‘Mrs Quinn, if you’re not telling us the truth ‘
‘Look, Sergeant, the truth is that I’m not sure I’d tell you anything that would help you find my son, even if I could. But I don’t have to make that judgement, because I asked him not to tell me what he intended to do or where he was going. And he didn’t. So I can’t help you.’
Fry’s jaw clenched. But she stood up, and Cooper followed suit.
‘It’s very likely that we’ll be back to ask you more questions,’ said Fry.
‘I’m usually here. I don’t suppose I’ll be going out much for a while. Now that my neighbours are watching every move I make.’
Fry managed to call in to the incident room when they were back on the A625 out of Hathersage. Cooper could tell she
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had some news by the way she sat up straight and listened without interrupting.
‘What is it?’ he said, when she ended the call.
‘The nerve of the man is unbelievable.’
‘Who?’
‘Mansell Quinn, of course. Enid’s golden boy. Last night’s TV appeal has brought another result. Quinn spent Monday night in a hotel in Castleton - the Cheshire Cheese.’
‘The hotel recognized him from the photos?’
‘They didn’t need to. He registered under his own name.’
‘Mmm. That was pretty cool.’
‘Quinn knew we wouldn’t be looking for him at that stage. And he was gone from the hotel in the morning.’
‘I suppose his room has been cleaned since then.’
‘Twice. But Forensics might get something, I suppose. And the staff are being interviewed.’
The don’t suppose that will help much. He won’t have talked to anybody.’
They had crossed the point where the River Noe flowed into the Derwent and were passing the weir at Lumble Pool. Rebecca Lowe’s home lay to the north, on the lower slopes of Win Hill.
‘The Cheshire Cheese,’ said Cooper. ‘It’s the pub Quinn was drinking in with his friends on the day Carol Proctor was killed.’
‘A coincidence, do you think, Ben?’
‘I doubt it. Quinn obviously has something on his mind. I wish we knew what it was.’
‘There’s one more thing: the PM results on Rebecca Lowe have come through.’
‘And?’
N ‘She was killed not more than an hour or two before her body was found. Cause of death was a punctured lung. Most of her other injuries were post mortem.’
‘Nasty.’
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‘Yes. Somebody definitely wanted Rebecca Lowe dead. As dead as Carol Proctor was.’
‘Where are we going next?’ said Cooper.
‘This Raymond Proctor,’ said Fry. ‘Mansell Quinn’s old friend, the husband of his first victim; Gavin and I visited him yesterday, but we couldn’t seem to get through to him He refused to believe he’s at risk from Quinn. We have this guy who’s a convicted killer, on the loose right in this area, yet Proctor doesn’t seem in the least concerned at the prospect of being his next victim. Why would that be?’
Cooper said nothing, but concentrated on driving for a while, trying to keep his distance from the tourist traffic. After a few moments, Fry noticed his lack of response.
‘Ben, do you have any idea why he wouldn’t be worried about Mansell Quinn?’
‘None at all,’ said Cooper. ‘I haven’t even met the man.’
‘Well, I think maybe you should talk to Proctor. You could be on the same wavelength.’
‘I will, if you like.’
‘Besides, it won’t do any harm for him to have another visit from us. It might make him realize we’re serious.’
At temporary lights near Bradwell, they came up behind a silver Vauxhall Omega with three men inside it. Cooper saw a Derbyshire Constabulary crest on the back and realized they were officers undergoing advanced driver training. At the moment, they were being trained in stopping at temporary lights and crawling in traffic at fifteen miles an hour.
‘What impression did you get of the Proctors’ caravan park?’ asked Cooper. ‘Did it seem to be doing well?’
‘Not according to Raymond Proctor. But we could have a look round while we’re there, if you like. We could say we’re checking his security.’
‘Which would be a good idea anyway, if Quinn is planning a visit.’
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‘Yes, you’re right. I should have been thinking more of his family. The man himself annoyed me too much.’
Cooper already felt a little sorry for Raymond Proctor. It didn’t do to annoy Diane Fry, especially not on first meeting. She would never forget it.
‘I was wondering if Mr Proctor has had financial problems,’ he said. ‘Business might not be too good.’
