,” Brian stated harshly.
Bould shrugged. “See it how you like. The fact remains that Ms. Gillespie’s car is no longer with us.”
“You’re still refusing to call her Mrs. Gillespie. May I ask why?”
“I’m not sure where this is leading, Miss Brazil,” he countered quickly.
“You do surprise me. Let me tell you this, Sergeant: you have our guarantee that we won’t let this case drop until we put every piece of the puzzle back together.”
“Good for you. Now, do you want to hand over this so-called vital evidence?”
“What? Are you crazy? And let it disappear or be crushed, just like Louise’s car? No, the evidence will be going back with us to the Midlands at the end of this week.”
“Very well. Was there anything else? Because I’m up to my eyes in work in there.”
“With Louise Gillespie’s case, I take it?” she asked more out of hope than expectation.
“No, as a force, we’ve decided to let the case lie due to lack of evidence and Ms. Gillespie’s condition.”
“What? Her concussion? Because she suffered a head trauma in the accident, you’re discounting her account of what happened and the fact that she has reported her husband and child missing?”
“That’s right. Good day to you both. Go and enjoy a day on the beach. It would be a shame for you to miss out on what this beautiful area has to offer.” He marched away before either Ellie or Brian could plead with him to reconsider.
“The effing balls on him! How can he be allowed to get away with that, Bri?”
Brian tucked his arm through hers and tugged her towards the car. “Ellie, don’t waste your energy being angry with him. We’ll do things our way like we always do. If, at the end of the case, we can find some mud to fling in his direction, then we’ll do just that.”
“Well, I think there’s more to it than that.”
“What are you saying? That he’s part of this? In on Matt’s fake disappearance?”
“Why not? What other possible reason would a serving police officer have for getting rid of vital evidence like that within a few days of the incident occurring? Come on, let’s get back to the cottage. I want to top up my tan, ready for tomorrow.”
“Damn, I knew I’d forget something.”
“What?”
“The photographer! I better ring round a few when we get back to see if they can slot us in tomorrow. Sorry, Ellie.”
She playfully punched his arm. “No apologies. This was all brought forward at the last minute. What about the photographer you originally booked? Maybe he’ll be able to shuffle things around a little.”
“Good point. I’ll get onto it this afternoon. I’d forgotten to ring him about the alteration anyway.”
They drove back to the cottage in silence. Louise seemed aware of how pissed off Ellie was, and she’d seen for herself that their meeting with Bould hadn’t gone smoothly. Ellie spent the journey preoccupied with the punishment she intended to dish out to Bould once the case was over.
When they arrived, Cally took Louise straight out in the garden while Ellie and Brian fixed them all a soft drink. Ellie pointed out the kitchen window, urging Brian to watch the interaction between Louise and Cally for a second or two before they joined them. It was lovely to see Louise and Cally both smiling. Louise’s nurturing disposition made Ellie all the more determined to find out why Matt had done such a despicable thing to this wonderful, caring woman. “How could he do it, Brian? Rob her of seeing her daughter every day? We have to reunite them, and soon.”
CHAPTER NINE
Brian shot out of bed and pulled back the curtains. Ellie marched across the room and peered over his shoulder out of the window. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Maybe it was a cat. I thought I heard a noise out the front.”
“You were probably dreaming. Come back to bed. It’s chilly, and I need warming up.”
Reluctantly, Brian followed her back to the bed, but his distraction was clear when his response to her kisses was lacklustre. Ellie gave up and left the bed. She returned with two mugs of coffee a few minutes later, to find Brian already showered and dressed in his jeans and a T-shirt.
“Hey, what’s the rush?” she asked.
“Just let me take a look outside. My curiosity is in overload.”
“Okay, I’m coming with you.”
“No, stay here. I’ll be right back.”
Feeling hurt, she placed a mug on each bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the doorway until he returned.
When he did, he was seething, his cheeks the colour of cherry-red tomatoes. “It has to be him.”
“What? Who? What is it, Bri? You’re scaring me.”
“The back window of the car has been smashed.”
“You’re kidding! Why would anyone do that… no! He wouldn’t dare.”
“Bould, it has to be him. I was in such a rush to get Cally back here yesterday, I forgot about the evidence sitting on the backseat. It’s gone, Ellie. He’s either paid someone else to do it, or that shithead broke into our car himself and stole that vital evidence.”
“Would he really be that foolish, Bri? He had to know that if the evidence went missing, the finger would be pointed in his direction.”
“Well, he doesn’t seem the sharpest tool in the toolbox. Maybe he thought he’d risk it anyway.”
“I’m not so sure. Could it have been a car thief, taking a risk?”
“Ellie! The only thing that is missing from the car is that evidence. What the hell would a car thief be doing going after a couple of pieces of car scrap? No, it has to be him. Either he has something major to hide, or he’s just keeping things tidy so the case remains closed.”
“Doesn’t that amount to the same thing?” Ellie walked over to the window and looked out at the front of their car.
“Well, there’s something fishy going on with that guy. Maybe you’re right, and he’s the one that moved Louise into the driver’s seat before the investigation team and the paramedics arrived at the scene.”
“Glad you’ve finally come around to my way of thinking at last. What do you propose doing about it, Bri?”
“Well, I’ll get on to the insurance first thing. We’ll need to hire a car for now. Can’t turn up to the church in a smashed-up vehicle, now can we?”
“No. But I was referring to what we should do about Bould rather than the inconvenience it has caused to our big day.”
“Oh right. Why don’t you ring Jim and bring him up to date on things, ask his advice about what to do next?”
“Because I’d rather sort things out for myself. You know I only call on Jim in times of need.”
“And this isn’t one of those times? All right, I hear you. Let’s put it to one side for now. I have to arrange for another car and try and find a photographer within a few hours. No pressure!”
“You’re a star. That’s why I love you. I’ll get the girls ready. Maybe we should keep this between us for now, eh?”
“Well, Louise isn’t stupid. She’ll see the state of the car the second we step out of the house.”
“We’ll tackle that when the time comes. Let’s get this show on the road and get hitched, before something else crops up and spoils the day for us.”
The next few hours flew by in a euphoric but panicky haze. Louise’s help getting a fidgety four-year-old ready made a huge difference to Ellie. She nervously applied her makeup and ended up poking herself in the eye with the mascara brush; the pain was excruciating for a full twenty minutes. Brian assured her that she was just as beautiful without makeup, which only made her adore him even more.
Louise was concerned that the navy dress she was wearing wasn’t dressy enough for a wedding, but Ellie and Brian both reassured her that she looked just fine. Ellie slipped on the jacket to her cream silk suit and studied her reflection in the mirror. “Do you think I should have bought a hat, too?”
Brian stood behind her and smiled. “It wouldn’t have made a difference. You look stunning as you are, and I’m one hell of a lucky guy.”
She turned to face him and planted a kiss on his lips. “I’m the lucky one. You and Cally mean the world to me.”
“We’re lucky that you agreed to take us both on. Not every woman would be willing to take on such a mischievous four-year-old.”
“She’s adorable. No more wilful than any other child her age, I’m guessing. How do you think Louise is holding up?”
“Really well. However, that could all change once the service begins. It’s bound to stir up memories for her. Considering the confusion she has regarding the state of her own marriage, I can’t imagine what impact today might have on her. On the other hand, I think she’d be mortified if we postponed it altogether.”
“I know you’re right, but I still can’t shift this uncomfortable feeling I have sitting around my heart. I think it’s going to be a bittersweet day for her.”
“I hope for us it’ll be more sweet than bitter. I’m going to let you get finished and go see how the other beautiful woman in my life is doing.”
“I hope you’re referring to Cally there and not Louise.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I only have eyes for you, my love.”
She watched her future husband leave the room and not for the first time reflected how lucky she was to have him in her life. She hoped to be spending the rest of her life with him and Cally. She could hear the three of them in the distance, laughing merrily, and another pang of guilt struck her heart when she thought of Louise missing out on her own daughter’s laughter and happiness. What she didn’t want to see was a depressed Sophie when they flew out to Spain on Saturday morning—when their original wedding should have been taking place. Pulling her shoulders back, Ellie walked into the lounge, where the others were waiting. Louise smiled and came towards her.
“You look stunning, Ellie. Brian is a very lucky man.”
Ellie felt her cheeks warm. “Thanks, Louise. Are you sure you’re all right about today?”
Tears sparkled in her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. “Of course. I’m just sorry that you had to alter your big day because of what’s happened. You and Brian are very special people and deserve one another.”
“And me. I’m part of this family,” Cally said, running at Ellie and wrapping her arms around Ellie’s legs.
“As if we could forget about you, cherub. You look exceptionally pretty in your dress, sweetheart. Do you like it?”
“Not really, the lace tickles, and it’s tight around here.” She ran a small finger under the lilac ribbon tied snugly around her waist.
“Poor baby, it’ll only be for a few hours, then we’ll come back here, change into our bikinis, and go to the beach. How’s that?”
“Cool. I can’t wait.”
Ellie looked over at Brian. “Are you ready for this?”
“No doubts in my mind. Are you ready to become Mrs. Lynx?”
“Yikes, Ellen Lynx. It kind of has a ring to it, doesn’t it? I like it. Let’s go.”
They set off in the hire car Brian had rushed out to arrange. When Louise had queried the change of vehicle, Brian had claimed the brake pads needed changing. Louise accepted the explanation without further questions. The only other task left to Brian was finding an available photographer, which unfortunately, he failed to do. Once Louise had informed them that she’d studied photography at college, it was a no-brainer that she would take the wedding snaps for them instead. Ellie hoped the distraction would help Louise deal with the occasion better.
The service went without any hitches, and even though it was windy outside the church, Louise did an excellent job of taking some beautiful photos of the newlyweds’ special day. She also surprised Brian and Ellie when she showed no signs of breaking down during the service.
“I’m starving,” Cally announced. She kicked at the stones in the churchyard to counteract her obvious boredom.
Brian lifted her into his arms and spun her around, making her squeal with delight. “That tummy will get fed soon enough, little one. Have you had a nice time?”
“Yes. Can I call Ellie my mummy now?”
Ellie and Brian stared at each other open-mouthed. That was the one thing they hadn’t discussed yet. “Let’s chat about it over lunch, sweetheart, all right?”
“Okay, whatever.”
Brian set her back on her feet, and she ran back towards the car, parked outside the church. “Come on, I’m hungry.”
“I guess we’re under orders to find somewhere to eat.” Ellie chuckled.
Louise raised her hand. “I vote we steer clear of that pub from the other day. I’d hate to go through that awful experience again.”
“Don’t worry. We won’t be going back there in a hurry. I thought we’d go to a pub I spotted down by the river,” Brian announced, placing Cally in the backseat of the car.
Louise hopped in beside her. “Sounds good to me, on one condition.”
“What’s that?” Ellie asked.
“That I pay for the meal, or I should say, you add the meal to your invoice at the end.”
“We can’t let you do that, Louise. You’re our guest.”
“Why not? It’s my fault you two altered your plans. It’s the least I can do to try and make it up to you.”
“We’ll see,” Ellie said, getting in the passenger seat next to her new husband.
Brian started the engine and drove away from the coast and into the surrounding countryside. Around ten minutes later, he indicated and pulled up outside a quaint whitewashed pub with a thatched roof. They left the car and circled the pub; at the rear was a children’s play area. Cally unhitched herself from Brian’s hand and ran across the closely cut lawn to the slide.
“Crap, what about her dress?” Ellie muttered.
“Let her have some fun, Ellie. She’ll grow out of it in a few months anyway.”
Ellie motioned with her head in Brian’s direction and asked Louise, “Listen to him. Do you think he’ll be as understanding if I come home with a large tear in one of my dresses?”
The three of them laughed. Then Louise and Ellie walked inside the public bar of the pub, leaving Brian to watch over Cally while she played with a few children in the play area. Inside, the pub was full of characterful beams, and a huge Inglenook fireplace dominated one of the walls.
“How adorable! It just looks like a cottage inside,” Ellie said.
The bearded man standing behind the bar greeted them warmly. Ellie heard Louise release the breath she’d been holding in when the man spoke.
“Welcome, what can I get you to drink?”
“Louise?” Ellie asked as they approached the bar.
“White wine for me.”
“Two white wines, a pint of your best beer, and an orange juice, please.”
“This place is amazing. Is it very old?” Louise asked, looking over her shoulder at the welcoming interior.
