Page 45 of Their Burning Graves
‘We need to speak to Heather, so we will be back, or if you’d rather avoid that, please ask her to come to the station for a chat. It’s your choice, but that’s how it is. The Lawsons’ murder investigation is our top priority not sparing your feelings because you can’t admit how you really felt about Sally. Enjoy your meeting.’
With that Morgan walked back to the car, closely followed by Ben. They heard the door shut firmly behind them, not quite the slam Luke Rigg would have wanted because he’d know Maggie, or her security camera, was probably watching, and he wouldn’t want to give her an inch of gossip.
Ben drove away, not speaking until they turned out of the cul-de-sac.
‘Well, that could have gone better.’
Morgan began to laugh. ‘Sorry, I couldn’t help it, the smug arrogant bastard. Did you see how he changed when we asked him about Sally? He went from a nice, friendly guy to full-on defensive mode.’
‘It was pretty hard to miss. I think we might need to bring him in for a more formal chat.’
‘What about Heather? He said she’s not well, what kind of meds do you think she’s on? What if she saw those photos and they tipped her over the edge?’
‘Let’s see if she comes in of her own free will, but if she doesn’t turn up today then we will see about bringing them both in.’
‘He’s a computer guy, Ben, he teaches it, he would know all about the Dark Web and gaming.’
‘Heather worked in a butchers, she would have no problem using a meat cleaver to chop off the Lawsons’ hands. But we’ve got nothing else on them.’
‘What are you saying?’
‘That circumstantial evidence against them is wonderful, but the fact that he knows computers and she is capable of using a meat cleaver to dismember a hand doesn’t prove either of them actually killed the Lawsons.’
Morgan sighed. ‘We need more evidence; we always need more evidence, it’s so bloody difficult. We also need to know what his relationship with Sally was and whether Heather knew about any of it. Let’s hope she comes into the station to speak with us; or do you think he won’t even tell her we’ve been and spoken with him?’
‘Who knows, he seems like a clever guy. Would you ignore the police requesting you to tell your wife to come to the station?’
‘Erm no, not over something so serious.’
‘Did you mean what you said, that you’d like to have been a computer geek?’
She laughed. ‘You’re so gullible at times, not at all. I mean it would be good to know how to fix stuff but I’m not really into computers. How often do you see me on one except for when I’m at work?’
Ben laughed. ‘Ah, I see. You know, you could always consider a career in acting if this gets too much.’
She winked at him, and he grinned at her.
‘Should we go grab something to eat?’
Morgan nodded, just as her work phone began to ring.
‘Morgan Brookes.’
‘Hi, Morgan, this is Annie Ashworth, are you free to talk?’
‘Hello, Annie, yes, I am, how can I help?’
‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you, I tried to ring 101 but it was a nightmare getting through, so I phoned Will and he gave me your number. It’s a bit difficult to explain over the phone. Would you be free to come for a coffee at some point? It’s easier in person.’
‘I’d love that, yes, in fact we were just thinking of grabbing a bite to eat.’
‘Perfect, I’ll see you soon then.’
‘You will.’
Annie ended the call.
‘Who’s Annie?’
