Page 69 of Her Last Walk Home

‘Not that I heard. I only met him while he was attending the conference. I hadn’t any reason to sit in on the meetings.’

‘Did you know him before that encounter?’

‘No, but I’d read his portfolio. He was definitely on shaky ground financially.’

‘You still asked him to give John a job, though?’

‘I saw an opportunity and I took it.’ Brenda sipped her coffee before continuing. ‘I knew John would be of benefit to Collins as a labourer.’

‘Seems Collins’s company is in a lot of trouble. He’s temporarily closing down the Pine Grove site next week.’

‘Where John’s body was found? I’ve bought a house there.’

‘Is there anything else you can tell me about Mr Collins?’

The cup clattered onto the saucer. ‘Did Gordon Collins kill my son?’

‘We have no evidence to suggest it.’

‘But he could have, couldn’t he? To get back at me for not making more of an effort with my bank when he asked for funds.’

‘That seems a bit extreme.’

‘You have to look into him.’ Brenda’s voice had reached a screech.

‘We’re looking into everyone associated with John’s job. When did you last speak with Collins?’

‘He phoned me about John’s death. Before that it must have been a week ago. He requested an update on his latest application. I had no news to give him.’

‘How did he seem?’

‘Normal. Friendly, if anything. He told me John was an asset to his team. I meant to ring John that night to tell him, but I regret I never did.’

‘Is there anyone you can think of who would want to harm your son?’

‘As I said at the outset, it could be someone connected to his gambling habit, but it’s far more likely to be Collins. You need to?—’

‘We will look at all angles. Thanks for your time, Brenda. I’ll keep you informed of any developments.’

‘When is John’s body being released?’

‘We need you to formally identify him. Once the pathologist has concluded her examination, it should only be a day or two, I imagine.’

‘I have to organise his funeral.’

‘Will his father be coming? I’d like to interview him.’

‘I don’t talk much to Christy, but I told him about John.’

‘What happened to break up your marriage?’

‘Is that even relevant?’

‘Not sure,’ Lottie admitted.

Brenda appeared subdued, almost dazed, when she eventually spoke. ‘Another woman. He fled to Oz with her and then dumped her. Or maybe she saw the light and dumped him.’

‘I’ll have a word with him anyway.’

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