how much wine. Hardly the best preparation for an expedition such as you allege.'
'Not if planned,' agreed Pascoe. 'But if spontaneous, alcohol could be a contributory factor rather than a point in rebuttal.'
Hint of a deal there. Diminished responsibility? Well, why not?
Bomber was smiling.
'My point is that while a trio of tipsy ladies might have effected entry to Wanwood which at the time in question was, I gather, secured only by one man and his dog, I really can't see how even the luck of the drunk could have got them undetected into Fraser Greenleaf's plant which had much more sophisticated protection from a top national security firm.'
The same point had already struck Pascoe.
He said weakly, 'I daresay an hour's drive had sobered them up.'
'Indeed. And even on your short acquaintance with Ms Marvell, you must have concluded that she is a very sensible woman. Sober, would she have proceeded with such an insanely stupid action?'
Cap Marvell coughed gently but compellingly.
'I am still here,' she said mildly. 'And while I'm pleased to have your advice, Mr Harris, I think it might speed matters up if Mr Pascoe is allowed to ask his questions and I to answer them as best I can.'
This is the world upside down, thought Pascoe. Suspect rebukes the brief and offers full unaggressive cooperation to the fuzz! Time to join in the daftness.
He said, 'Ms Marvell, why are you being so calm and cooperative?'
She turned that wide candid gaze upon him and this time he felt some of her power of attraction.
'Because I feel I owe Superintendent Dalziel this. Because when I walk out of here, which I hope will be sooner rather than later, I want to feel certain that I have left you no excuse to haul me back in. Because, you should understand, Mr Pascoe, that this is your one free shot. After this it's press, television, letters to my MP, claims for damages, barristers. High Court, European Court, the lot. So do carry on.'
Pascoe glanced at Harris. The solicitor gave him a sympathetic smile and a sorry-I-can't-help-you shrug, then settled back in his chair to enjoy the show.
Bastard, thought Pascoe. All those years, and he still lets me talk myself into trouble!
He said, These occasions when you claim you gave Ms Walker and her bicycle a lift in your car, let's take another look at them…'
'So you've let her go?' said Ellie.
'Had to.'
'Threatening noises off from the Hero?'
'No. Evidently Lieutenant Colonel Pitt-Evenlode is taking it all in his stride. But then he is still under the impression that Mummy is merely being investigated for another of her silly little free-the-wee-beasties stunts.'
'Why didn't you put Andy's sighting of her the night of the party to her?'
'Because at the moment it's all we've got, and if she looked a jury straight in the eye and said, 'He's lying,' I'm not sure who they'd believe.'
'You're sure who you believe?'
'Of course,' he said. 'But I'd like a bit of support so that a simple denial won't get her off the hook. All we want is a firm sighting of her Discovery driving around when she says she was watching telly. Or even someone from one of the other flats noticing the time of her return.'
'But do you really think she did it?' said Ellie.
Pascoe shrugged and said, 'Open mind, but Bomber's point about a bunch of drunks getting past Security at Redcar is a good one.'
'I didn't ask if you thought she killed that guard,' said Ellie. 'Do you think she might have killed Wendy?'
'But if the two are linked…'
'Could be they're not. Could be that she had some completely different motive for getting rid of Wendy and she's laughing her socks off at the unedifying sight of you and Fat Andy barking up the wrong tree.'
Pascoe shook his head in admiration of his wife's devious thought processes. Perhaps it took a woman to suss out a woman. Perhaps he should hand this one over to DC Novello.
He said, 'You think she might have done it then?'
'For the right reason, perhaps. What I'm certain of is she's very manipulative. One way or another she's good at getting people to dance to her tune. But I see I'm boring you. What you really want is to take a look at Poll's fax, isn't it?'
'I'm trying not to want it,' said Pascoe wearily. 'And no, love, you don't bore me. Ever.'
He gave her a kiss to prove it. But when she led him to the dining room where she'd arranged the fax sheets on the table, he didn't resist.
Poll's covering note was admirably terse and to the point.
The record of your great-grandfather's trial consists of (1) the official court-martial papers detailing the charge (2) the names of those taking part (3) the president's notes on witnesses' statements and any cross- questioning (4) written evidence presented (5) defence (6) sentence and recommendations (7) written comments from CO on character and record (8) written opinions from brigade, corps and army commanders on whether the sentence should be commuted or carried out (9) Army Form B 122 which is your g-grandfather's conduct sheet (10) the commander in chief 's signature confirming his agreement with sentence. I am sending you my notes as I made them, no embellishments. I know that what you want is simply the facts.
There was no signature. Poll didn't believe in taking more chances than she had to.
Pascoe turned to the notes.
(1) cowardice in face of the enemy – September 26 1917 in Polygon Wood – during advance, assaulted platoon commander Lt Grindal – told survivors of platoon their orders were to withdraw – and led them back to their starting line on south edge of wood. NB authorities spoilt for choice – striking SO, quitting post, disobedience, casting away arms, mutiny, all capital.
(2) President – Major Arthur Lippman plus Captain John Partridge and Lieutenant Lionel Holliday. Prosecuting officer – Captain Hartley Evenlode (Adj. WYF) – Prisoner's Friend – Captain Thomas Hilary Studholme.
(3) First witness for pros. Major Vernon – Australian – came across small group of men sheltering in trench – asked what they were doing – one of them – Private Doyle – said they were sole survivors of 2 platoon WYFs and had been ordered back. Vernon asked, By whom? Doyle said sergeant had relayed order. Where sergeant? Gone further back with wounded officer. Where weapons? Ordered to throw them away by sergeant. Vernon made note of names and unit. Own duties didn't leave time for further investigation.
Second witness, Sergeant Mackie, Field Ambulance Unit on duty at Advanced Aid Station. Sergeant Pascoe appeared with Lieutenant Grindal – half carrying him, though Lt was conscious. P. put him down and asked Mackie to take a look at him. He went to sit a few yards away and lit a cigarette. Mackie examined Lt and found no sign of injury other than severe bruising to jaw. Pres. asked if any theory about cause and Mackie said, As if he'd been punched. Mackie said he asked Sergeant P. if he was injured and he said no, he'd be going back forward shortly, he just wanted to make sure the Lt was all right.
Third witness, Captain Ainstable, Staff Officer. Gathering info on progress of assault on Polygon. Noticed Sergeant P. Asked if he was getting treated, told no. Asked what he was doing there. Told he was having a smoke. Asked why he wasn't with his unit. Told that most of them were dead and if he, the Capt., didn't believe it, he was free to go into the wood and take a look for himself. Capt. then ordered his arrest – for insubordination initially, but on checking with Mackie on suspicion of desertion. (Yet another poss. charge!)
Fourth witness, Private Doyle. Said the platoon took very heavy casualties during advance through Polygon. Heard Sergt P. continually urging Lt Grindal to slow down and take cover. Pres. asked if this came across as military advice from old experienced soldier to young officer. Doyle said no, impression he got was Sergt P. was shit scared. Pres: Which you weren't? Doyle: Oh yes. But like most of the rest of them it was his job to keep going till ordered to stop, not to tell other people what to do. (NB Clearly impressed Pres. as honest answer from good English yeoman.) Finally came under heavy fire from pillbox. Many of platoon killed at this point. Last saw Lt standing up with revolver in hand. Got impression he was pointing it at Sergt and urging him forwards. Then there was shell blast. When smoke and debris cleared, Lt and Sergt no longer visible but shortly afterwards Sergt appeared, said Lt was injured and that they should withdraw. Doyle asked on whose authority. Sergt said Lt had passed on order just before he
