Not that she was nosey, the landlady had said. It was just that she liked to make sure all was in order on her street. Wendy had nodded in agreement, but quietly thought she was a busybody. She had one in her street, two doors away, who was always complaining about something or other. One day, the noise from the people who had just moved in; the next, someone’s dog defecating in the street. Wendy took little notice of either, and while the noise could sometimes be irritating, it only lasted for an hour or so, and as for the dog, the owners always cleaned up.
The only good thing from the landlady was a car registration number. Wendy intended to trace it; Isaac told her not to be disappointed if it turned out to be a red herring. The security services were known for using the addresses of nondescript buildings on registrations and official forms. She said she wouldn’t be, and besides, she didn’t give in that easily. Isaac wished her well.
The day had started well. Marjorie Frobisher was awake and able to talk. Robert Avers was there with her, and even the two children, Sam and Fiona, had been in, although neither stayed long. Apparently, Sam Avers had left in a huff, and the plain-looking daughter, Fiona, had walked out swearing.
Jess had phoned, wanted to meet him to discuss things. Isaac had told her he was busy, and that he would get back to her later in the day. He wasn’t sure if he would, as he knew what she wanted to talk about, and he had no excuses. He thought it unusual for him to feel unfaithful to her when he had never actually been faithful to her in the first place, never slept with her, never kissed her apart from two or three times.
With Wendy out looking for Linda, and Farhan dealing with some long overdue reports, Isaac visited Marjorie Frobisher. Farhan had checked with her husband and the doctor in charge. The doctor’s advice – one person, keep it low-key, friendly. Robert Avers’ advice – similar. He also mentioned that he had told her of the death of Richard Williams, and she was taking it as well as could be expected.
***
As Isaac arrived at the hospital, he noticed that the media contingent had mostly moved on. The police guards outside her room were still diligent, although he knew that if a professional hit were planned, they would not be much use.
Her room had more flowers than the florist’s shop he visited every Mother’s Day, as well as cards from well-wishers. Her room, more like a five-star hotel suite than a private room in a hospital.
He moved to the bed, introduced himself, and put out his hand. She shook it limply. Robert Avers acknowledged him with a slight wave of his hand and a weak smile.
‘Miss Frobisher.’
‘Call me Marjorie.’
‘Marjorie, you are aware why I am here?’
‘Yes.’
‘I understand that you are not fully recovered. I don’t want to tax you any more than necessary.’
‘That’s fine.’
‘Is there anything you want to tell me?’
‘I’m not sure what you want from me.’
‘You were missing for a long time.’
‘I was frightened.’
‘Are you still frightened?’
‘Yes.’
‘Frightened of whom?’ Isaac realised that too much pressure would make her retreat into her shell.
‘Important people.’
‘We can protect you.’
‘Not against the people who are after me.’
‘And do you know why they are after you?’
‘Yes. I know something.’
‘Are you able to tell me?’
‘I don’t know who you are.’
‘Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook. I showed you my badge.’
‘That means nothing.’
‘What can be done to remove your fear?’
‘Nothing. These people are determined. If you are one of them, or not, makes little difference. Once I leave here, my life will be forfeit.’
‘You know that sounds a little melodramatic.’ Isaac realised the conversation was going nowhere as the woman was clearly frightened, and she wasn’t willing to trust him.
‘This is not a script from a soap opera, you know. This is real life,’ she said.
Isaac found the woman to be more intelligent, more astute than he had imagined. She turned away from him and spoke to her husband. ‘Do you know this man?’
‘Yes, he came to the house to interview Sam and Fiona.’
‘Is he from the police?’
‘I’m certain he is. I’ve no reason to doubt him.’
Returning her gaze to Isaac. ‘I need protection.’
‘There’s protection here.’
‘How safe am I here?’
‘I cannot guarantee total protection. We can find a safe house for you. Will that do?’
‘If I tell you the facts?’
‘We can take into custody those responsible.’
‘You cannot touch them. They killed poor Richard, and all because of me.’
‘I’m sorry about that,’ Isaac said. ‘What about Charles Sutherland?’
‘He knew nothing – thought he did.’
‘And Sally Jenkins?’
‘Her ears were as big as her breasts. Always snooping. She may have heard too much, but Sutherland…’
‘Are you saying that he was lying to the magazine?’
‘Of course he was. Some innuendo, salacious gossip, nothing more. Mind you, he could make anything up and sell it to the magazine. He may have discovered the partial truth, but he didn’t know the facts. Got himself killed over it, though.’
‘Why do you say that?’ Isaac asked.
‘He had some dirt on my earlier life. I was a bit of a tart, screwing around before it became fashionable. It’s hardly newsworthy, and the magazine would have kicked him out on his ear soon enough. Those who frighten me know that. I’m surprised they bothered with him.’
Isaac saw that Sutherland may be a murder, Sally Jenkins – an assassination. As for Richard Williams, it was clear that he had known what Marjorie Frobisher did.
