"She never married?" Tom asked, although there were plenty of ways one could form a life partnership without requiring a marital commitment, especially these days.
"No, it never happened," Justin said. "I'm presuming there was more to it than just her inability to trust people. After all, there's someone for everyone in this world… isn't there, Mum," he said, looking down at his mother who'd gathered herself. She nodded.
"Mary did come close once," she said.
"Really? When was this?" Justin asked as if hearing it for the first time.
Jan patted her son's chest softly. "A long time ago. Before I even met your father. He was a nice lad, David. But Father wouldn't hear of it. He was offered short shrift when he came courting."
Tom was curious. His expression must have conveyed so because Janet continued, moving out of her son's grasp, but not by far.
"Our father was a lovely man, Inspector, but he was very much a product of his times."
"How do you mean?"
"David was the son of immigrants, you see," Janet said. "Not that they weren't without means. David's father was a successful businessman. That was part of the reason why they were easily able to move here, as well as why they were allowed. But that didn't make up for being of the wrong faith. David's family were Jewish."
"Why haven't I heard this before?" Justin asked.
Jan dismissed her son with a flick of the hand. "It's all ancient history. However, I don't think Mary ever forgave our father for his stance. She wasn't bothered about the family religion any more than I was but Father… and, to a lesser extent Mother, were. It was probably more down to the standing in the community above anything else."
"Poor Aunt Mary," Justin said, frowning. "I didn't realise Grandpa was such a… I don't know what to say."
"Don't be too harsh on him, Justin. Things were different back then. Incomers weren't trusted… especially those fleeing Germany in the thirties."
Tom wondered how much opinions had really changed over the years, perhaps the focus of prejudice was aimed in another direction, but the sentiments weren't altogether different. And within Norfolk, you could be a resident there for four decades and still be considered an incomer, irrespective of your choice of religion or country of origin.
"We're going to need to have some crime scene technicians come by and sweep this room," Tom said. "Has any other room in the house been turned over, even in the slightest way?"
"Not as far as I know."
"Okay, we'll have a look around if you don't mind?"
"No. Please do. Do you think they're likely to return?" she asked, fear edging her tone. Justin placed his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed, drawing an appreciative glance in his direction.
Tom cocked his head. "I would say it's unlikely, judging by our presence, but… it depends on whether they got what they were after. Does your sister use a computer or own a laptop?"
Jan nodded her head vigorously. "A laptop. She always kept it here in the study. As far as I know she never took it from in here."
Tom looked around, searching for it amongst the disorganised mass of paperwork, but to no avail. There were a number of cables under the desk but whatever they'd been connected to was long gone. Maybe the intruder got what they wanted but, judging by the mess they'd made, it was equally likely they were looking for a hard copy of something else and may have taken the laptop in the hope it contained a digital version of whatever they were after.
"What if they come back?" Janet asked.
Tom saw the fear in her eyes, unsurprising considering her sister had just been murdered.
"You can always come and stay at ours," Justin said. "Miriam won't mind, I'm quite sure. And the children would love to have you there."
Jan turned to her son. "I wouldn't want to be any trouble. I'd rather stay here… this is my home and—"
"And what?" Justin asked with a concerned expression.
"And I feel closer to Mary. I know that's daft," she said, looking at Tom.
"Not at all. It's quite understandable," Tom said. "I'll make sure we keep a uniformed presence here at the house for the time being until we have a better idea what we're dealing with. That will ensure your safety."
"Thank you, Inspector," Justin said, nodding his appreciation. "I'll stay here as well tonight. If you don't mind, Mum. Just to give you peace of mind."
Jan patted her son's hand affectionately. "Yes, thank you. You're a wonderful young man, always putting yourself out for me."
"Don't be silly," Justin said, smiling warmly.
Tom gestured for everyone to step out of the room, keen to close it off until the crime scene technicians could attend. If they were lucky, the intruder may have left a print or some other telltale piece of trace evidence to give them a clue as to what this was all about. Once they were all out in the corridor, Tom closed the door.
"It would be best if no one entered this room again until my officers arrive. That way we can maintain the integrity of the evidence. I want that to be clearly understood."
"No one will go in there, Inspector. I'll see to it," Justin said.
"Very well. Jan, if possible, would you mind accompanying DC Collet back to the drawing room and perhaps you could start making a list of any individuals or companies your sister may have had dealings with over the years. That includes anyone she may have fallen out with as well as more mundane interactions – gardeners, tradesmen. Anyone who may have ended up bearing a grudge."
Eric offered to support her if needed but she declined, although did so with an appreciative smile.
"Eric, start with the most recent and work backwards."
The constable nodded and followed Janet back along the corridor. Justin, sensing Tom
