Authors: Jill Paterson

Tags: #Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, #Mystery, #International Mystery & Crime, #Police Procedurals

Murder at the Rocks (26 page)

BOOK: Murder at the Rocks

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‘That’s right.’

Fitzjohn handed the letter back to Nicholas. ‘My condolences, Doctor. I know your mother died many years ago, but the length of time doesn’t make it any easier to bear. Especially under the circumstances.’ Nicholas did not reply.

Choosing to change the subject, Fitzjohn said, ‘Tell me, Dr Harford. Who exactly is Piers LaSalle? Not just a man your father hired to find you, I suspect.’

‘No. It turns out he’s Christopher Leonard’s Business Manager. Has been for years, apparently.’

‘Ah. And posed as the art dealer who contacted your aunt about Martin Greenwood’s paintings.’

‘Yes.’

‘Fitzjohn sat back in his chair and sighed. ‘Well, Dr Harford, I’m truly sorry for the way in which your mother died. Edward Harford must have been torn in his decision not to expose his brother for her death.’

‘Yes, I think he was. It explains a lot about his actions over the years. He was always such an overbearing and unyielding, person. Little did I know the reason.’

CHAPTER 37

In the week that followed, Chief Superintendent Fellowes spoke at his retirement dinner thanking those present for their dedication to duty. In particular, he paid special tribute to Detective Chief Inspector Fitzjohn for his tireless efforts over the previous few weeks. Later that same evening, Fitzjohn returned to the station loosening his black tie as he entered his darkened office. Betts followed, looking impeccable in his dinner suit.

‘I’m glad we were able to get the investigation wound up before Fellowes retired,’ said Fitzjohn, unbuttoning his jacket and sitting down behind his desk. ‘And thanks, Betts, for all your hard work.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ answered Betts, settling himself into a chair. ‘It’s been a good night. Everyone will miss the Chief.’

‘We will.’

‘You’ve heard, I suppose, about Superintendent Grieg, sir.’

‘Acting Chief Superintendent Grieg now, so I understand. Yes, I heard this afternoon. I shouldn’t imagine he’s pleased about the ‘Acting’ part of his new title though.’ Fitzjohn chuckled. ‘I imagine it’s dampened his celebrations a little.’

‘You never said how you stopped him taking me off the case, sir.’

Fitzjohn thought of his chance meeting with Grieg and his wife in town one evening. At least he had thought it was Grieg’s wife until he saw the look on the Acting Chief Superintendent’s face. Fitzjohn leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head. ‘Now that would be telling,’ he said, grinning.

Fitzjohn looked at his watch. ‘Well, I think I’ll call it a night, Betts.’ He got to his feet. ‘By the way, did you get your accommodation sorted out?’

‘Yes, sir. I found a two bedroom flat in Balmain. In fact, I move in in a few hours.’

‘Good because if my sister doesn’t leave for Melbourne soon, I may need to rent a room.’

CHAPTER 38

In the two months since learning the true nature of his mother’s death, Nicholas had struggled to move on with his life, endeavouring to embrace his work at the University of Sydney as well as fulfilling his commitment to Brayshaw’s Jewellers. Even so, the circumstances surrounding her death haunted him and were intensified by the means Edward and Christopher Leonard had used to keep the true nature of his parentage from him. Because of this, Nicholas had avoided Christopher’s overtures, feigning work commitments. He knew, however, that he could not continue this indefinitely and so, prompted by Ellen, he had accepted Christopher’s latest invitation to dinner at his home in Bowral that evening.

‘Are you worried about tonight,’ asked Ellen, as Nicholas turned off the country lane onto the gravel driveway leading to Christopher Leonard’s home.

Nicholas looked across at Ellen, her face radiating a warmth and understanding he could never have imagined would be directed at him. ‘Yes, I am. I can’t seem to shake this feeling of being deceived all these years. I suppose I feel like a fool.’ They drove on in silence for a few moments, the tyres crunching on the gravel.

‘People make mistakes, Nick. At the time, both Christopher and Edward thought it was for the best. I’m sure they thought they were doing the right thing.’

‘I realise that, but it doesn’t seem to make it any easier to accept. And there’s something else. Christopher has gone out of his way these past couple of months to make amends, but I don’t know whether I can return the friendship that he’s offering. He doesn’t deserve that.’

‘Well, doesn’t that very fact tell you something?’ Nicholas gave Ellen a questioning look. ‘You care about him.’

At that moment, the driveway opened out onto a paved parking area with a view over the valley where the setting sun created a silhouette of the surrounding countryside. ‘Oh, it’s so lovely here.’ Ellen peered ahead. ‘Is that the house through the trees?’

‘Yes,’ said Nicholas, sensing her elation.

The scent of lavender and rosemary filled the air as they climbed out of the car and make their way along the stone path toward the house. As they approached, the front door opened and Christopher Leonard appeared with walking sticks in both hands. Piers LaSalle hovered in the background. With a stilted gate, Christopher walked toward them, a wide smile across his face. ‘Nicholas. And you must be Ellen. I’m so glad you could come.’

Several hours later after bidding goodnight to Christopher and Piers, Nicholas and Ellen found themselves walking back through the garden to their car. ‘I’m glad I came, Ellen.’

‘Ellen smiled. ‘I’m pleased. I thought it went well, but I wasn’t sure how you were really feeling.’

‘On the contrary, it made me realise that I’m not the only victim. I think we all suffered in one way or another. Edward, Christopher and me.’

‘Christopher certainly seems like a happy man now.’

‘Yes, he does. So different from the man I came to see a couple of months ago before everything came out into the open. Of course, if it hadn’t been for you, this evening wouldn’t have happened.’

‘It would have. Eventually.’

As they reached the car Nicholas took Ellen into his arms. ‘You know you’ve come to mean a lot to me don’t you, Ellen.’

‘Yes, I think I do.’

‘Do you think you could contemplate spending the rest of your life with me? An untidy geoscientist, who can’t cook, never puts anything away, and has a problem remembering birthdays and anniversaries?’

‘Nicholas Harford, are you asking me to marry you?’

‘Yes, I believe I am.’

******

About the author

Jill Paterson grew up in Adelaide, South Australia before spending 11 years in Ontario, Canada. After returning to Australia, she settled in Canberra where she now lives with her husband, John.

After doing an Arts Degree at the Australian National University, she worked at the Australian National University’s School of Law before spending the next 10 years with the Business Council of Australian and the University of New South Wales (ADFA Campus) in the School of Electrical Engineering.

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