Read Murder at the Rocks for Free Online Page B

him.  He said…’
    Fitzjohn sensed Constance Plummer’s increasing distress.  ‘Take your time, Ms Plummer.’  Fitzjohn waited.
    ‘He said, “You’ll live to regret this”. Then he left.’
    ‘Can you describe the man?’
    ‘Yes.  He was quite tall.  I think a little taller than Mr Harford.  And he had fair hair.’
    ‘How old do you think he was?’
    ‘Mid-thirties.  He was rather good looking, I thought.  Actually, very good looking.  Oh God, do you think he came back and killed Mr Harford?’
    Fitzjohn ignored the question and said, ‘What happened after the man left?’
    Constance thought for a moment.  ‘I asked Mr Harford if I should telephone the police, but he said it wouldn’t be necessary.  He said I could leave for the day.  I told him I hadn’t finished transcribing the letters he’d dictated earlier, but he said I could finish them this morning.’
    ‘What time was this, Ms Plummer?’
    ‘About half past five.’
    ‘Can I see the letters he dictated to you?’
    ‘Yes.  They’re on my desk.  Well, at least one of them is.’  Followed by Fitzjohn, Constance Plummer left Howard Parish’s office and made her way to her desk in the far corner of the main office.  Once there, she reached for a file resting in a plastic tray, opened it and handed the letter to Fitzjohn.
    His eyes scanned through the letter before he looked back up.  ‘It’s addressed to a solicitor.’
    ‘Yes.  Mr Harford’s solicitor.’
    ‘And the second letter?’
    Constance reached for a notebook in the centre of the desk and handed it to Fitzjohn who frowned at the shorthand.  ‘I didn’t realise shorthand was still used in offices.’
    ‘I’m sure it’s not generally, but Mr Harford preferred to dictate his letters rather than type them himself.’
    ‘And who is this one to, Ms Plummer?’ asked Fitzjohn handing back the notebook.
    ‘It’s addressed to Andrew Pemlett of Pemlett & Slythe.  They have offices on Phillip Street.  Andrew Pemlett was Edward Harford’s solicitor.  I know because Mr Harford had me telephone Mr Pemlett on a number of occasions after his brother died.’  The letter advises Mr Pemlett that Mr Harford intends to contest his brother’s will.  Would you like me to transcribe it for you, Inspector?’
    ‘Yes, that would be helpful.’
    ‘I’ll have it ready for you before you leave.’
    ‘Thanks.’
    ‘Now, Ms Plummer, I have just one more question.  Can you think of anything else that happened yesterday that you think is significant?’
    Fitzjohn watched as the young woman’s face grimaced.  ‘Well there was that business with Mr Holmes late in the afternoon.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘Yes, he’s our Retail Manager.  He came upstairs at about five and went in to see Mr Harford.  They were in Mr Harford’s office for about half an hour before I heard them arguing.  After a few minutes, Mr Holmes came back out, followed by Mr Harford.’
    ‘So this was shortly before the young man arrived.’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘And to your knowledge, did Mr Holmes return to the office yesterday?’
    ‘Not that I know of.’
    ‘Right, Ms Plummer.  You’ve been most helpful.  I’ll keep this if I may.’  Fitzjohn held up the letter.  He crossed the room to where Betts and Howard Parish now stood.
    ‘You’ve spoken to everyone, Betts?’
    ‘Except for a Mr Holmes.  Seems he hasn’t arrived yet.’
    Fitzjohn turned to Parish.  ‘Is it usual for Mr Holmes to be late for work?’
    ‘No, on the contrary, Inspector.  He’s always been most punctual.’
    ‘I see.  In that case we’ll need his address.’
    ‘Yes, of course.’  Parish started to walk toward his office, followed by Fitzjohn and Betts.
    While Howard Parish looked to his computer for the address, Fitzjohn continued.  ‘Ms Plummer tells me there was another visitor here late yesterday.’
    Parish thought for a moment.  ‘Oh, you must mean Nick Harford, Mr Harford’s nephew.  He arrived as I was