Page 54 of Her Last Walk Home

Eventually, her hand on the strap of her bag, eyes penetrating, she said, ‘I’m waiting for you to ask me about Gordon Collins.’

‘Go on then, what can you tell me about him?’

‘Collins is the polar opposite of Patrick. He struts about like a fucking arrogant peacock. Sorry for the language, but I can’t stand the man.’

‘Did he do something to you?’

‘It’s just his self-important attitude.’

‘Tell me more.’

‘He’s married, but separated – maybe divorced, I don’t know – with a rake of daughters. All of whom he idolises.’

‘How do you know he idolises them?’

‘He had this fancy Christmas party once. Invited a load of business people, including the owner of the agency where I work. I was delegated to attend. Watching Gordon Collins in his home, with his brood of fawning girls, was eye-opening. None of the posturing or chest-puffing he usually goes on with. And even though they’re separated, if he kissed his wife once on the cheek, he pecked her twenty fucking times.’

Boyd smiled. He thought the swear word sounded alien on her lips. ‘Was it for show?’

‘Most likely.’

Checking his notes, he said, ‘He lives in a fairly mediocre house, doesn’t he?’

‘It’s deceptive. Quite big now that he’s renovated it. All glass and shit overlooking Ladystown Lake. Anyhow, all I know is that he’s shutting down the site for a while until he sorts out the money issues.’

‘And John Morgan? He seemed to be a loner. It’s early days, but we can’t locate anyone who knew him outside of work.’

‘Can’t help you there. Sorry.’

‘I appreciate you talking with me, Charlie.’

‘That’s fine, even if you got me here under false pretences.’

‘I never mentioned what I wanted to discuss,’ he said earnestly.

She smiled, and the light returned to her face. ‘You know where to find me when you make your decision on the house.’

She tugged on a warm wool coat and snaked a fleece scarf around her neck. After the door shut softly behind her, Boyd remained enveloped in her perfume.

42

‘It’s bloody Baltic in here. Did Mother forget to order the oil?’ Chloe went to the hall and grabbed a fleece from the overflowing stand.

‘The roof leaked. Again.’ Katie stirred a mug of tea. ‘Probably cold air coming through it.’

Chloe flicked on the kettle to make herself a cup of tea. From the sound it made, it was clear it was empty. ‘Jesus, Katie, you could have put in more water than just enough for one cup.’

‘Sorry.’

‘Where’s Louis?’ She filled the kettle and switched it on before sitting on the edge of the table, where she studied her older sister.

‘He’s upstairs with Sean,’ Katie said. ‘On some FIFA game.’

‘That kid is too young for gaming.’

‘It’s a kids’ game. Sean said Louis is better at it than he is.’

‘Too much screen time isn’t good.’

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