‘I’ll be back in a minute,’ he told her and disappeared.
Keliy looked around the room, hands clasped on her knees. She swallowed hard and attempted to stop her body quivering. Her roving eyes scanned the shelves and tables for
photos. If there was one of Vernon’s daughter then she was finished. Although Ross had. told her that the police were unaware he’d had a family, it did little to comfort her. She was still in the process of composing herself when Ross returned, accompanied by a taller, older man with a long face and chin which jutted forward with almost abnormal prominence. He introduced himself as Detective Inspector Allen.
‘You’re Dr Vernon’s daughter?’ he asked, eyeing her up and down.
‘Yes,’ she lied.
Allen looked at his companion then at Kelly. He cleared his throat self-consciously and proceeded to tell her what had happened the previous night. Kelly reacted with all the rehearsed shock and grief she could muster.
‘As far as we know, nothing was stolen,’ Allen continued. ‘There was still money in one of the drawers upstairs and your father’s wallet was in his jacket which is hanging in the hallway.’
‘So why was he killed?’ Kelly asked, reaching for a handkerchief which she clutched between her hands in mock despair, tugging at it most convincingly.
‘We were hoping you might be able to shed some light on that,’ Allen said.
‘Did he have any enemies that you know of?’
Kelly shook her head.
‘He kept himself to himself,’ she said, lowering her eyes slightly.
‘Did you know that there was someone living in the house with him?’ the DI wanted to know. ‘One of the guest rooms is occupied.’
‘I didn’t know that,’ she said, with genuine surprise.
Allen frowned.
‘How often did you see your father, Miss Vernon?’
Kelly licked her lips self-consciously. She was going to have to tread carefully.
‘Not regularly. I live in London at the moment. But that’s not my permanent address.’
‘Alone?’
‘What?’
‘Do you live alone?’
She paused a second or two longer than she should have and, what was more, she was aware of that fact. Kelly realized that she was on the verge of blowing the entire facade wide open.
‘You’ll have to excuse me,’ she said, pressing the handkerchief to her eyes.
‘I can’t seem to think straight. After what you’ve told me about my father I …’ She allowed the sentence to trail off.
Allen nodded comfortingly.
‘I realize it must be difficult,’ he said, softly. ‘Take your time.’
How many more questions, she wondered?
She was spared the trouble of answering by Ross who popped his head around the corner and called to his superior. Allen excused himself and left the room for a moment. Kelly let out an audible sigh of relief, grateful for the momentary respite. She heard voices in the hallway, one of which she was sure she recognised.
A moment later, Alain Joubert entered the sitting room, followed by Allen.
The Frenchman stopped in his tracks when he saw Kelly, who shot an anxious glance in the policeman’s direction, thankful that he hadn’t noticed her reaction. He did, however, glimpse the surprised expression of Joubert.
‘Do you two know each other?’ Allen asked.
‘We …’
Kelly cut him short.
‘My father introduced us about a month ago,’ she said, stepping forward. ‘How are you, Mr Joubert?”
The Frenchman managed to conceal his bewilderment and Kelly prayed that he wouldn’t give the game away.
‘I’m sorry to hear what happened,’ Joubert said, flatly.
Kelly nodded.
‘Were you aware that Mr Joubert had been staying at your father’s house for the past two weeks.?’ asked the policeman.
‘No,’ Kelly said. ‘But I knew that he was working on a new project with someone. I wasn’t aware it was Mr Joubert though. My father likes to keep his work to himself.
‘You claim that you’ve been at the Research Institute all night?’ Allen said to the Frenchman.
‘Yes I have,’ Joubert told him. ‘The night-watchman will verify that if you ask him.’
‘As far as we can see, nothing of Dr Vernon’s was taken, but you might like to check your own belongings,’ the DI suggested.
Joubert nodded.
it would be more convenient for all of us if you could leave the house for a day or two, sir,’ Allen said. ‘While the lads from forensic go over the place.’
Joubert nodded.
‘I’ll book into a hotel,’ he said. Til get some things from upstairs.’ The Frenchman glanced once more at Kelly then left the room.
‘How was my father killed?’ Kelly asked.
‘He was stabbed,’ said Allen, hastily.
‘Knifed?’
The policeman swallowed hard.
‘No. He was stabbed with a corkscrew. I’m sorry.’
Kelly closed her eyes for a moment, the details of her dream suddenly flashing with neon brilliance in her mind. She felt a twinge of nausea but fought it back. Allen moved towards her as if he feared she would faint but she waved him away.
i’m all right,’ she assured him, smiling thinly.
Joubert returned a moment later carrying what looked like an overnight bag.
‘There is one more thing I’d like to check on before I leave,’ he said, entering the study.
Kelly and DI Allen followed him.
The Frenchman muttered something in his own tongue as he surveyed the empty table in the study.
‘The files,’ he said, wearily. ‘They’ve been taken.’
“What files?’ Allen demanded.
‘The project that Dr Vernon and I were working on,’ Joubert snapped. ‘All the information was compiled in half a dozen files. They’re gone.’
‘What kind of information?’ the policeman persisted.
‘Just research notes, of no importance to anyone but us.’ He cast a sly glance at Kelly.
‘Are you sure they’ve been taken?’ said Allen.
‘They were here,’ Joubert snapped, tapping the table top.
‘Can you describe them?’ asked Allen.
The Frenchman shrugged.
‘Six plain manilla files, what more can I tell you?’
‘Whoever took them knew what they were looking for,’ Kelly interjected.
Joubert nodded and looked at her once more.
‘Damn,’ he said, under his breath.
‘Well,’ Allen told him. it’s not much to go on but, we’ll do our best to trace them.’ He paused for a moment. ‘I’d like the name of the hotel you’re staying in, Mr Joubert, if you could phone me at the station as soon as you’ve booked in.’ He handed the Frenchman a piece of paper with a phone number on it. ‘And you, Miss Vernon, I’d appreciate an address where I can reach you.’
She gave him that of her flat in Oxford.
i don’t think we need keep you any longer,’ the DI told them. ‘But we’ll be in touch.’
Joubert was the first to turn and head for the front door.
Kelly followed, catching up with him as he reached his car. She glanced round, making sure they were out of earshot.
‘Did Lasalle know what was in those files?’ she asked.
‘What the hell has he got to do with all this?’ Joubert barked. ‘And you are taking a chance posing as Vernon’s daughter aren’t you?’
‘Joubert, I have to speak to you. But not here.’
His expression softened somewhat.
it’s important,’ she persisted.
‘Very well. Perhaps you could recommend a hotel.’ He smiled humourlessly.
‘I’ve got my car,’ she told him. ‘Follow me into the town centre. We must talk. There’s a lot that needs explanation.’
He regarded her impassively for a moment then nodded, climbed into his Fiat and started the engine. Kelly scuttled across the road to her own car and twisted the key in the ignition. She waited until Joubert had reversed out into the street, then she set off. He followed close behind. Kelly could see the trailing Fiat in her rear view mirror as she drove.