Page 41 of Child's Play

Felicity strode across the empty sports hall towards an athletic-looking man in his early to mid-forties. His short black hair was showing strands of silver at the temples. His face was pleasant and open and he exuded health and fitness in khaki tracksuit bottoms and a plain white tee shirt that showed off the dark hairs that ran down his arm to a sports watch fixed at the wrist.

‘This is Charles Blunt who runs our Sports and Exercise Science HND class, and many other things too,’ she said, touching his arm.

He smiled in their direction as Felicity continued.

‘These police officers would like to speak to you about Belinda.’

He nodded and then looked at the college head, who appeared to be waiting for the conversation to start.

Clearly Felicity Astor liked to know everything that went on in the college.

‘Thank you, Ms Astor, we can take it from here,’ Kim said, pleasantly, and waited for the woman to walk away.

She caught the amused expression on the man’s face as he watched her leave.

‘Nice lady,’ she observed.

‘How may I help?’ he asked, offering no response to her statement.

Kim regarded him for a few seconds.

‘I’m trying to think of subtle ways around this but sod it. Were you sleeping with Belinda Evans?’

He smiled at her candour. ‘Not recently but in the past, yes,’ he answered, making no effort to hide the fact.

‘I’m really sorry to ask but…’

‘You want to know why?’ he asked, ending her discomfort.

She nodded. ‘I really don’t mean to be rude but age differences happen more commonly the other way around, and I don’t mean to imply that there was anything wrong—’

‘Please stop, Inspector,’ he said, holding up his hands. ‘I do understand your point and I’m not offended by the question.’

‘Was it a secret?’ Kim asked. Had he been ashamed of the relationship?

‘Only from her,’ he said, nodding towards the door through which Felicity had left. ‘She likes to get in everyone’s business. Makes and changes rules to suit herself.’ He tipped his head. ‘Officer, I’m not ashamed of our time together, and I’m truly sorry that she’s dead,’ he said, regretfully.

He moved towards three piles of mats in the corner of the room and took a seat.

‘How did it start?’ Bryant asked as they both took seats on the mats opposite. ‘If you don’t mind us asking?’

‘I’m not sure you mind asking?’ he said, aiming the ghost of a smile her way. ‘Christmas party last year. Both hunting the buffet for wheat-free options. Got talking and couldn’t stop. Met for coffee during the college break and the same happened again.’

‘And what attracted you?’

‘Her intelligence, Inspector. Not every relationship begins with a physical attraction and it never has for me. I’ve always enjoyed the company of older women but you have to understand that Belinda was not like other women. She was the most intelligent woman I’ve ever met. Her brilliance was both alluring and attractive. She was confident and assured and yet childlike sometimes.

‘She was an exceptional pianist and would play for hours but not difficult pieces, easy, jolly songs and then clap her hands in delight afterwards.’

‘Sounds a little strange,’ Bryant observed gently, echoing her own thoughts.

He shook his head. ‘Not for me. I enjoyed every minute we spent together.’

‘Who ended it?’ Kim asked, hearing both fondness and regret in his voice.

‘I did, but not for any reason you might think.’

‘Go on,’ Kim said.