Isaac told her to take her time. He, meanwhile, had to talk to his boss.
Farhan, unwisely, considering the escalating momentum in their investigation, planned to meet Aisha – he could not keep away.
Chapter 36
Richard Goddard was preparing to leave when Isaac knocked on the door to his office. The man was anxious to leave; Isaac eager to discuss Marjorie Frobisher.
‘Can this wait, Isaac?’
‘I’m afraid not, sir.’
‘I’ve only got five minutes. I’m meeting with Angus MacTavish, and then I’ve a function to attend.’
‘Five minutes it is. We believe Marjorie Frobisher is targeted for assassination.’
‘Is she still safe in the hospital?’
‘We’re protecting her the best we can.’
‘What do you want from me? We’re walking into a minefield here.’
‘A minefield and we don’t know the way out. What do you suggest?’ Isaac asked.
‘We need to protect the woman.’
‘Once she leaves the hospital?’
‘I’ll need permission.’
‘From whom? And can you trust them?’
‘I’m not sure who I can trust. Believe me, it would have been better for all of us if she had stayed hidden, even dead.’
‘I can’t believe you’re saying that, sir.’
‘Neither can I, but there you are. There’s a mystery surrounding this woman, but nobody knows or isn’t talking. Does the woman know?’
‘I assume so.’
‘Then get over to the hospital and stay with her. Sleep there if you must, but protect her, get her to talk. Frighten her if you have to. She’ll need to be told about Richard Williams.’
‘I’ll deal with it.’
‘The husband. Is he still there?’
‘I believe so,’ Isaac replied.
‘Can you trust him?’
‘I don’t think he’s involved in any of the murders.’
‘He had reason to wish Williams dead. Playing around with his wife.’
‘A suspect in his murder. Is that what you think?’
‘It’s possible.’
‘Not likely. The crime scene examiner believes it’s a professional hit. The shot was too precise for an amateur, and Robert Avers has no history with weapons.’
‘Okay, but find out what she knows. Now is not the time for her to hold back. Whatever the truth is, it must be serious. Three murders now, maybe four if we don’t act.’
‘Angus MacTavish?’ Isaac asked.
‘What about him?’
‘What are you going to tell him?’
‘I’ll be careful. I’ve no idea where he stands. He may be fine, but as you say, he’s a devious politician. He’ll bend with the wind, and if that means the whitewashing of a few murders, then he may turn a blind eye. I know the man is looking for a knighthood in the next New Year’s Honours list.’
***
Farhan was pleased to see Aisha again. She was looking forward to him meeting her parents, but it was still premature. Until the murder of Charles Sutherland was solved, she was still a material witness.
They had chosen a secluded restaurant not far from where they had first met.
‘Aisha, we need to be careful.’ She was demonstrative, wanted to sit near him and give him a hug and a kiss. He was still wary of his detective superintendent’s statement and the berating from Isaac.
‘I’ve got another important case coming up. I want you to come and see me in action,’ she said excitedly.
‘A junior, do you get to do much?’
‘Not really, but I would like you there.’
‘I’ll try.’
‘You’re busy, I know that. It’s in the news. Marjorie Frobisher is in the hospital. Richard Williams dead.’
‘It’s coming to an end soon. I hope it is, anyway,’ Farhan said. He, like Isaac, was tiring of the case. It had gone on for too long, with too many murders, and too many questions. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t decide if it was one murderer, or two, or three.
Aisha said she couldn’t stay long; she had to get home. Farhan would have preferred her to stay, maybe spend the night in a hotel. She said it wasn’t possible, as she had to travel up north early the next day to meet the client.
‘Will my secret be safe?’ she asked.
‘I’m trying. Nothing is certain. It could still come out.’
‘It depends on who murdered Sutherland, I suppose.’
‘If they plead guilty, then maybe there’ll be no witnesses called.’
‘If they don’t?’
‘You’re the lawyer. You can answer that.’
‘The defence will call every witness they can, looking for discrepancies in the evidence, contradictions in statements given.’
‘That’s what you would do?’
‘Yes, of course. I just hope they don’t find out.’
‘So, do I,’ Farhan said. Personally, he hoped they wouldn’t. Professionally, he realised there was a strong possibility. The renewed interest in the case after the murder of Richard Williams and the reappearance of Marjorie Frobisher had caused a frenzy among the vulture press. They were still in attendance at the hospital, although their numbers were diminishing. How long before they disappeared: not known.
The plan to protect the woman that Isaac had briefly relayed earlier depended on creating a smokescreen, and then whisking the woman away unseen. It would be two days maximum before she was ready to move, and still Isaac had not interviewed her.
Farhan and Aisha parted company two blocks from her house. He had driven her home for the first time. They parted with a lingering embrace and kiss.
She would not be back for a couple of days. She promised they would find a room when she returned. Farhan knew he was breaking all the rules.
***
Wendy came into the office the next morning, updated Isaac and left. The landlady, ever-vigilant, had seen her
