Tom focussed his attention on the woman sitting alone on a large sofa. She appeared to be dwarfed by the furniture. Like everything in the room, the sofa was grand, covered in red velvet and edged in ornately-carved mahogany arms and legs. It didn't look very comfortable, but it certainly befitted the interior. Her eyes flitted to him and away again. Tom smiled as he came over to her, joined alongside him by Kathy Rix. She introduced them.
"Jan, this is Tom Janssen," she said, dispensing with some of the formality. He didn't mind trusting Kathy's judgement, for it was she who had spent the most time with her. "Tom is the lead detective investigating what happened to your sister."
The woman glanced up at him again, forcing a weak smile that attempted to mask an anxious expression. She was perched on the edge of the sofa, sitting side on, her knees pressed together at the hem of her grey tweed skirt. She wore a matching jacket. Her hands were set firmly in her lap. He judged her to be in her late seventies, possibly older. Her hair was grey, pulled back from her forehead and tied at the nape of her neck, appearing to be dry and frizzy. It struck him that her appearance was similar to the surroundings of the home in which she lived. The angular features of her bone structure, her poise and the slightly grand clothing, clearly vintage, was indicative of a grace and style to match her surroundings but, as with the home itself, she seemed unable to present herself in the manner she may have wished to be seen in.
Perhaps the stress of the situation, along with the weariness in her expression, gave him this impression. It would be understandable.
"May I sit down?" he asked.
She replied with a brief nod, her expression softening as he sat down on the sofa adjacent to her own. He was right, it wasn't comfortable at all.
"Mrs Beckett, I'm very sorry for your loss."
She nodded again, appreciating the sentiment.
"Thank you," she said, trying to maintain her composure but it was clear she was finding this a challenge. She fiddled with her fingers, turning her hands over and over in her lap. "Please do call me Jan," she said. Her eyes swept the room. Tom followed and they both saw Eric gazing at the ceiling, lined with more intricate coving. Eric noticed their lingering gaze and he mouthed a silent sorry to Tom and took out his notebook. Tom could see Kathy Rix stifling an amused smile.
"When did you last see your sister?" Tom asked.
"Yesterday. Late afternoon, shortly after three o'clock to be certain. She left as usual. I know it was then because the clock in the hall chimes, only it is always late. There's a fault in the mechanism somewhere, but Mary hasn't had a man out to take care of it yet. Anyway, that was when she left and I didn't expect to see her until today."
"She would stay out late?"
Jan nodded. "Usually, yes. Besides, I head off to bed by nine most nights. I know it's early but I tire easily these days, what with my arthritis and the sciatica being what it is. I often won't see her until breakfast."
"Where was she going?"
"To do her rounds."
"I'm sorry. Her rounds?"
"Mary is a Watcher… self-appointed, I should say."
Tom inclined his head, shooting a quick glance at Kathy and Eric but, judging by their expressions, neither of them was aware of the term either.
"A Watcher?"
"Protecting the wildlife," Janet explained. "The Watchers keep an eye on the reserves. The natural world has been my sister's life's work. She goes out every night, especially during the breeding seasons. Has done for years."
"Protecting them from whom?"
"Vandals… collectors, poachers… whomever really."
"I wasn't aware that this was a big problem in these parts," Tom said. He should be aware of it if it was. It was his job, after all.
"Oh, you would be surprised, I'm sure. There are a number of collectors around here. Perhaps not as active as they once were but, if an opportunity arose, they'd be sure to make the most of it. You mark my words."
"And what would Mary do exactly?"
Jan's brow furrowed as she thought her answer through. "Take notes of any cars parked that looked out of place, maybe take photographs of people loitering around. If kids were hanging around," she nodded towards Eric, who frowned at the assertion of his age, "making fires and having parties, she'd move them on. She'd call you on occasion as well."
That was news to Tom but he glanced at Kathy for confirmation as it would be uniform who would receive the call. Kathy nodded subtly.
"And last night was the same as any other?" Tom asked, turning back to Jan.
"Yes. She was expecting to be out late. She's been saying recently that there is talk of some rare species nesting locally. Apparently, everyone is all of a flutter about it."
Eric grinned, recognising the pun. Only when Janet looked at him, her mouth falling open at his reaction, did he realise she genuinely hadn't intended it. He turned his attention to his notebook, his cheeks flushing.
"What species is it?" Tom asked, seeking to provide a smooth exploration of her knowledge. Janet shook her head.
"I don't know. Wildlife is very much my sister's passion rather than mine."
"I see," Tom said glumly. "Yesterday? Mary left the house around three?"
"Yes, she did. If
