Page 24 of Three Widows

‘Not really. Feel free to talk to them.’

‘I’ll arrange interviews today. I’d also like to see your client list and talk to those Jennifer would have been in contact with over the last year or so.’

He shook his head vehemently, blonde hair catching in his eyes. ‘Sorry. No can do. That information is protected by—’

‘Spare me the data protection babble. I can get a warrant. But you could lighten my workload by offering me the names of anyone who might be able to help my investigation.’

He stood and stretched his legs. He was so close to her, she felt uncomfortable, so she stood too. He leaned an elbow on the precarious stack of boxes and scrunched his eyes before speaking.

‘I can email you her personnel file, but unfortunately not our client list.’

She’d have to settle for that, but chanced a last play. ‘Need I remind you that one of your staff has been brutally murdered?’

‘Jennifer was no longer a member of my staff. I’ll email the file and a scan of her resignation letter.’

‘I’d like the actual file.’

He sighed. ‘You are a bit of a ball breaker, if you don’t mind me saying. I hope that doesn’t offend you.’

‘Not in the least.’

He went to a cabinet, pulled out a file and handed it to her.

Lottie had half hoped it might be bulkier. ‘Can you tell me a little more about Jennifer. What she was like as a person?’

‘She was like a wounded bird. A little bird with a damaged wing. She’d forgotten how to fly and wasn’t in the mindset to learn again. Do you get me?’

His words surprised her. ‘I think so.’

‘Her husband’s death hit her hard and she hadn’t the will to help herself. I really thought that group would help her…’

‘Go on.’

‘She brightened up at first when she joined it. Then she found she could obliterate her pain with alcohol. Pity. I had to cover for her mistakes countless times.’

‘Why would you do that?’

His smile turned sad and he sat back down. ‘I too lost someone dear to me. I know how it can tear your world into ribbons and you get to that stage where you can’t envisage how to put it back together. I leased out my practice and moved to Australia on a work visa. Visited India on my way back. Best thing I ever did.’

‘If you covered for her mistakes, you must have felt something for Jennifer.’

His expression turned mournful, lips downturned. ‘It might be my fault that she left. I told her she needed a change of scenery; to get out of Ragmullin. Told her to find peace for herself somewhere else in the world. She was haunted by memories. Everywhere she shopped, had a drink, every street and footpath carried Damien’s imprint. I knew she’d never escape from her heartache if she stayed here. She had to leave. That was my advice, and when she resigned, my first thought was good for you, girl.’

Lottie wasn’t convinced. She prodded him with a direct stare. ‘To have had that impact on a grieving soul, you must have been her friend. Did you meet her outside of work?’

He appeared uncomfortable, shifting his weight on the swivel chair. ‘A couple of times. We walked and talked. Along the canal, mostly. I find water soothing.’

‘Did these walks develop into anything more?’

‘Definitely not. I was trying to help her.’

‘You don’t seem too heartbroken about her death.’

‘Of course I am, but I’m also happy that she’s free at last.’

Lottie didn’t know what to make of this man. ‘Surely you wouldn’t wish her dead?’

‘God no, but Jennifer was so troubled, and now she’s no longer in pain.’