The Betrayal of Trust Read Online Free PDF

coffee pot and cups stood untouched on the desk betweenthem.
    Simon told him. Lowther did not interrupt, and did not look at him, but at a point somewhere above the fireplace. It was quickly said and then there was silence.
    Simon poured coffee for them both. Handed Lowther his. He took it, but did not speak until he had drunk half the cup quickly. Then he said, ‘I’m grateful to you for speaking directly, Simon. For telling the full story.’
    ‘Thereis never any point in not doing so.’
    ‘No. I won’t ask if you are absolutely certain because you have indicated that you are and you would not be here –’
    ‘I have to be guided by the pathologist. He has no doubts at all.’
    For a second, Lowther’s face crumpled, and as he bent his head, Simon thought he was going to cry. He always felt helpless in the face of other people’s tears. But, instead,the man walked across to the bureau and looked not at Harriet’s photograph but at that of his wife.
    ‘I never thought I would thank God that Eve died. But at this moment I do.’
    ‘I understand you.’
    ‘She could not have borne this.’
    ‘But the not knowing …’
    Lowther turned to face him. ‘Yes. It was terrible. Unthinkable. After several years one lives with it but hope never quite fades and … well.One lives with it. She lived with it. She hoped. I always knew deep down that something like this would happen. I don’t think my own hope was alive after – what? – a year, perhaps less. But Eve hoped. This would have killed her.’
    Serrailler drank his coffee. It was best to let Lowther talk.
    ‘Is there any chance you’ll find out more, do you suppose, or is that hopeless too?’
    ‘Absolutely not.The case has been formally reopened and I am the senior investigating officer. I’ll get a small team together and we’ll start from the beginning – but now we have rather more to help us.’
    ‘Harriet’s skeleton. Yes. We can hardly call it a body. I presume she won’t be able to rest in peace for some time?’
    ‘I hope it won’t be too long. You need that. I’ll press the pathologist to find out everythinghe can and see if we can have her handed over for a funeral – and burial.’
    ‘Thank you, Simon.’ He shook his head vigorously as if to shake off water after a shower.
    ‘I must get back,’ Simon said. ‘And get on. I’m sure it’s what you want me to do. We can provide a family liaison officer, someone from uniform – they’d come and stay here, listen to you, support you in whatever way …’ He trailedoff.
    ‘I think not. Thank you.’
    ‘I had to ask.’
    ‘But perhaps – you yourself would keep me informed if there is any progress?’
    ‘Of course. It goes without saying.’
    ‘I have a meeting of the hospice trust this afternoon …’
    ‘You’d like me to cancel it for you? I’ll ring my sister.’
    ‘No, no, naturally I will go. Life cannot stop. I will not let this – this person – this – I will not let themdo any more.’ Lowther clenched his fists briefly. But his eyes showed already that he had accepted the truth. Shock was there, and grief, and there would be more of the same to leave their mark. ‘I wonder though – will they know? When will people find out?’
    ‘I have a press conference later today. We’ve kept the media away from it until now, but I must tell them, otherwise there will just be wildrumour and speculation.’
    ‘Do you think reporters will come here?’
    ‘Almost certainly. But you don’t have to see them and you have absolutely no obligation to comment. If you do want to say anything you can issue a statement through our press office. Or if you feel you want to be interviewed, let them guide you on that too … some papers would be fine, others not so fine.’
    ‘I would prefer not.’

    ‘I’ll tell the press office – and if anyone comes here, just turn them away.’
    ‘Thank you. Thank you for coming, Simon.’ He hesitated. How little it takes, Serrailler