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You Know What They Say About Lightning
Chapter One
Laura stretched lazily on the sun lounger, looking out across the Caribbean Sea. Sandals Grande St Lucian had provided them with the most perfect of holidays to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary and Laura really didn’t want it to end. Tomorrow she and Robert would head back to the airport ready for the long flight home. Tomorrow she would have to begin to think about what awaited her back in England, but for now she could continue to dream.
She closed her eyes and listened to the water lapping on the shore, and the distant call of the birds. She wished she knew more about birds and could identify the sounds she heard, but she couldn’t. She was content just to enjoy the melodious background music. For the past two weeks she had barely stirred from the hotel complex, but it offered just what she needed for total relaxation, a relaxation that was essential after the tribulations of the summer term. It was fortunate that she and Robert had planned their summer holiday and were able to escape to this magical island.
There was a lot to be said for an all-inclusive holiday that didn’t allow children in the hotel she thought as she reached for her BBC, a delicious concoction of Bailey’s, bananas and coconut cream.
Robert had taken the opportunity for some last minute painting and had set off earlier that morning in their hire car. The scenes he had captured were so vibrant, and so different from his normal work. There was such variety: the mountains with their accompanying deep valleys and gorges, the mountainous rainforests, the huge banana plantations, and of course the wonderful beaches and the sea. Although he loved the North East, it was so sombre compared with St Lucia.
It was little wonder that England and France had fought for many years over this beautiful island. Originally owned by the French, it became a British dependency in 1814 and was now fully independent and a member of the British Commonwealth. Laura loved the people and the relaxed pace of life. This was their third visit to the island, and she knew they would return again.
‘Hi, there,’ called Robert as he approached along the beach. ‘I thought I would find you here.’
‘Hello, darling,’ she replied. ‘How has your day been?’
‘Great, but there’s so much more I could have done. We shall have to come back again soon.’
‘Just what I was thinking,’ agreed Laura.
‘I’m going for a dip in the pool,’ said Robert. ‘Are you going to join me?’
Laura considered whether she had enough energy to move. It was very tempting to stay where she was, but she did want to cool down. A dip in the pool was just what she needed. She gathered her belongings and took a last look across the sea towards the island of Martinique. Little sail boats were dotted about, and the water truly was a brilliant aquamarine against the azure of the cloudless sky. What a magical place it was!
She linked hands with Robert as they walked slowly back towards their room. They had a ground floor room which opened directly onto the gardens full of hibiscus and bougainvillea. Two enormous butterflies drifted past. It really was a little bit of Paradise. Laura sighed with regret that this would be their last night. Better make the most of it then. She quickly changed into her swimsuit and joined Robert in the pool.
***
The following day, on the long drive to the airport, Laura tried not to think about school, but inevitably she did. The holiday had worked its magic and she did feel stronger and ready to face things again. It was hard to believe what had happened in the past few months. It had all begun on her birthday in May, a lovely sunny Saturday which was suddenly destroyed by that phone call.
Bob Hinchcliffe, her Bursar, called with the shocking news that Richard Hart, her head Caretaker, had been found murdered in the school grounds. She had thought the world of Richard, believing him to be a loyal member of staff. He and his wife Shirley had worked for the school for many years and lived in one of the cottages in the school grounds together with Josh, Shirley’s son from her first marriage. News of Richard’s death rocked the school community, but the ensuing investigation discovered so many secrets that should have remained hidden.
It had all been so terrible on so many levels, not least those secrets Laura wished she didn’t now know. She was annoyed with herself for being so gullible but she had always been one for believing the best of people. On balance she still thought that was the right thing to do but there was no doubt that there were some very unpleasant people about.
In spite of the dreadful memories, Laura smiled as she recalled her first meeting with DI Dave Jenkins. He had reminded her of the TV detective, Columbo, and she had been less than impressed. In the end though they had worked together to solve the murder, and DI Jenkins had been generous enough to acknowledge this fact in public, persuading the parents of girls in her school that they were very lucky to have Laura Jessop as their headmistress.
Chapter Two
As she gazed into space, Robert said, ‘Come in number five. Your time is up!’
‘Sorry, I was miles away,’ Laura laughed. ‘Quite literally actually.’
‘I thought you might be. Can’t you just enjoy the final moments of our holiday?’
‘Yes, of course,’ smiled Laura. She felt guilty that she might be spoiling Robert’s day. ‘It has been fabulous, hasn’t it? Exactly what we needed. I feel so refreshed. How about you?’
‘Oh, yes. I love this island. I’m so pleased we discovered it on our honeymoon. It’s just a pity it isn’t a bit closer so we could come here more often.’
‘Yes, but then it wouldn’t be so magical. Part of its charm is that it’s a world away from home.’
Laura wasn’t looking forward to the flight home. She was not a very confident flyer, and Robert had to squeeze her hand tightly as they took off and landed. Once they were in the air, it wasn’t too bad although she hated turbulence and any unexplained noises. And she knew she wouldn’t sleep on the way home. She had never been able to relax enough to sleep on a plane. She joked that she had to remain awake in case the pilot needed her help! A psychologist would undoubtedly explain her behaviour in terms of control issues. She obviously did not feel at all in control of the situation! At least her fears were not bad enough to prevent her from flying all together. If they had been she would never have discovered the magic of the island of St Lucia, and that would have been a terrible shame.
In the event the journey back to Gatwick was uneventful, although as predicted Laura had not slept. She really envied Robert his ability to switch off completely. As he slept she kept herself amused with a very funny film, Mr Popper’s Penguins, laughing out loud at the outrageous humour and hoping she would not waken the other passengers. She also worked her way through several sudokus and a couple of cryptic crosswords. Although her eyelids felt heavy and she willed herself to want to sleep it was all to no avail.
They had chosen to fly overnight and it was just after nine o’clock in the morning as they emerged into the Arrivals hall.
‘Laura! Laura!’
Laura turned not expecting to see anyone she knew. Their car was in the nearby long term parking area and Robert was intending to do the driving back up to the North East.
Her heart sank as she saw Bob Hinchcliffe. ‘What on earth are you doing here? Is everything all right? Not trouble again?’
‘Can we go and get a coffee somewhere?’ Bob asked.
‘Bob, you are the most infuriating man! For goodness sake tell me why you’re here,’ Laura said
.
Bob looked apologetic. ‘I’m sorry, but there’s a problem at school. They’ve found another body.’
Laura stared at him without speaking. She couldn’t think of anything sensible to say. She almost believed she was still on the plane and had, by some miracle, managed to fall asleep. This surely was a dream!
Eventually Robert asked, ‘Is it connected with Richard? Where was it found?’
‘No, it’s nothing to do with Richard. The builders found it when they were renovating the pavilion.’
Richard’s body had been found under Mary’s Oak next to the pavilion in the school grounds. Mary’s Oak was a lovely old oak tree with a bench seat and had been a favourite spot with the girls at the school before the terrible tragedy. Laura had hoped that by renovating the pavilion and creating a new garden area she could erase some of the painful memories. The pavilion was an old building that originally had two rooms separated by a wall with a large central fireplace. The proposed renovations included knocking down the central wall and removing the chimney.
Laura managed to find her voice. ‘So who was it?’
‘They don’t know yet,’ replied Bob. ‘It was walled up in the old fireplace. It’s been there some time.’
‘You know, that idea of coffee seems a good one,’ said Laura. ‘I haven’t slept for nearly twenty four hours and I need something to help me think more clearly.’
A few minutes later the three of them sat nursing cups of strong coffee.
‘So why are you here?’ asked Robert.
‘Well, as Laura had left her travel details with Josie, we didn’t want to risk her hearing about it all before we had the chance to tell her, so I said I’d fly down. It seemed better than telling you over the phone,’ he said turning to Laura.
Laura was touched. ‘That’s so thoughtful, Bob. I really do appreciate it. When did it all happen?’
‘A couple of days ago, on Tuesday. The workmen moved in on Monday, and had just started to remove the fireplace when they found it. I really didn’t want to ring you in St Lucia. There was nothing you could have done, and as the body has obviously been there for some time there was no real urgency. They’ve managed to keep it out of the press so far, but not for much longer I think.’
‘No,’ said Laura thoughtfully. ‘So they have no idea who it is?’
‘Not as far as I know,’ said Bob. ‘Apparently it’s a young woman but they will have to do more tests and check with missing persons.
‘Do they know how long she’s been there?’ asked Robert.
‘It seems likely that the body’s been there since the fireplace was blocked up, about twenty years ago.’
‘Wouldn’t there have been a smell or something?’ Laura asked.
‘Apparently there was still a vent through the chimney, and the blocking up did a good job of sealing it from the rooms,’ Bob replied.
‘I can’t believe it’s all happening again,’ said Laura. ‘It’s all so improbable somehow.’
‘It is a bit of a coincidence,’ Robert agreed. ‘But this is totally different. If it happened twenty years ago, there’s probably some perfectly reasonable explanation.’
‘Oh, Robert,’ said Laura, ‘I know you’re trying to help, but how can there be a reasonable explanation of the body of a young woman being found walled up in an old fireplace?’
Robert looked shamefaced. ‘Sorry. You’re right, of course.’
‘No, I’m sorry, darling. I was a bit sharp. Blame it on the lack of sleep and the shock,’ said Laura. ‘I suppose we should get back and face the music.’
‘I only booked a one-way ticket,’ said Bob. ‘Can I beg a lift? I’ll share the driving, if you like.’
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