Page 98 of Vengeance is Mine

‘How was Dominic’s work?’ Terry asked.

‘We had no complaints. He worked in the warehouse mostly, helping with unloading deliveries, and when the store was closed, he stacked shelves. He was only with us for about four or five months, but he was a good worker, reliable.’

‘Did he get on with other staff members?’

‘I believe so. I’m afraid I rarely get time to leave the office, so you’d need to ask the other staff.’

‘Would we be able to chat to them?’

‘Of course. I’d prefer if you did it in the staffroom though, rather than on the shop floor.’

‘No problem.’ Terry smiled. ‘I’m guessing the news of Dominic Griffiths’ release from prison was quite a talking point last year. How did people feel about it?’

Bob looked slightly uncomfortable. ‘I’m not sure.’

‘How did you feel about it?’

‘Me?’ he asked, his eyes darting between Terry and Kyra.

‘Yes.’

‘I… I didn’t have any feelings really.’

‘I find that hard to believe. You have a thick Newcastle accent, so you’re obviously from around here. I’m guessing you were here when Stephanie was killed twenty years ago. Surely you remember it.’

‘Yes. I remember it.’

‘And were horrified by it.’

‘Well, yes, I suppose I was.’

‘And therefore, have an opinion about Dominic being released early.’

‘Well, I-I-I didn’t think… I mean…’

The door opened, and Selina Baxter breezed into the office, bringing with her a fragrance of whatever perfume she was wearing mixed with chips.

‘You wanted to see me, Mr Roberts?’

Bob couldn’t jump out of his chair fast enough. ‘Selina, yes, come on in. These are police officers. They’d like to ask you a few questions about Rupert… Dominic. Dominic Griffiths.’ He grabbed her by the shoulders and steered her towards his seat. ‘Well, it’s getting a bit cramped in here, isn’t it? I’ll leave you all to it.’ He rushed out of the office, closing the door firmly behind him.

‘Is he all right?’ Terry asked Selina.

‘I’m not sure.’ She frowned.

‘He seemed to get disturbed when we brought up how he felt about Dominic Griffiths being released from prison.’

‘Ah. He would. Something happened to his sister years ago. Nobody knows what, but she died, and whoever did it was never caught. I’m afraid he was very vocal when the news broke about Dominic Griffiths being released.’

‘Understandable,’ Kyra said, making a note in her pad.

‘How did you know Dominic?’ Terry asked.

‘I didn’t. I went to school with his daughter. Dawn. Dawn Shepherd. I ran into her last year, here in the store. It was a surprise seeing her again after all this time. She’s certainly changed. We met up for a drink and a catch-up. She told me all about Dominic being her real father. She never knew who her dad was, you see. It was a story and a half, like something out of EastEnders.’ She laughed nervously. ‘Anyway, she asked if there was any chance I could put a word in for him here, if a job came up. We were taking on extra staff at the time. I just thought I was helping.’

‘Whose idea was it for Dominic to use a false name?’ Kyra asked, without looking up from her pad.

‘Dawn’s, I think. I remember her saying that it would be for the best if people didn’t find out who he really was.’