Page 89 of Vengeance is Mine

‘Then why stab him after beating him to a pulp?’

‘Fortunately, that’s a question I don’t have to answer.’

‘Could a woman have done this?’

‘Of course she could have. A few whacks with a baseball bat to incapacitate him, then she could have her fun. So to speak. Why, do you have a suspect in mind?’

‘I’m afraid to say I do.’

‘Isn’t that usually a cause for celebration, rather than disappointment?’

‘Usually. However, I get the feeling the person who has done this is incredibly clever and will have covered every single one of her tracks.’

‘Then I wish you the best of British luck, inspector.’

Anthony Griffiths opened the door to find Rita and Dawn on his doorstep. Rita was holding a bunch of flowers, and both women had grim expressions on their faces.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t come around yesterday, Anthony. I know you wanted to celebrate Carole’s birthday, but after?—’

‘You don’t have to apologise. I understand. Come on in.’ He held the door open wider for them to enter, and closed it firmly behind them. He shivered from the cold.

‘I brought you some flowers from the shop.’ Rita handed him the bunch. ‘I was going to bring them yesterday for the birthday, but, well…’ She faltered.

‘They’re lovely. Thank you. Would you both like a drink?’

‘Shall I make it?’ Dawn asked.

‘If you would. You know where everything is.’

Dawn took the flowers from him and went into the kitchen. Anthony returned to his usual armchair, though it seemed to cause him pain to sit. Rita perched precariously on the edge of the sofa.

‘Are you all right?’ she asked. He looked at her. ‘Sorry, silly question. Have you taken your medication today?’

He nodded. ‘It doesn’t seem to be working anymore. I’ve been on to the doctor, and he’s increased the dose. Hopefully, it’ll kick in soon. So then, what about this business with Dominic?’ he asked, changing the subject.

‘Yes. I’m very sorry about it,’ Rita said. She leaned forward and placed her hand on top of his. ‘It’s just so horrible.’ Her voice was full of emotion, but there were no tears in her eyes.

‘Thank you, Rita. But I suppose he got what was coming to him. There was a lot of ill feeling about him being released from prison.’

‘I know, but for someone to have killed him. Well, it’s disgusting. I mean, what kind of a country are we living in where people think they can take the law into their own hands?’

Anthony winced in pain and looked down. He played with his fingers but didn’t say anything.

‘Have the police been in touch? Do they know who’s done it yet?’ Rita asked.

‘They came by yesterday. I don’t think they have any idea who’s responsible, though.’

‘Listen, Anthony, if you need anything, you only have to ask,’ she said, with a smile.

‘Thank you, Rita. That’s very kind of you.’

The phone started to ring, but Anthony didn’t move.

‘Would you like me to get it for you?’

‘No. It’ll be someone from the papers. They’ve been ringing all day. I should unplug it really.’

Rita took a deep breath. ‘Anthony, would you like to come and stay at mine for a few days? There’s plenty of room.’