No Second Chances: A British police dog-handler mystery (Daniel Whelan #4)(5)

‘What did they say?’

‘They said it wouldn’t do any good to tell the police and if I did, they’d know, and they mentioned Zoe. That’s what really frightened me.’

‘OK. Tell me from the start.’

‘Well, I was in the kitchen and when the front door opened I still thought it was you, so I called out, “Hi, Daniel. Is there a problem?” but then they just walked right in and one of them said, “Not if you’re a good girl and tell us where Harvey Myers is!” Well, I didn’t stop to think, I just went for the phone but the one with the leather jacket got there first and pulled the plug out of the wall. So I told them Harvey was abroad, working, but then I didn’t want them to think I was all alone so I said that my two grown-up sons would be back from work soon. I thought it might scare them off but they said I was a liar, and that Harvey only had one son and he was working in Cambridge – how did they know that, Daniel?’ she asked fearfully.

‘There are ways of finding stuff out, especially these days, but I admit, it does make it more worrying. What else?’

‘Well, that’s when they said not to tell the police. What did they mean about it not doing any good?’

‘Probably just to scare you,’ he said. ‘Unless …’

‘What?’

‘Well, sometimes money has been known to change hands in return for a little selective blindness, shall we say? You used to work at the Met – don’t tell me you never heard rumours …’

‘Yeah, of course, but …’

‘So when are you expecting Harvey back?’ Daniel didn’t know exactly what Harvey Myers did for a living, though he was aware it was very high-powered and that it often took him abroad for days or weeks at a time. From his previous conversations with Lorna, he had gained the impression that she was sometimes a little lonely. However, her husband obviously thrived on his jet-setting lifestyle and the pecuniary advantages were plain to see in the size and style of the property and the quality of the horses in the stables.

She shrugged. ‘I don’t know exactly. He flew out just over two weeks ago and he said he wasn’t sure how long he’d be, but it always depends how things go. I imagine if he seals the deal early it could be later this week, if not … well, sometimes he’s gone for three or four weeks or more. It has been as long as six when there’s something big on.’

‘But surely he’ll come home if you tell him what’s happened.’

‘I expect so, if he can. But it might be difficult for him. There’s a huge amount of money involved in these deals he brokers, from what I understand.’

‘Well, excuse me if I’m speaking out of turn, but it’s his mess and he needs to come and clear it up!’

‘Yeah, I know.’ Lorna looked tired and upset. ‘If I can’t get him on his phone, I’ll email him.’

‘Is he usually this difficult to get hold of?’

‘Depends where he is. He’s generally in contact every couple of days. Sometimes a phone call, often just a text or email. I know it sounds a bit casual but to be honest it’s not usually a problem. His work’s very demanding; I think they work hard and play hard. I don’t like to keep bothering him.’

‘So when did you last hear from him?’

Lorna looked uncomfortable.

‘I’ve just looked at my phone. It was actually over a week ago. He sent a text.’

She took her mobile from her pocket.

‘He says, “All going well. Very busy weekend coming up so may not be in touch for a day or two. Hope all well. Love you.”’ She looked at Daniel. ‘That’s why I haven’t worried. It’s typical Harvey.’

‘He works through the weekend?’

‘Yes. I suppose so. That’s what he says …’ She pushed a wisp of hair behind her ear. ‘To be honest, I have no idea. Is that crazy? I’ve never asked.’

‘No, not crazy, exactly. Sometimes we just accept stuff without thinking. It’s easier. But surely you can get in touch through his work?’

‘Well, I can, but he doesn’t like me doing that, I don’t know why. Last time I did it, we had this huge row, so I really try not to.’

Daniel kept his opinion of Harvey’s inconsiderate behaviour to himself, saying instead, ‘Well, presumably the people he works for will be able to get hold of him, if all else fails, whether he likes it or not. For now, is there anyone who can come and be with you?’

‘Not really. Zo will be here, though.’

‘I really meant someone older. A friend, perhaps. Or didn’t you once say Harvey’s daughter stays occasionally?’

‘She does, but usually only when Harvey’s here. We don’t really get on. She’s never forgiven me for marrying her father.’ She glanced at him in alarm. ‘You don’t think they’ll come back tonight?’

‘No. I very much doubt it. I think you’ll be OK for a day or two. They’ll give you time to contact Harvey and him time to stew in it a bit.’

‘Oh, God!’ she said, staring into her coffee mug. ‘I can’t believe this is happening. It’s like something on TV.’

‘I suppose there’s nowhere else you can go for a few days.’