“I don’t know.”
Banks shifted position on the packing crate. Its surface was hard and he felt a nail dig into the back of his right thigh. “Do you remember Elizabeth Dale?”
“Liz. Yes, of course. Funny, I was just thinking about her last night.”
“What about her?”
“Oh, nothing really. How jealous I was, I suppose, when she came to the farm that time. I’d only known Seth six months then. We were happy but, I don’t know, I guess I was insecure. Am.”
“Why did you feel jealous?”
“Maybe that’s not the right word. I just felt cut out, that’s all. Seth and Liz had known each other for a long time, and I didn’t share their memories. They used to sit up late talking after I went to bed.”
“Did you hear what they were talking about?”
“No. It was muffled. Do smoke if you want.”
“Thanks.” She must have noticed him fidgeting and looking around for an ashtray.
He took out his pack and offered one to Mara.
“I think I will,” she said. “I can’t be bothered to roll my own today.”
“What did you think about Liz Dale?”
Mara lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply. “I didn’t like her, really. I don’t know why, just a feeling. She was messed up, 283
of course, but even so, she seemed like someone who used people, leaned on them too much, maybe a manipulator.” She shrugged wearily and blew smoke out through her nose. “She was Seth’s friend, though. I wasn’t going to say anything.”
“So you put up with her?”
“It was easy enough. She was only with us three days before those SS men from the hospital took her back.”
“Dennis Osmond came up first, didn’t he?”
“Yes. But he was too soft, they said. He didn’t see why she shouldn’t stay where she was, especially as she hadn’t been committed or anything, just checked herself in. He argued with the hospital people, but it was no good.”
“How did Osmond and Liz get along?”
“I don’t know really. I mean, he stuck up for her, that’s all.”
“There wasn’t anything between them?”
“What do you mean? Sexual?”
“Anything.”
“I doubt it. They only met twice, and I wouldn’t say she was his type.”
“And that was the first time Seth met Osmond?”
“As far as I know.”
“Did you get the impression that Osmond had known Liz before?”
“No, I didn’t. But impressions can be wrong. What are you getting at?”
“I’m not sure myself. Just following my nose.”
“Mr Banks,” Mara whispered suddenly, “do you think Dennis Osmond killed Seth? Is that it? I know Seth couldn’t have done it himself, and I … I can’t seem to think straight”
“Steady on.” Banks caught her in his arms as she slid forward from the stool.
Her hair smelled of apples. He sat her on a stiff-backed chair in the corner, and her eyes filled with tears. “All right?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. That sedative takes most of the feeling out of me, but…”
“It’s still there?”
284
“Yes. Just below the surface.”
“We can continue this later if you like. I’ll drive you home.” He thought how pleased Hatchley would be to see the Cortina turning up again.
Mara shook her head. “No, it’s all right. I can handle it. I’m just confused.
Maybe some water.”
Banks brought her a glass from the tap at the stained porcelain sink in the corner.
“So are we,” he said. “Confused. It looked like a suicide in some ways, but there were contradictions.”
“He wouldn’t kill himself, I’m sure of it. Paul was back again. Seth was happy.
