‘The person I’m sorry for is Mrs Ingles,’ said Ellen. ‘Imagine how she’ll feel when she learns about the terrible mess her husband landed them in. Indirectly, he was responsible for the murder of their daughter.’
‘It will haunt him for the rest of his life,’ said Marmion.
‘Underneath her self-confidence,’ suggested Keedy, ‘Florrie Duncan must have been a vulnerable woman. She was lonely, widowed and she scared off most men. Then someone rolls up to pay court, tell her she’s wonderful and spend lots of money on her. Gregg was obviously a charmer when he wanted to be and he was wealthy. His car was expensive and the suit he was wearing made me green with envy.’
‘Murder and intimidation,’ said Alice. ‘Those were his weapons. I get plenty of intimidation from Gale Force,’ she added with a laugh, ‘but, to give her credit, she’s unlikely to start detonating bombs. When I hear what Mr Ingles had to endure, I think that I get off lightly at work.’
‘You could always go back to teaching,’ Ellen reminded her.
‘It’s too late,’ said Keedy. ‘She’s one of us now.’
‘And that’s the way it will stay,’ decided Alice.
‘Police work can be gruelling but there are wonderful rewards.’
‘Yes,’ said Marmion, chuckling, ‘we had two of them earlier on. When we got back to Scotland Yard, the superintendent promised to recommend us for a King’s Police Medal for tackling two armed men — Niall Quinn and Eddie Gregg.’
‘That’s marvellous, Daddy!’ cried Alice, clapping her hands.
‘It doesn’t mean that we’ll get it,’ said Keedy.
‘It’s the thought that counts,’ said Marmion, ironically. ‘Our other reward is more tangible. Major Gostelow was so delighted that we shipped an escaped prisoner back to Frongoch that he’s sending us a bottle of his excellent whisky.’
‘I’ll enjoy helping you to drink it, Harv.’
‘I thought we’d save it until Paul gets back.’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Ellen, ‘he’d appreciate that.’
‘We’ll just have to hope that nobody gets murdered before he comes, love,’ said Marmion. ‘We pulled out all the stops to solve this case and be free to welcome Paul home. I’m going to be on that platform when his train pulls in,’ he vowed. ‘It will be wonderful to see him. We’ll be a complete family once again.’ He smiled at Keedy. ‘That includes you, Joe.’