Page 14 of A Very Bookish Murder
Ally nodded as she began to make coffee. ‘I’m really sorry you had to find out that way, Desdemona, as I know she was your friend. I tried calling you last night, but you didn’t pick up. It’s a real tragedy.’ She could see Desdemona’s eyes were full of tears.
Desdemona dabbed her eyes. ‘Who, in God’s name, would do such a thing? Andwhy?’
‘Well,’ said Ally, clearing her throat, ‘I have to tell you that she was accused of plagiarism publicly by one of the women, and then one of the other women, who’s staying here, has said much the same thing. I’ve no idea if that was the reason for her murderbut must admit it seems a bit extreme. Remind me how you like your coffee?’
‘Black, please.’ Desdemona leaned forward. ‘There are only a few things that really cause people to kill, and having a silly story copied is not one of them! There’ll be far more to it than that, you mark my words. Love, hate, jealousy, revenge – take your pick.’
‘I daresay you’re right,’ Ally said, handing her a mug of coffee, ‘but without knowing these women’s histories, it would be difficult to pinpoint.’
‘That’s what the bloody police are supposed to be doing!’ snapped Desdemona, gulping some coffee. ‘Solving crime. Not farting about checking on vehicle MOTs and car tax.’
‘Have you sorted yours out yet?’ Ally asked, gazing out of the window at the mud-covered decrepit old Land Rover parked outside.
‘I damn wellhadto! Rigby got on to me. Gave me twenty-four hours to get it all sorted out or he’d be informing the authorities.’
‘Well, at least he gave you time to get it put right.Poorold Rigby,’ Ally said sadly. ‘Did you hear that he had a heart attack?’
‘Good Lord! Did he die?’ Desdemona asked.
‘Fortunately not,’ Ally replied.
‘So who do we havenow?’
‘Detective Inspector Amir Kandahar,’ Ally said. ‘He’s a Glaswegian and very charming, and he appears to be very much on the ball.’
Desdemona looked unconvinced. ‘Like I said, he needs to begin by checking on these women’s backgrounds just for a start.’
‘I’m expecting a visit from Jodi’s husband,’ Ally said. ‘He’s coming to collect her things, I believe.’
Desdemona snorted. ‘Bloody Owen! Him and his self-built shack in the woods! Jodi wasn’t havingthat!’
‘Did she leave then?’ Ally asked.
‘Oh yes, long time ago. She’s had several lovers, has Jodi, but she’s been with the same man now for a number of years. But, of course, Owen’s still legally her husband I think, so I suppose he’ll inherit all her worldly goods, the bastard. Makes me sick! And he’s having it off with someone else I’m told.’
‘Well, you can hardly blame him if Jodi was doing the same thing.’
‘I just hope that Jodi thought to make a will and keep him out of it.’
Ally didn’t reply for a moment, knowing full well that he’d most likely be able to claim anyway, but it was best not to agitate Desdemona any further. ‘So he’s having an affair then?’
‘Anaffair! It’s all “free love” in his woodland paradise! Everyone shagging everyone else!’ Desdemona drained her coffee. ‘He’d be a definite suspect if you ask me.’
‘But he’s not arrived yet!’ Ally said, staring at her.
‘So far as you know,’ Desdemona said, standing up. ‘He could be hiding away somewhere for all we know, and he could have sneaked into the hotel and killed poor Jodi.’
‘I doubt he could have got into the ladies’ room at exactly the right moment, strangled her and then left without being seen or bumping into one of the women,’ Ally remarked.
‘I wouldn’t put it past him, slimy bugger. Just hope your Glaswegian detective is on the ball. Keep me informed, will you?’
Ally nodded as she accompanied Desdemona to the door. It was after Desdemona had left that Ally realised she should have questioned her about being at university with Jodi. She’d appreciate more information about Jodi Jones.
‘Della wants to move up here to stay with you,’ Joyce informed her later when the women came back in the late afternoon. ‘Shesays all the other women are horrible to her and she’s being ostracised.’
Rightly or wrongly, Della was, of course, the chief suspect, and Ally couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her. She’d have liked to be able to offer Della a room but, she wondered, what was to stop her own four guests treating her in exactly the same way? Particularly as they’d want to exonerate themselves. And anyway, Brigitte had asked first.
‘He’s good-looking though, that new detective,’ piped up Millie.
