Kevin O’Connor and his family owned a large site next to the Two Oaks Caravan Park.
Eden had already worked out the night the fake twenty-pound notes were used at the Greek restaurant was the same night that Barry Turner was attacked and also the night Peter Winston-Moore and Oliver Varney had been there and Oliver had mentioned in his statement about three men taking a keen interest in the highly valuable painting Peter was boasting about, that had gone missing from his room at the time of his murder. To realise Kevin O’Connor might be involved in it didn’t surprise Eden in the least. And although O’Connor had never been convicted of murder, if you’d asked most detectives on the force they would tell you he was more than capable.
Eden thought it best not to mention this to his boss as he would probably be told to leave it alone. As far as DCI Andy Stone was concerned the case was closed and Norman Gentle was as guilty as sin.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Thank you for taking the time to see us, Mr Kappas. I'm Detective Inspector Eden Gold and this is my colleague Detective Sergeant Tracy Archer.”
They held up their identity cards but the restaurant owner didn't bother to examine them. “We're investigating several cases that may or may not be linked. First of all, you phoned the police station regarding three men you say paid you with fake twenty-pound notes. Can you confirm which night that was?”
“It was Wednesday of last week.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I certainly recall that night. I had a group of three men. They ate my finest food and most expensive wines, and then paid me, actually my waitress Katrina, with fake twenty-pound notes. A total of £180. Irish travellers, I expect.”
“Now, as I mentioned we have cases we think are linked. One of them is the murder of a man at the Albion Hotel last Friday morning and we believe he dined here on the same Wednesday evening with a young friend. We believe he made a booking. His name is Peter Winston-Moore.”
“Yes. I don’t need to look at the bookings. I recall the two gentlemen. One was in his fifties and the younger man was in his mid-twenties. They seemed very close, if you know what I mean.”
Eden Gold ignored the tone of his comment. “Do you recall any of the other customers? Did anyone stand out?”
“No. The other customers all seemed like normal couples or families. Apart from the three Irish travellers.”
“Can you remember where they were seated in relation to the other two gentlemen?”
“Yes, the three men were sitting right here, and the two other men were seated just there, a few feet away. But I don't think they spoke or knew each other. Well, not that I noticed. I could ask Katrina, the waitress.”
“Do you think it would have been possible for the three men to overhear the other men’s conversation? Was the restaurant noisy?”
“Not especially that night. We have music some nights but not on a Wednesday. I think it would have been easy to overhear if you really wanted to. The older man did most of the talking and he was not particularly quiet. I did hear some of the things he was saying. I cannot recall anything specific but yes I'm sure they could have heard. Is that important?”
“It could be. Is there anything more you can think of? Have you ever seen any of the people before?”
“Not really. I think I may have seen one of the three men in the town before but I'm not sure. I just know I'm a lot of money out of pocket. They are not the sort of men you approach and ask if they gave you fake money if you know what I mean.”
“I completely understand. Probably very wise. Okay, thank you for your time. By the way, why did it take you a few days before you reported the fake notes?”
“I thought there was no point really. I knew I wouldn’t get my money back. I did consider trying to spend them at Tesco's. But then if these men had conned me they are probably doing the same to other people. So I phoned you.”
“Thank you, Mr Kappas. It was very wise of you not to try to spend the money. You could have got yourself into a lot of trouble. By the way, I've eaten in your restaurant and the food is excellent. Hopefully I'll see you again soon.”
“Yes. You'll be most welcome. Please call in again anytime.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
The day after his visit to London to interview the antique dealers James Sheldon walked into the Albion Hotel. He found Diane Dempsey the hotel assistant manager sitting behind the reception desk. She was on the phone.
“No, madam, I’m sorry but we don’t allow dogs in the hotel rooms at the moment. It is something we are considering for the future. You could try the Milton Motel. I know they allow pets. Thank you. Goodbye.”
She replaced the phone and looked up as if expecting to see a guest then smiled as it became clear she realised who was standing in front of
