Page 214 of The Hallmarked Man
‘That’s not Tyler, that other one,’ said Dilys mutinously. ‘I can tell the difference.’
‘You called the police in late June, Mrs Powell, did you?’ said Robin, looking down at the messages again. ‘Was that because you saw the news stories about the—?’
‘He said “silver”,’ said Dilys stubbornly. ‘I heard him.’
‘You know the shop where the body was found was masonic?’ asked Robin.
‘What?’
‘It stocks things for the Freemasons. Was Tyler interested in Freemasonry, at all?’
‘Freemasons?’ said Dilys. ‘With the funny handshakes?’
‘Yes, them,’ said Robin.
‘No, he wouldn’t be into all that,’ said Dilys impatiently. ‘He works in a garridge.’
‘Did he know anything about silver?’ asked Robin. ‘Hallmarks, antiques, anything like that?’
‘No,’ said Dilys mistrustfully, ‘but he could learn. He’s not stupid.’
‘What were Tyler’s interests? Mr Griffiths has already told us he liked cars.’
‘Loved his car,’ said Dilys. ‘Did it all up himself. He knew engines.’ As though refuting an unspoken accusation, she said again, ‘He’s not stupid.’
‘Anything else he was interested in?’ asked Robin.
‘Football,’ said Dilys. ‘Wolves. He loves Wolves.’
‘Yes,’ said Robin. ‘We’ve just seen the plaque on the wall along the lane. Billy Wright. Did you know the man who was working at the silver shop was calling himself William Wright?’
‘Yer,’ said Dilys, nodding. ‘Billy Wright.’
‘Could I check a few more details?’ asked Robin. ‘How tall was Tyler?’
‘Taller’nhim,’ said Dilys, pointing a shaking hand at Griffiths.
‘Not difficult,’ said Griffiths, with a rueful smile. ‘He must be about five six, eh, Dilys?’
‘Did Tyler have any distinguishing marks? Scars, or—’
‘Birthmark,’ said Dilys.
‘Really? Where?’
‘On his back,’ said Dilys.
‘Is he left- or right-handed?’
‘Right-handed,’ said Dilys.
‘D’you know what blood group he is?’
Dilys shook her head.
‘Did he know anything about guns?’
‘Guns? Yer, a bit,’ said Dilys.
