HIDDEN SECRETS (31 page)

Pulling away from Pat, Kate sat up.

“The details as you call them Inspector, will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

There was a brief silence before Inspector Salt produced a small white envelope.

“These are your husband’s personal belongings. Will you check to see there’s nothing missing?”

Kate took the small package that symbolised her husband’s life, and removed the seal. She looked inside before tipping the contents out onto the table. Ben always wore the same watch and carried the same things on his person, so she knew exactly what to find. The small pile of possessions before her bought back the sheer horror of his death, and she fought hard to control the tears that threatened to flow again. She picked up his wedding ring and read the inscription on the inside; the writing was miniscule but she knew what it said. His favourite gold watch and wallet were intact, and a black comb lay beside a pile of loose change.

“Everything’s here Inspector, thank you. If there’s nothing else I have to make some phone calls,” Kate said knowing she could no longer put off the inevitable task of speaking to her mother, and Ben’s friends. He had no living relatives that she was aware of; well at least in the name of Preston that was. She had to bear in mind that his true name was in fact Gerry Parish, but to her he was and always would be, Ben Preston.

“Your husband’s body will be collected in the morning by the undertakers; I think the gentleman’s name is Mr. Peterson. Will you be leaving at the same time?” Inspector Salt asked.

“I’m planning to drive back in the afternoon.”

“Then I’ll say goodbye Mrs. Preston, and I’m truly sorry for your loss. I’ll inform you of the date of the trial,” he held his hand out to her. Kate took it and smiled as he laid his hand over hers’. Without speaking she left the room clutching Ben’s belongings close to her chest. When she was out of ear-shot, Pat asked the Inspector a question

“I’m sorry to ask, but are there any press restrictions on the case?”

“You haven’t changed have you Pat?”

“I’ve got a job to do, the same as you Inspector,” he defended his insensitivity.

“There’ll be a press conference on Wednesday afternoon; you’ll get all the information you require then.”

“Come on Inspector, I’ve been here for two weeks I’ve witnessed it firsthand. Let me have an exclusive,” he pleaded.

“You can print what you like I can’t stop you, but don’t give any details of Ben Preston’ death which might bias a future jury. We both know Parish is guilty, but she’s entitled to a fair trial, and her defence lawyer will have a field day if you print anything incriminating before the trial,” he warned.

“I know the modus operandi Inspector.”

“Then make damn sure you follow it. I’ll show myself out.”

Pat spent the rest of the day typing up his notes with a fervour he hadn’t experienced in years.  Aware that he would benefit from the lurid details and Kate’s misery, he had no control over the facts, and the public had a right to know the truth. Deep down in his heart though, he knew his intentions were more profound than merely exposing the sordid details. The story was his route back to the top where he belonged; and he was not going to let sentiment stand in his way.

CHAPTER 25

TUESDAY 10
TH
OCTOBER

The day began amidst a sombre atmosphere as the rain fell relentlessly down the window pane. Kate opened the curtains and looked out at the grey sky, which showed no signs of abating. Today she was going home, leaving this dismal place at last, with no intentions of ever returning. It was hard to envisage that she had been in this hotel for just two weeks. That was all it had taken, just two weeks to completely destroy her life and many others; and for what reason? Nothing more than the maniacal beliefs of one woman who possessed the ability to manipulate and poison the minds of those who choose to follow her? There was no justification for this woman’s actions, and no punishment severe enough to inflict on her as penance. She deserved to rot in prison for the rest of her life. Trying not to think about the vile woman, Kate opened her suitcase and placed her nightwear and cosmetic bag on the top of the folded clothes. Taking one last glance around the room, she opened the door and walked down the corridor to the lift. A few minutes later, she arrived at the ground floor, picked up her case and went in search of Pat. She discovered him sitting at the kitchen typing incessantly on his laptop unaware of her presence in the room.

“Good morning Pat,” she said.

“Oh hello, I didn’t hear you come in. Have you managed to get any sleep?”

“A little; what are you doing?”

“I’m writing about what’s happened here over the last two weeks,” he replied cautiously.

“You mean about Ben and the others who’ve died?”

“It’s what I get paid for Kate,” he winced in anticipation of her reaction.

“You didn’t ask me.”

“I’m only writing what’s common knowledge.”

“Common knowledge, is that what you call it Pat?”

“If you were to tell me all about Ben, what he was really like, it’d be worth your while.”

“Oh I see; you want me to sell my private memories for everyone to read.”

“My editors’ been known to pay five figure fees for exclusives like this.”

“Well they’re not for sale Pat. It’s exactly as I’ve told you; my private memories are just that.”

“Look, I didn’t mean to be insensitive; I just thought the money would be useful in your circumstances.”

“My circumstances; what exactly do you mean by that?” he was getting in deeper and deeper.

“I used the wrong words Kate. What would you like me to write about Ben?”

“I’ll tell you what you can write- quote- he was an extremely kind and gentle person, who would have made a wonderful father, if that evil bitch hadn’t have taken him from me. He didn’t deserve to die in such a brutal and cruel manner-unquote.”

“Perhaps this isn’t the right time to discuss it?” he realised he had hit a nerve.

“There’ll never be a right time Pat.”

“If a write a short piece on you and Ben; and his death

“His murder,” she interrupted him.

“His murder; and you can read it and alter anything that you don’t like,” he suggested.

Kate was silent for a while before she replied.

“You promise to alter anything I don’t like?” she asked.

“I swear to you.”

“Fine, but I’m leaving today, will it be finished in time?”

“It’ll be done before lunch,” he assured her.

“Well I’ll leave you to it then. I’m going out for a walk I can’t stand being in this place.”

“Before you go there’s something I need to tell you,” Pat remembered his phone conversation on the previous day.

“Oh, what’s that?”

“I spoke to Leo Marshall yesterday about the paternity test.”

“What did he say?” she was shocked that he had actually made contact with him.

“I’d rather not repeat it. Let’s just say he’s refusing to co-operate.”

“We can’t force him; perhaps it’s best that I don’t know.”

“He did admit that he doubted he was George’s father, but he wouldn’t discuss it any further. He’s already lost the boy’s mother; I think he’s suffered enough.”

“I’m almost sure I know what the truth is, but I’ll never know for certain, will I?”

“He could change his mind in time.”

“Maybe, I’m going out now I’ll see you later Pat,” Kate walked away.

Pat resumed his typing as soon as she was out of the room, and very shortly he had completed the first two pages. Just before Kate returned, he had completed the article, and cautiously handed it to her. Hesitantly, she took the paper from him and sat down to read it. Pat didn’t speak, but looked anxiously on for a sign of approval. Kate’s expression didn’t alter or register any emotion as she read the first page. When she had finished she placed in on the table, and picked up the next page.

“It’s very good Pat. I can see why you were such a good reporter,” she said at last.

“You don’t want me to alter anything then?” he asked tentatively.

“I don’t know. You’ve written that I shot Anne Parish by accident; you know that’s not true,” she raised her eyebrows.

“I’m writing it as I saw it. I think you’ve had enough grief without me adding to it.”

“Alright, do you want any photographs?” she asked.

“If you’ve got some.”

“I’ve got plenty at home; do you want me to post them to you?” 

“I was going to suggest driving you to Becton this afternoon; if you want me to that is?”

“I’ve got my own car, but I’d feel better if someone else was driving.”

“I only live a few miles from Becton, so I’d be heading in the same direction.”

“What about your own car?” she asked.

“Between you and me it’s had it. With this story I should be able to buy something a bit more impressive than a clapped out Mondeo,” he smiled.

Kate smiled back and realised it was the first time she had done so since Ben was murdered.

“I used to have a Mondeo; it was the first car I bought after I passed my test,” she confessed.

“You’ll know what I mean then.”

She nodded, and asked. “Where’s Sebastian; I haven’t seen him since yesterday?”

“He’s with his solicitor, and then he’ll be at the funeral’s this afternoon. I don’t know whether he’s coming back here or going directly to the airport afterwards,” he replied.

“I’m surprised you’re not going to the funeral Pat.” 

“I want to keep out of the way; Sebastian knows about my involvement with Alex’s death, but I’m uncertain if he knows about the accident with Simon.”

“Of course I’d forgotten about that,” Kate looked thoughtful.

“I haven’t; and I don’t know Sebastian well enough to know how he’ll react if he discovers the truth,” he cringed.

“What are we supposed to do with this place when we leave?” Kate asked, looking around.

“I’ve been thinking about that, we can’t just leave the door open. If Sebastian doesn’t come back, we’ll just have to leave the keys at the police station.”

“I’m ready to go now if you are?” she said.

“I’ll just need a few minutes to pack my things away,” he replied, collecting his papers and laptop together.

“I’ve left a few more things in my room, I won’t be a minute,” Pat hurried away towards the lift as the front door of the hotel opened

Kate turned round to see Sebastian dressed in a mourning suit, heading towards her with a furious expression on his face.

“Where is he?” Sebastian demanded to know.

Unsure of her ability to lie convincingly, Kate forced a smile to disguise her nervousness.

“Where’s who?” she took a step forward.

“Hinds, where is he?” he raised his voice.

“He’s not here if that’s what you mean,” she replied firmly.

“When did he leave the Hotel?” he continued to question her.

“I really don’t know, I’ve been out all morning,” she continued to deny any knowledge of Pat’s whereabouts, hoping he wouldn’t appear.

“Why are you so anxious to see him?” Kate asked as he glanced round.

“I’ve got some unfinished business to settle with him, he didn’t tell me the truth about Simon’s accident,” he replied through tight lips.

“Well that’s between you and him. If there’s nothing else I really am in a bit of a hurry.”

“When will he be back?” he demanded to know.

“I’ve already told you, I don’t know.”

A call on his mobile phone temporarily halted the questioning, and Kate sighed with relief.

“I’m well aware of the time, I’m on my way,” he snapped at the caller.

“I have to leave now my cars here; but you can tell Hinds I haven’t finished with him. I’ll be back after the funeral,” he stormed out of the hotel.

“Right, I’ll make sure he knows,” Kate waited until he disappeared from view before dashing towards the staircase. Halfway up, Pat appeared from behind a cupboard.

“Has he gone?” he asked guardedly, peering over the balustrade.

“Yes, but he’s coming back, and he’s very angry,” Kate warned.

“I know I heard every word.” Pat bounded down the stairs.

“Are you ready to leave now Kate?”

“I can’t wait to get away,” she followed him down the stairs. Picking up her case, she stopped suddenly and looked over her shoulder. This was where Ben had died, and she was struck by a sense of betrayal. She knew she would never return to this Hotel, but a part of Ben would always remain here, and it felt wrong.

“Are you alright Kate?”

“I don’t know Pat. I’m desperate to leave this place, but part of me wants to stay here to be close to Ben.” Pat s anxiety was increasing at the prospect of Sebastian returning.

“I understand what you’re going through Kate, but we really must go.”

“I’m coming I just wanted one last look around.”

“I Know but I’d rather not hang around waiting for Sebastian; I’m getting too old to fight.”

“He looked as though he wanted more than a fight.”

“Shall we go?” Pat ushered her towards the exit.

Kate hesitated; her expression was pitiful as she wiped tears from her eyes.

“Please Kate,” he urged.

Pat carried her case to the front entrance, and pushed open the door. She stepped out onto the pavement as Pat locked the door behind them.

“Shall we take these keys to the nick?” he asked.

“There’s nowhere else I can think of. Tell them to contact Sebastian, he can pick them up; and for god’s sake don’t tell them where you’re going.”

“I’m sure Sebastian could find out where I live if he really wanted to; but he’s flying back to the states this afternoon so I’m not going to concern myself,” Pat shrugged.

Pat inserted the key in the ignition of Kate’s black BMW and drove away from the Lotus hotel towards the police station.

“Now this is what I call a real smooth drive,” he nodded, admiring the car’s performance.

“Be careful how you drive it then; and don’t you dare smoke in here,” she warned, as he fumbled around in his Jacket pocket.

“I was making sure I’d still got the keys, I wasn’t going to smoke,” he assured her.

“I think you’re too close to the car in front Pat, pull back.”

“We’re at a junction Kate, I can hardly pull back.”

“Well, just keep your distance.”

“If you’d prefer to drive, I don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t feel up to it. I feel too anxious,” she gripped the edge of her seat.

“I know that, so just trust me, I’m a good driver.”

“That’s debateable.”

Pat pulled up outside the police station, dashed through the doors and handed the keys over to the desk Sergeant. Ten minutes later, the hectic city was fading behind them as the car headed away from the commotion of urban life. For Kate it was a poignant moment, a mixture of respite and angst. She felt relieved to be away from the depressing environment, but very despondent at leaving the place where Ben had lost his life and she still harboured deep feelings of abandonment, despite the knowledge that his body would return home.

“You’re very quiet,” Pat remarked after a long silence.

“I don’t really feel like talking.”

“Would you like me to turn the radio on?” he offered.

“No thanks, I’d prefer to just sit and think.”

Pat respected her wishes and the journey continued in silence. Kate looked vacantly out of the window as the welcoming surroundings of her home town came into view.

“Do you mind if I pull over, I could do with a smoke?” Pat asked.

“No I could do with stretching my legs to be honest.”

Pat indicated and pulled into the next lay-by he found. As he opened the car door, Kate joined him and stood close by his side.