Page 51 of The Truth Will Out
Sam and Bob glanced at each other.
“But it doesn’t tell us where the meeting was due to take place,” Sam said.
“No, that’s all it says.”
“I… Any idea who that could be?”
Mrs Kilner flicked back a few pages to the weekly schedule on the screen. “I can’t see anything here. For all we know, it could be anyone.”
“It’s a start and helps us understand that he met someone last night, possibly connected with work, if it was entered on his work schedule.”
“So it would seem. I’m sorry I can’t be of any more help. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Knowing he’s met someone and that person more than likely killed him.”
“I agree. Has anyone visited him lately who didn’t fit well with you or your staff in the office?”
“I don’t understand your question, sorry.”
“Has someone visited the department and had an argument withStephen, or did you notice if he seemed awkward during or just after a visit?”
“Nothing that I can recall. I’m telling you, all this has come as a total shock to me. He was a strange man. I’m not the only one to think that. None of the staff ever felt as though they could relax in his presence.”
“That’s interesting to know. You think he was open to taking backhanders?”
“God, I hope not. I don’t think so, but who can tell these days? We often get accused of it if decisions don’t go the public’s way.”
“I can imagine. Okay, I can’t think of anything else right now. I’ll go back to the station and get the warrant ordered.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help in that respect.”
“Don’t worry, I quite understand. If you wouldn’t mind asking around to see if any of your team noticed anything out of the ordinary with Mr Wellen in recent months, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course.” She stood and held the door open for them. “Fingers crossed you find out who did this to our boss soon.” She showed them back to the reception area.
Sam and Bob left the building.
Sam paused outside to suck in a lungful of air. “Well, that was a waste of time, wasn’t it?”
“Do you think there was anything suspicious in what she told us?”
“I’m not getting that impression, are you?”
“No. I wondered if I had missed something, so I thought I’d better check.”
“I don’t think so. Right, let’s get back to the station.” During the journey back, Sam’s head was full of questions, some more obvious than others, which went a long way to up her frustration levels. “I can’t put it off any longer,” she said as she drew into her parking space.
“Huh? I’m not with you. What are you talking about?”
She stared at the brick wall of the station ahead of her, still gripping the steering wheel tightly. “I need to see what Rhys knows about Pendle House.”
“That’ll make an interesting conversation over dinner this evening. I wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall for that.”
She faced him and replied, “No, I don’t think I should put it off any longer. I’m going to call him and see if he’ll either come to the station or meet me somewhere for a coffee.”
“Ah, that makes sense. I would have thought neutral ground would be better; otherwise, you’re going to put the wind up him by requesting that he meets you here, at the station.”
“Possibly. I’ll weigh up the pros and cons over the next half an hour. It might be wiser to leave it until we’ve seen if the rest of the team have found anything else in that file during our absence.”
“I agree. God, I don’t envy you having to tackle your partner about something that happened in his past.”
