Pop Goes the Weasel | страница 61

‘Yes. A heart, a human heart.’

‘And can you think of any reason why someone would send such a thing to Mr McPhail?’

‘No,’ replied Angie firmly. ‘He’s a brilliant boss.’

‘Of course. And the police have been in touch?’

‘I spoke to Inspector Grace.’

‘I know her well. She’s a good copper. Was there anything in particular she wanted to know?’

Angie hesitated.

‘I quite understand if you’re uncomfortable disclosing details of your conversation,’ Emilia continued. ‘All I would say is that if I’m to convince my editor to give this story the centre spread it deserves, then I am going to need all the details.’

A long pause, then Angie spoke.

‘She did seem particularly interested in getting a full list of Zenith’s employees. Particularly those who were absent that day.’

Emilia’s writing hand paused for a second, then carried on scribbling. She didn’t want to give away her excitement at this very interesting development. It was all fitting together nicely and would play well for Emilia.

Once again a major story had fallen into her lap.

Violet Robinson viewed her son-in-law with suspicion. She never doubted his love for Nicola, but she doubted his dedication. He was a man, and men were careless of the details and prone to take short cuts. Nicola was certainly comfortable at home and her basic needs were always catered for by Tony or by Anna if he was working, but Nicola was more than basic. She was a beautiful, intelligent and spirited young woman. Like her mother, Nicola had always taken great pride in her appearance, never leaving the house without make-up on, careful to ensure that not a hair was out of place. Too often Violet had had to take matters into her own hands, distressed by her daughter’s pallor, by the stray hairs, by the lack of make-up. Tony didn’t really know what to do in this area and Anna, well, Anna was a plain girl who clearly felt it was what you were like on the inside that mattered.

‘How long will you be gone for?’ she asked Tony.

They were standing together in the living room, out of earshot of Nicola’s bedroom.

‘I won’t be gone,’ Tony replied, choosing his words and tone carefully. ‘I will be here during the day – probably more than usual in fact – it’s just the nights. Anna has said she’s happy to do the lion’s share of the night work, but if there’s any way you could -’

‘I’ve already said I’ll help, Tony. I’m happy to do it. Best to have family round her.’

Tony nodded and smiled, but Violet could tell he didn’t agree. He liked Anna better than her and if Anna was up to doing seven nights straight, no doubt he would have paid her to do that, rather than corralling his mother-in-law to help.