A Question of Guilt Read Online Free PDF Page B

knew in my heart had run its course, and probably the reason I was making excuses for him now, to Mum – and to myself.
    â€˜It’s a long way for him to come and see me,’ I said now, lamely. ‘Thirty miles each way . . . when he has start times in the middle of the night . . . I can’t expect him to do it.’
    â€˜Hmm.’ Mum’s lips made a tight line.
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜If he thought anything of you he’d find a way. I’m sorry, Sally, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s my opinion you deserve better. You should kick him into the long grass once and for all and find someone who treats you properly.’
    I pulled a wry face.
    â€˜Easier said than done. I’m not twenty any more – or even thirty. Most of the eligible men out there have been snapped up, and the ones of my age come with a lot of baggage.’
    â€˜You’re a lovely girl, Sally!’
    â€˜You would say that. You’re my mother.’
    â€˜It’s no more than the truth. You’re pretty . . .’
    â€˜Have you noticed the crow’s feet round my eyes?’
    â€˜You’re bright and kind,’ she went on as if I hadn’t spoken. ‘Don’t try to tell me that there isn’t someone out there who would treat you a whole lot better than Tim does.’
    â€˜Oh Mum . . .’
    â€˜â€™I’m saying no more on the subject.’ Mum checked her mirror, overtook a removals van that was taking up most of our side of the road. ‘Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket, is my advice.’
    â€˜Did you say that it was one of the girls who lived in the flat who has a café now in what used to be the electricals shop?’ I asked, anxious to change the subject.
    â€˜That’s right,’ Mum confirmed.
    â€˜Do you know which one? No – hang on, I think I can answer that myself. The one Brian Jennings was stalking worked in an estate agent’s office, but her flatmate was apparently a chef.’ I flicked open my note book, checking. ‘Lisa Curry.’
    â€˜I really wouldn’t know,’ Mum said. ‘I’m not one for stopping for a cup of coffee and a bun in the middle of my shopping.’
    â€˜No.’ I smiled. Socializing in High Street cafes wasn’t Mum’s style, and in any case the cake tins at home were always full of delicious cakes she’d baked herself. Mum’s Victoria sandwiches and rich fruit cakes were to die for.
    â€˜If I’d finished at the newspaper offices in time I’d have popped in for a coffee myself,’ I said.
    Mum sucked in breath over her lip.
    â€˜I wouldn’t think she’d want to start talking about the fire when she’s got a café full of people.’
    â€˜Maybe not, but I shall definitely want to speak to her sometime, get her take on what happened,’ I said ‘I need to find Dawn Burridge too. One of the newspaper reports said she’d gone home to Dorset, but I suppose it’s possible that once the trial was over and Brian Jennings locked up she might have come back. Her job was here, after all.’
    â€˜I really couldn’t say, Sally. But it’s five years ago, remember, since it all happened. She’s probably married with a family.’
    â€˜Maybe. Is Lisa? Married, I mean?’
    â€˜It’s no good asking me, Sally. I don’t know anything about them really. I’m not going to be much help to you, I’m afraid.’
    â€˜Never mind. I can find out.’
    My journalistic juices were running, my head full of the story. For the moment I’d forgotten all about Tim.
    Which was really just as well since I had a nasty feeling he’d forgotten all about me too.
    I spent the afternoon sorting the notes I’d made and organizing them on to Dad’s computer. He’d finished working on his accounts now, the relief evident when he came down for a scratch lunch of