Excerpt
The Custard Corpses
Chief Inspector Mason is about to visit a possible crime scene similar to that of the unsolved murder that has dogged his career for twenty years.
“Here it is,” and Higham pulled the car close to the kerb and pointed to the same tree that Sam had just seen in the old newspaper article.
“Is it still the Women’s
Institute?”
“Yes, but they don’t use it
much, not at the moment, and not really since then. Too many memories.”
The building before him was
typical of the others in the street. Quite grand, with a large enclosed front
door, a bit too fancy for his eyes. He couldn’t help but think that the
building looked cold, despite the stack of chimneys on the tiled roof. Perhaps
it was always cold inside.
“I think the body was found
here.” Higham had taken herself to the enormous oak tree and looked around as
though the corpse might still be there.
Sam twirled to take in the view
before him. There was the scent of rich earth and an overwhelming salty smell
from the sea, even though he couldn’t see it through the press of houses on the
other side of the road. It was very different from Erdington and yet also the
same. Even now, the street was quiet, the building silent and foreboding but
offering the illusion of privacy.
“I think there used to be a cut
through to the park, behind the building. That’s why the dog-walker found the
body.”
Sam smirked. He’d just been
considering why anyone would be hovering in what seemed to be an abandoned
garden, screened off from the main street by a tall stone wall and a thick
cover of trees.
“But, I think much of this has
been planted since.”
“You seem well informed?” he
offered. Higham grinned.
“I live over there,” and she
pointed to one of the large Victorian houses on the other side of the tree-lined
road, with a bright red door. “I’ve watched this place change throughout my
lifetime. It used to be popular, but not anymore. I don’t think it’s because of
the murder. It’s just a bit out of the way now that everyone goes into the busy
shopping area. I would think the Women’s Institute might sell it. They mainly
use the Town Hall for meetings now. There’s more parking for those well-to-do
women who have access to a motor vehicle. and it’s much warmer than this cold,
old building.”
“So, you’re what? Twenty-two?”
“Twenty-four, sir. We moved
here seventeen years ago, just after the murder. I think my parents managed to
get the house cheaply because of what had happened. The other family just
wanted to move away.”
Higham paused, and Sam waited,
curious to see what she’d say.
“It’s always been a bit strange
around here. It’s not as though people avoid the place, but I’ve seen people of
a certain generation cross over when they get close to the Women’s Institute.
The memories of what happened here are long for people who lived in Weston at
the time. New arrivals know nothing about it, and so they’re not at all
bothered. They don’t cross the road or avoid coming here.”
“It’s similar where my victim
was found. It’s a church hall still, but no one uses it other than for
necessities. Certainly, parties and fetes are held elsewhere.”
Higham nodded, a flicker of
relief on her intense face.
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