Page 56 of The Truth Will Out
“Yes. I’m the receptionist, and Dr Trigg is—or should I saywas—the only doctor on duty this week. The other two doctors are on holiday and maternity leave. Jesus, why would someone kill him, let alone bloody do that to him? I don’t get it. You see and hear about horrendous crimes like this on the TV all the time. I never thought I’d have to deal with it personally, though. It’s just shocking.”
“I know. I’m sorry you were the one who discovered the body. Why don’t you take a seat, and I’ll make you a drink?”
The receptionist waved the suggestion away. “It’s fine. I only drink water. I’m on a diet; I’ve lost three stone since January.”
“That’s incredible. Well done. Before we get in there and assess the scene, is there anything you can tell us about Dr Trigg? By that I mean, has he had any problems lately that you’re aware of, either at work or at home? Is he married? That should have been my first question.”
“No. He got divorced last year. His wife moved away with their two children. She now lives in Kent, I believe. Dr Trigg went down to see them last month, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to visit them again until Christmas because of what’s going on around here with the other two doctors.”
“I don’t suppose you have the ex-wife’s address, do you?”
“No. I would have no need to know that. As for anything else going on in Dr Trigg’s life, I really wouldn’t know. He didn’t tend to confide in me that much. I don’t think he was dating anyone else; he was not the type. I got the impression he was enjoying the peace and quiet at home. Some people suffer from depression after they get divorced. He hasn’t, not that I’ve been aware of. But… oh God, you need to see him. Someone evil did this to him.” Her hand trembled. “I can’t believe what I saw in there. I screamed when I opened the door and took a step back. I thought I was going to pass out.”
“You didn’t enter the room?”
“No. I wanted to stay as far away from him as possible. I know thatsounds awful, and I should have checked for a pulse, but his eyes were… it was obvious he was dead. What kind of sick piece of shit does something like this to a doctor?”
“We’re going to find out who did this, I promise you. We’ll need to get a statement from you; are you willing to do that now?”
“Yes. I’d like to get it over and done with. I think it would be therapeutic to get it out of my system; otherwise, I’m only going to dwell on it, let it fester, and what good is that going to do me?”
“Exactly. Have you cancelled all the appointments for today?”
“Yes, I dropped into professional mode after I rang 999 to report his death.”
“That’s great. Thank you for doing that.” Sam peered over her shoulder at the two uniformed officers standing by the door. She recognised one of them. “It’s Ray, isn’t it?”
The taller officer beamed and took a step towards her. “That’s right, ma’am. What can I do to help?”
She faced the receptionist again and asked, “I apologise. I didn’t get your name.”
“It’s Hazel.”
“Ray, I need you to sit down with Hazel and take a statement from her, if you will.”
“With pleasure. I’ll nip out to the car and get the paperwork, ma’am.”
“I’ll leave you in the constable’s capable hands.”
“Thank you.” Hazel returned to sit behind the reception desk, her gaze drawn to the doctor’s office.
Calmly professional, Sam joined Bob, who had collected two protective suits from the car. “I guessed we’d be needing these.”
“I’ve received a message from Des. He’s stuck in traffic on the other side of Workington. He should be with us soon.”
“Nothing new. The traffic has been worse than abysmal lately. I’m surprised we didn’t get caught in it.”
“I think that’s more down to my expert driving and knowledge of all the shortcuts in the area.”
Bob snorted and rolled his eyes. “You keep telling yourself that.Anyway, it gives us a chance to have a look in there. Did you get anything from the receptionist?”
“Nothing much. The victim is recently divorced. Let’s change and get in there to see for ourselves what’s going on. From what she’s told me, I’m already inclined to link his death to the other murders.”
“Without seeing him?”
Sam nodded. Once they were suited and booted, she placed her hand on the doorknob. “Brace yourself.”
He nodded and lowered his voice so only Sam could hear what he had to say. “I’m fully braced and ready for anything this fucker is prepared to throw at us.”
