The Flesh Tailor Read Online Free PDF Page A

dead man but if they were to catch his killer, she’d
     have to overcome her scruples.
    ‘It was about eighteen months ago, around the time I joined the practice. Being the new girl I had to learn most of it second-hand,
     but it seems that James was called out to attend a young child who had a fever and was generally unwell. He examined him,
     of course, and thought it was a virus but later that day, the parents called an ambulance and the child was rushed to hospital
     where it died. Turned out it was meningitis. James didn’t make the correct diagnosis but if some symptoms – like the classic
     rash – aren’t there it can be difficult. Anyway, the parents threatened to sue.’
    ‘And did they?’
    Maritia shook her head. ‘No. They’re only in their early twenties and probably not confident enough to play the system. They
     made do with slashing his tyres and scratching the word “killer” into his paintwork.’
    ‘Did he report it to the police?’
    ‘That’s the thing: he felt so bad about the kid, he kept quiet about it. Everyone told him he should do something before it
     escalated.’
    ‘And did it escalate?’
    Maritia thought for a moment. ‘No, funnily enough it didn’t. It was almost as though they got bored with it all and gave up.’
    Or were biding their time for the ultimate revenge, Wesley thought, although he didn’t put his thoughts into words. ‘What
     are the parents called?’
    ‘Adam Tey and Charleen Anstice. I know that because she’s pregnant again and they’ve started coming to see me. Always together.
     It’s as though he never lets her out of his sight.’
    ‘Understandable if they’ve lost one child.’
    ‘Suppose so. Look, they’re my patients so I can’t really tell you any more.’ She suddenly looked worried. ‘In fact I’ve probably
     said far too much already.’
    Wesley touched his sister’s arm. ‘Nobody’s ever going to know it came from you, don’t worry. I presume quite a few people
     knew of their campaign against James?’
    Maritia nodded. ‘Quite a few. And I wouldn’t describe it as
their
campaign. I think it was all Adam – I don’t think Charleen had anything to do with it. She’s a bit of a mouse – wouldn’t
     say boo to a goose.’
    Before Wesley could say any more there was a thunderous banging on the front door. Somehow he knew itwould be Gerry Heffernan who’d never believed in making an unobtrusive entrance. He walked out into the hall and opened the
     door. Gerry was standing there, his plump face solemn. Behind him stood DC Trish Walton, the regulation female presence.
    ‘Is she up to talking?’ Gerry asked as he marched in.
    ‘She’s still asleep. But I’ve just been talking to my sister.’ He told the DCI what Maritia had told him about Adam Tey, leaving
     nothing out.
    ‘So not everyone thought the sun shone out of the victim’s backside. We need to talk to this Adam Tey.’
    ‘Wesley. I didn’t expect …’ They turned to see a figure walking down the stairs. Evonne was clutching a red silk kimono around
     her body protectively. Her hair was tousled and without make-up she looked considerably older than she’d done the night before.
    Wesley looked up at her, concerned. ‘How are you feeling?’
    Evonne yawned. ‘Not good.’
    ‘Are you up to answering some questions, love?’ Gerry asked with none of his usual bluntness.
    Evonne hesitated for a moment. ‘I’ll have to do it sooner or later, won’t I? Might as well get it over and done with.’
    ‘That’s the spirit,’ said Gerry with an attempt at jollity. He turned to Trish. ‘How about a cup of tea, love? We all need
     something to wake us up this time on a Sunday morning.’
    At that moment Maritia emerged from the drawing room and directed Trish to the kitchen. Then she put her arm round Evonne’s
     shoulders, led her back into the room and sat her down on the sofa. Evonne gave her a weaksmile of gratitude as she sat down beside her. It was clear to