Page 25 of Three Widows

Finding his argument unsettling, Lottie asked, ‘Did you help her on her way?’

His eyes lost their blue depth and seemed to cloud over. ‘I’m speaking about her soul. Her soul is now free.’

‘Are you religious?’ This guy had single-handedly made himself her number one suspect for Jennifer’s murder. If he’d been so concerned about her welfare, why hadn’t he visited her? Conversely, if he had harmed her, why had he phoned in to confirm the name of their victim? It made no sense.

‘I’m spiritual. I spent six months in an Indian ashram on my way home from Australia.’

‘What’s an ashram?’

‘I hear your cynicism, Inspector. It is a spiritual place. You meditate, practise yoga and learn about the meaning of your life.’

‘Right so.’ She’d need a lot longer than six months to figure out her life. ‘Were you ever in Jennifer’s house?’

‘No.’

‘Why didn’t you visit her after she resigned?’

‘I gave her the space she needed.’

‘When did you last see her?’

‘She was working the week before she handed in her notice.’

‘So you pushed her to leave a good job with a steady income? Why?’

‘I can’t make anyone do anything.’

‘But why even advise it?’

His eyes darkened and she sensed a fury pulsing beneath his skin.

‘She had lost her way. Those women she met with were damaging her health and her mind. They were not helping her.’

‘What can you tell me about the group?’

‘I only know she joined it.’

‘Who else was involved in it?’

‘She once mentioned someone called Helena. She runs a herbal shop in town.’

Lottie made a mental note of this. ‘Did you see Jennifer outside of work, before she resigned?’

‘We met at the harbour one evening after I finished work and walked along the canal. She wanted to go into the cathedral. Light a candle and implore her God to help her.’

‘And instead you became her God. Is that right?’

‘I can sense animosity oozing from your pores. Your beef should not be with me. I wouldn’t harm another living thing. Especially not Jennifer.’

‘She lit a candle, what then?’

‘We walked around the cathedral grounds. I told her about my experience at the ashram and she seemed excited by it. She said she would look into it. We returned along the canal path and said goodbye. Then she got into her car and drove off. That was the last time I saw or spoke with her.’

Lottie knew there was no way to prove this. ‘Are you willing to hand over your phone to me?’

‘Why would you want it?’

‘To confirm the last time you texted or phoned her.’