HIDDEN SECRETS (20 page)

“So if Anne is dead; who’s this other woman?” Alex asked.

“She’s not dead, I promise you that. I don’t know how she’s done it, but the woman who died in that car accident wasn’t Anne Parish.”

“I could phone Stanley and invite him over here to sort this out,” Alex suggested.

“I don’t know if I want to see him,” Ben hesitated

“You don’t have to. He wouldn’t be surprised to hear from me; I’ll tell him I’m after a new car. Money always gets him moving.”

“Would he come here though? I think he still lives in London.”

“If he thinks I’m going to put a lot of money his way; he’ll drive all night! I’ll phone him in the morning.”

“O.k., but don’t mention me.”

“I won’t,” he paused. “Have you managed to sort anything out with Kate yet?

“No she’s refusing to let me into her room. I know I’ve hurt her deeply, but I never planned for this to happen.”

“If it was the other way round Ben, how would you feel?”

“I understand what you’re getting at; but it doesn’t make things any better does it?”

“No, only time will tell,” he wavered. “I don’t know either of you well enough to say for certain what’ll happen.”

“I got the impression that Kate was becoming fond of you, if you don’t mind me saying.” Ben waited for a response.

“Look Ben, Kate is a very nice person but she’s not my type, and she’s your wife.”

“That’s debateable,” he muttered.

“Perhaps I’m not making myself clear.”

“So what do you mean then?” Ben hadn’t understood his meaning.

“I’m gay,” he replied simply.

“Oh I see; is there anyone in your life at the moment?” Ben asked, embarrassed by his naivety.

“I’ve been living with my partner for ten years; but we had an argument a few weeks ago, and he left. I misread a situation and accused him of cheating on me; not too dissimilar to you and Kate but I was wrong, Kate wasn’t.”

“I didn’t go looking for Emma, it just happened. It wasn’t just a fling or a one night stand, I did love her.” Ben attempted to defend his actions.

“I know, that’s how I feel about Simon,” Alex stood up, walked towards the window and stared out into the darkness.

“Why don’t you phone him and tell him how you feel?” Ben suggested.

“He knows how I feel.” Alex turned to face him.

“Perhaps I should leave,” he stood up.

“He’s in hospital, he was involved in a car accident,” he replied solemnly.

“Oh, I’m sorry is he alright?” Ben asked.

“It depends what you mean by alright. He’s not going to die from his injuries, but he’ll never walk again. His motorbike was in a collision with a car on a blind bend. I told him so many times to get rid of the damn thing, but he would just laugh at me; and now he’s lost the use of his legs and for what?” The pain and distress was evident in his face. 

“I’m really sorry Alex, but there’s so much that can done for,” he paused.

“Paraplegics; I think that’s the word you’re avoiding.” His face was fraught with emotion.

“Perhaps this isn’t a good time to discuss it.”

“When will it be a good time? I can’t force myself to visit him because I don’t know what to say to him; and I don’t know if I can live with someone with a disability. He’ll be totally dependent on me, and I can’t be with someone out of sympathy.”

“I didn’t realise you hadn’t been to see him; but you might feel differently when you see him face to face.”

“If you don’t mind Ben I’d prefer to be on my own now. I’ll phone Stanley in the morning.”

“Of course; I’ll see you tomorrow, Goodnight.”

“Before you go, I’ve decided to close the hotel for a couple of weeks. All this disruption is damaging to my reputation.”

“I’m sure it is,” he replied attempting to disguise his cynicism.

Ben left the room and took the lift to Kate’s room. Outside he tapped gently on the door.

“Kate please let me in, I need to talk to you,” he whispered.

“Go away Ben.”

“I’ve got something very interesting to tell you.”

Ben knocked again, and this time she opened the door.

“This had better be good,” she warned.

“It is,” he replied simply.

Kate listened intently without interrupting him. Her expression changed to obvious disappointment however, when he revealed Alex’s sexuality.

“What’s the matter?” Ben asked sensing something was troubling her.

“Nothing, why do you ask?” she replied guardedly.

“Are you disappointed?”

“Why don’t you just come to the point Ben; do I think Alex is handsome? Yes I do; and if he wasn’t gay I’d sleep with him,” she jeered at him.

Shocked by her candid response, he took a step backwards.

“I think you should leave now, I’m tired,” she snatched the door open.

“Can we talk Kate? I know you’re angry with me, but just give me a chance to explain.”
“You were having an affair, and she was pregnant. It doesn’t need any explaining. Just get out of my room.”

“She’s dead Kate; don’t you feel any sympathy for her or Charles?” he looked deep into her eyes.

“I’m not going to break down sobbing, or lose any sleep over it if that’s what you mean. I really don’t want to talk to you anymore.”

“We’re going to have to discuss this at some time; you can’t keep putting it off. If you are thinking of leaving me,” she didn’t give him a chance to finish his sentence.

“Thinking of leaving you; are you insane? There’s nothing to think about except where you’re going to live. Now get out,” she raised her voice leaving Ben with no doubt of her sincerity. Without replying, he walked along the corridor feeling frustrated at how badly he had handled the situation. At this moment he realised his marriage was over, but if there was even the slightest chance of reconciliation with Kate, he was prepared to fight for it.

CHAPTER 15.

THURSDAY MORNING OCTOBER 6th

Despite the unexpected autumnal sunshine, the demeanour of the hotel staff and guests remained ominous. Charles Lewis was in the grip of a severe hangover, whilst Kate glared across the table at her errant husband, incapable of expressing any compassion or forgiveness towards him. Charles repressed any attempt at conversation as he swallowed glass after glass of orange juice.

Ben poured a cup of tea and slid it across the table towards his wife.

“We can’t stay here forever Ben; I have to get back to work before I lose my job. I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I’ve asked for part of my holiday allowance to cover my absence, but my boss is becoming impatient with me. I just hope he doesn’t sack me.”

“Won’t the police need to talk to you?” he asked.

“I don’t think so; you’re their number one suspect.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well you’re the one who claims that a dead woman is going round killing people.”

“It’s the truth Kate, and I intend to prove it.”

“Will you two shut up; I’ve got a terrible headache,” Charles interrupted them.

“That’s your own fault, you shouldn’t drink so much,” Ben had no sympathy for the man.

Charles stood up and walked off muttering an inaudible response under his breath, and almost collided with Alex who was entering the room.

“Good morning Charles, have you slept well?” he asked.

“Not too bad; but I’ve got a thumping headache. The police have phoned me; I can collect Emma’s belongings this morning. Is there a local taxi firm, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to drive today, too much alcohol swimming round my system,” he ran a hand across his forehead.

“Don’t worry about that I’ll get Tony to drive you there; he’ll jump at the chance to get behind the wheel of the Bentley.”

“Are you sure, I don’t mind getting a taxi.”

“No, I insist. The staff have too much free time due to the lack of guests; I need something to justify their salaries. When do you want to go?”

“Well its 9.30 now; let’s say about an hour. I need to take a shower.”

“I’ll arrange it for you.”

“Thanks a lot Alex. I’m going to my room now.”

Alex took a seat between Ben and Kate and explained about the forthcoming closure of the hotel.

“Well I’ll be leaving in the morning,” Kate informed him.

“You’re quite welcome to stay, but the kitchen will be closed. I have to go to Taunton later today, but I should be back this evening. I’ll phone Stanley Austin before I leave,” Alex glanced in Ben’s direction.

“Thanks, then perhaps we’ll be able to sort this mess out once and for all so we can all go home and get back to normal; whatever that is,” he sighed.

“Who’s Stanley Austin?” Kate asked.

“My ex-father-in-law,” he replied.

“Are you planning a family reunion?” she asked.

“He might have the answer to this mess; and he’s a friend of Alex’s,” Ben explained

“Oh I see,” Kate replied assuming he was a gay friend.

“No I didn’t mean

“You’ve told her then,” Alex smiled.

“You could have told me yourself, I have several gay colleagues and I enjoy their company,” Kate returned the smile.

“I did try to tell you, but there’s been so much going on. I have to make some phone calls now so I’ll leave you alone to have a chat; I think it’s over due. If you want breakfast just ring the service bell.”

Alex left the room in search of Tony, and discovered him lounging around the bar area.

“I thought I might find you in here,” he spoke as Tony leapt to his feet.

“I’m sorry, I was just on my break Mr. Lawton,” he apologised

“In future, take it in one of the Staff rooms,” he paused momentarily.

“I want you to bring the Bentley to the front of the hotel at 10.30 and drive Mr. Lewis to the police station; when he’s concluded his business there, drive him back.

“Yes Sir.”

“Now you must have noticed the lack of guests in the hotel?” Alex continued.
Tony nodded.

“Unfortunately, we’ll have to close for a couple of weeks, or at least until the police have finished their enquiries. I’ll make sure you’re all paid, but it will have to form part of your annual leave. Mrs. Harrington is covering reception; if you have any queries speak to her,” he turned to leave, then paused.

Oh, before I forget, Inspector Salt needs to question the staff about Joseph. Will you make sure everyone is available before they leave?

“Yes Sir,” he grinned widely at the prospect of driving the coveted Bentley.

“And don’t forget, 10.30 prompt outside the hotel.”

“I won’t forget, and I’ll drive very carefully Mr. Lawton.”

“You’d better do or you’ll have no wages for the rest of your life; and make sure you wear driving gloves, there’s a spare pair in the door pocket.”

Alex knew he could trust Tony, but he was not going to be complacent. He was a good driver and could be trusted impeccably, so he had no qualms over his beloved car being damaged. He had more important things to do, phoning the hospital was one and visiting another.

Mrs. Harrington connected him directly to the ward where he was informed that Simon had spent a restless night, but regained consciousness in the early hours of the morning.

“Will it be possible for me to visit later this afternoon?” he asked tentatively.

“If you can get here about two o’clock, it should be alright. Would you like me to tell him you’ve phoned Mr. Lawton?” the nurse asked.

“No, I’ll surprise him thanks, goodbye.”

Alex headed to the reception area to inform Mrs. Harrington of the imminent closure of the hotel.

“I want you to lock the main doors after I leave this afternoon. Type out some sort of notice for the door; put what you like on it, but make it clear that it’s only a temporary measure; we don’t want the public to think it’s permanent. Can I leave it to you to tell the rest of the staff, and make sure they know they’ll all receive holiday pay?”

“Yes Sir, and by-the-way Mrs. Gilroy won’t be coming back; she says there’s more murders here than in Midsommer! She thinks she’ll be the next victim,” Mrs. Harrington replied with a smirk.

“I don’t think we could ever be that lucky,” Alex muttered as he walked away.

He paused in the dining room doorway, and caught sight of Kate and Ben eating breakfast together, albeit in silence, but at least they were in the same room. Trying not to think about Simon, he wondered if Kate would eventually forgive Ben. He had been very foolish and Kate was a very amiable person, but her temper and jealousy were relentless; it would be a long hard battle for Ben.

         Returning to his office, Alex closed the door and sat in silent contemplation. He was certain of his feelings for Simon, but he was uncertain if he could cope with such a devastating disability. After half an hour of soul searching, he left his office and made his way to the reception area, where Tony rushing was along the corridor towards the foyer.

“That’s what I like to see Tony; an employee hurrying to carry out his duties!”

Tony laughed and disappeared around the corner as Charles Lewis came out of the second floor lift.

“Your car awaits you Sir,” Alex smiled at him knowing he must be dreading the task ahead.

“It’s very good of you Alex. I really don’t want to do this. Everything Emma had on her stuffed into a plastic bag. A number, that’s all she is to them, a number not a person anymore.”

Tears of uncontrollable grief rolled unchecked down his face, which now looked older and haggard. His eyes, red from crying and over indulgence in alcohol, stared up at Alex like a pitiful child.

“I’m so sorry Charles you really don’t deserve this.” He attempted to console his grieving friend.

“Why would anyone want to hurt her? She was young and full of life. I know she’d betrayed me, but it doesn’t take away the pain in my heart.”

Finding no words of solace, Alex put a hand on his shoulder and led him towards the foyer and the awaiting car. The engine was running and Alex opened the back door as Charles composed himself and took a seat in the back of the Bentley.

“It’ll be alright Alex,” he assured him “I’ll see you this evening.”

Alex nodded and stood on the pavement watching the car drive away. When it was out of sight, he turned around to go back into the hotel when he heard what sounded like a huge explosion. His first reaction was one of self preservation, and he dropped to the ground looking nervously around for any sign of immediate danger. A dark cloud of thick black smoke billowed into the air, followed by another thunderous explosion. Flames and smoke engulfed the scene as the sound of a siren sounded in the distance. Pedestrians, office and shop workers were beginning to gather on the street trying to discover what had happened. An eerie silence enveloped the scene, as more and more people spilled out on to the street. Alex struggled to his feet and stared in the direction of the fire. The black smoke continued to swell into the atmosphere as sparks of fire flashed and danced like fireworks at a bonfire display. Sirens pierced the silence as they wailed towards the devastation.

“Are you alright mate?” a young man rushed to his aid.

“Yes, yes I’m fine. Do you know what’s happened?” Alex asked in a dazed voice.

“I’m not sure; but someone over the road says it’s probably a gas explosion.”

“It could be, but it was a really loud blast; it sounded more like a bomb to me.”

“The emergency services are here now, they’ll soon find out what’s happened,” the young man spoke again.

“I’m going to have a look for myself,” Alex began to walk in the direction of the smoke, knowing his car had been travelling in the same direction as the explosion.

As the scene of the distant carnage loomed closer and closer; Alex knew exactly what had happened. His worst fears had materialised, and he watched in shock and horror as a team of fire fighters attempted to douse the flames that engulfed the remains of a black Bentley. Sensing his distress, a policeman approached him.

“Are you alright Sir?”

“That was my car; my friend was inside,” Alex stared at the wreckage.

“Your car?” the police man asked as he took out his notebook.

Ignoring his remark, he attempted to move closer to the blazing inferno but was dragged back.

“I’m really sorry Sir, but I must ask you to stay back, I’ll get a paramedic to take a look at you.”

“No, no I’m alright thank you. I just need to know what’s happened.”

An ambulance sped past the two men and stopped beside the charred remains of the Bentley.

“Do they really think they need an ambulance?” Alex shook his head.

“I think it would be better if you came with me Sir.”

Alex realised there was nothing he or anyone else could do. Charles and Tony hadn’t stood a chance. He followed the policeman to an awaiting car and sat down in the front seat next to the officer, who began to ask him a series of questions.

“Can you tell me your name?” he took out his notepad.

“Alex Lawton, I own the Lotus Hotel.”

“How many people were travelling in the car Mr. Lawton?”

“Two; my friend Charles Lewis and a Hotel employee, Tony Cornish.”

“Why were they in your car?”

“Charles’s wife was murdered a few days ago; he was on his way to the police station to collect her effects. He was understandably distressed, so I asked an employee to drive him there.” Alex held his head in his hands.

“Did anyone else know about this arrangement?”

“What?” Alex looked up.

“I’m only asking because if no one else knew you weren’t driving the car; then it would suggest you were the intended victim,” he replied tentatively.

“Me, what the hell do you mean by that?” Alex looked up.

“We can’t be certain, but it’s highly probable that a bomb was planted under the car. In cases like this, the owner of the vehicle is generally the intended victim.”

Alex could not deny the validity of the policeman’s words, but the reality stunned him.

“Do you know anyone who has a grudge against you Sir?”

Alex turned to face the young P.C. with a look of obvious contempt on his face.

“A grudge? You call this a grudge? I'd call it an act of extreme terrorism, not someone with a grudge.”

“I’m just trying to get to the truth Mr. Lawton.”

“The truth Constable, is staring you in the face.”

“You said your friends wife was murdered, when did this happen?”

“I suggest you contact your superior officer. In the last two weeks I’ve had more Police officers in my Hotel, than guests. Your police file on the case must be a meter thick; go and take a look at it. If there’s nothing else I’d like to leave now. I have an appointment to keep.”