Page 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

L eigh Moulson peered around the net curtain and her heart sank.

Why couldn’t they have come this evening when Will was at home? Knowing her, she was bound to say the wrong thing.

‘Hello, Mrs Moulson, this is DI Miller,’ said Beth pleasantly. ‘Sorry to bother you. It’s about the trail bike your husband reported the other day.’

‘He’s at work,’ said Leigh, clearing her throat, which had suddenly become very dry.

‘Where would that be?’ asked DI Miller.

He had a soft, calming voice, and Leigh relaxed. They weren’t going to ask her any questions after all.

‘In Cowley, Rutland’s Garage. He’s the manager.’

‘Great.’ Tom smiled, writing in his notepad.

‘Could we come in for a moment?’ asked Beth.

‘Oh,’ said Leigh, surprised. ‘I didn’t see anything that night. I can’t really help you. It’s Will you need to talk to.’

‘It won’t take long,’ said Tom reassuringly.

‘Well,’ said Leigh reluctantly, opening the door. She was embarrassed that the vacuum cleaner was out, and a duster and tin of polish sat on the hall table. Leigh felt a sudden urge to explain. ‘Cleaning day. Come into the kitchen.’

‘We believe the trail bike has been badly damaged,’ said Beth. ‘I don’t think you’ll have any more problems.’

‘Oh, did he have an accident?’ Leigh asked, careful to keep her tone neutral. ‘I’m not surprised if he did. He drove it like a madman.’

‘No, someone deliberately smashed it to pieces,’ said Tom.

Leigh’s mouth opened as though she were about to speak, and then she closed it quickly. God, Will wouldn’t do something like that, would he? She needed to be careful what she said. ‘Oh, when did it happen?’

‘We think late Monday night.’

‘Your husband did threaten to take things into his own hands,’ said Beth.

Leigh forced a laugh. ‘Oh no, he’s all talk. He wouldn’t really do that.’

‘Was he home Monday night?’ asked Tom.

Beth noticed Leigh hesitate.

‘Yes, he was. We watched TV,’ she said, averting her eyes, aware that Beth was watching her closely.

‘So Will didn’t go out at all Monday night?’

Leigh’s lips closed tightly together as though someone had glued them.

‘It’s just to eliminate suspects,’ Tom assured her.

‘Will has done nothing wrong.’

‘We’re not saying he has. It’s just routine questioning,’ said Tom casually.

‘No, he didn’t go out at all.’

‘Well, thanks for your time. Hopefully, you won’t hear any more trail bikes.’

Tom reached the front door, saw the Chelsea cap hanging on a hook and said with a smile, ‘Who’s the Chelsea fan then?’

‘That’s Will,’ she said. ‘Won’t miss a match.’

‘Me neither,’ lied Tom with a smile. ‘Thanks for your help.’