Dark Room

He didn't answer.

'Please, Dean.'

'He said Leo had been engaged to a woman whose husband died the same way.'

She stared at her terrible image in the mirror.

'Are you still there?'

'Yes,' she said. 'I'm sorry I made you do it. It wasn't fair.'

'Don't worry about it.' But the line had gone dead and his words fell on deaf ears.

THE NIGHTINGALE CLINIC, LAVERSTOCK,

SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE

one page sent via fax (handwritten) to:

Adam Kingsley

Hellingdon Hall

Nr. Fordingbridge, HAMPSHIRE.

Date: Sunday, 26th June, 1994

Time: 20:50

Dear Mr. Kingsley,

Is there any chance of your coming to the clinic tomorrow morning or afternoon for an informal chat about Jinx's progress? She is, as I am sure you are aware, a private person, and finds it difficult to talk about herself, but it would be helpful for me to have a clearer picture of her history and background. I have some problems understanding what compelled her to make an attempt on her life when she presents as a self-reliant and, in the oircumstances of her tragic widowhood, well-adjusted personality. I would welcome your views on this. One idea I'd like to discuss is the possibility of a joint session where, under my guidance, you and Jinx can explore any rifts that may have developed between you. She is clearly fond of you, but retains a certain ambivalence following the death of her husband. I have tried telephoning but, in the absence of a reply, may I suggest that you call first thing tomorrow with a convenient time. Please be assured that I know how busy you are and wouldn't trouble you if I didn't believe it to be important.

With best wishes,

Alan Protheroe

HELLINGDON HALL,

NR. FORDINGBRIDGE

HAMPSHIRE

facsimile: 27.6.1994 09:45 *one page sent

Dear Mr. Protheroe,

If the brief you were given is beyond your capabilities, please advise me immediately. I understood my daughter would be allowed to recover at her own speed and in her own time.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Kingsley

*12*

MONDAY, 27TH JUNE, HO FORENSIC LAB, HAMPSHIRE-9:30 A.M.

The Reverend Charles Harris and his wife came to view the remains of their daughter together. It was a more harrowing identification than Leo's because Mrs. Harris was present. Frank Cheever had done his best to persuade her to remain at home in the company of a policewoman, but she had insisted on seeing Meg for herself. She had worn her grief with calm composure throughout the car journey, but faced with the terrible sight of her daughter, she broke down. 'This is Jinx Kingsley's doing,' she cried. 'I warned Meg what would happen if she took Leo away from her.'

'Hush, Caroline,' said her husband, putting his arm about her shoulders. 'I'm sure this has nothing to do with Jinx.'

Her anger was immediate and terrible. 'You stupid man,' she screamed, thrusting him from her. 'This is your baby lying here, not some parishioner's child. Look at her, Charles. Your Meggy, your darling, reduced to this.' She held a fluttering hand to her lips. 'Oh GOD!' The word exploded from her with hatred. 'How can you be so blind? First Russell. Now Leo and Meg.' She rounded on Superintendent Cheever. 'I've been so worried. From the moment she said Leo had left Jinx for her, I've been so worried. She's a murderer. She and her beastly father. They're both murderers.'

Calmly, Dr. Clarke pulled the shroud over Meg's head, then took the mother's hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. 'We have to leave now, Mrs. Harris,' he said gently. 'Would you like to say good-bye to Meg before we go?'

She stared at him with drowned eyes. 'Meg's dead.'

'I know.' He smiled into the sad face. 'But this isn't a bad place. God is here, too.'

'Yes,' she said, 'you're right.' She turned and took a final look at the shrouded corpse. 'God bless you, my darling,' she whispered through her tears. 'God bless you.'

Frank Cheever watched Bob usher the wretched woman through the doors, and it crossed his mind that perhaps pathologists earned their salaries after all. He gestured awkwardly to Meg's father. 'I'm not as good at this as Dr. Clarke,' he said apologetically, 'but if you'd like some privacy with your daughter-' He broke off.

'No,' said the vicar. 'God and Meg both know what's in my heart. I can't say any more to her than I've said already.' He led the way to the doors, then faltered. 'You really mustn't pay any attention to what Caroline said, Superintendent. Jinx would never have done anything to harm Meg.'