HIDDEN SECRETS (21 page)

“You really should come with me to the station.”

“No I really should go back to my hotel. You know where to find me.”

Alex opened the car door and walked back along the street, which was still crawling with on-lookers.

Ben and Kate were outside the hotel as Alex approached the entrance.

“What’s happened?” Kate glimpsed his ashen face.

“You’d better come inside,” he pushed open the door.

Mrs. Harrington looked up from her desk as Alex walked past her.

“Is it a gas explosion Mr. Lawton?” she asked.

“No,” he replied simply, and turned to face Kate and Ben

“Charles has been killed. He was in my Bentley; Tony was driving him to the police station,” he sank down into the nearest chair.

“A car accident?” Kate asked.

“No, the police think it was a bomb.”

“Christ,” Ben replied as Kate cupped her hands to her face.

The shock of his words silenced the group of staff who had assembled in the foyer.

“Why would someone want to kill Charles?” Kate asked incredulously.

“The police think the bomb was intended for me; when is this going to end?” Alex was extremely distressed.

No one had an answer to his question, because there wasn’t one.

“I’m at my wits end Ben. Part of me wishes I had been driving that car today; my problems would be over now. I’d be free from all this guilt that’s eating me up. I’m responsible for Charles and Tony’s deaths. Charles wanted to take a taxi, but I wouldn’t let him,” Alex turned away.

“All the victims who’ve died were indirectly connected with animal testing,” Ben pointed out.

“They haven’t died Ben, they’ve been murdered by your crazy wife,” Alex glared in his direction.

“You mustn’t blame yourself for Charles and Tony’s deaths; it was a tragic mistake it’s not your fault,” Kate tried to console him. The altercation was temporarily halted by the sound of the hotel door bell ringing incessantly.

“Will someone get that; and why is the door locked?” he turned to Mrs. Harrington.

“Well I’m not staying here a minute longer. I’m owed a week’s wages Mr. Lawton, you can send me a cheque; I’m not stepping foot in this place ever again,” Mrs. Harrington pulled her coat around her shoulders and picked up her handbag.

“Oh; and there’s another policeman here to interview the staff about Joseph’s death, Inspector Salt, I think he said. I’ve put him in the function room; let’s hope he doesn’t get bumped off before you speak to him, goodbye,” she called out as she opened the door to let Patrick Hinds in, and herself out.

“You must be mad if you want to stay in this place,” she scoffed and hurried away.

“What’s wrong with her?” Pat asked glancing over his shoulder at the departing woman, who was still muttering under her breath.

“It doesn’t matter, what are you doing here?” Alex asked.

“I’ve got something very interesting to tell you all. I think I know who killed Emma Lewis,” he announced.

“I already know, but I haven’t had chance to tell anyone.” Alex replied.

“Emma’s husband Charles and a member of my staff were killed this morning. The police think it was a car bomb, and one of my waiters was found floating in the canal,” Alex enlightened him.

“Oh, this is becoming more intriguing by the minute,” Pat replied with a little too much enthusiasm

“Intriguing? You think blowing two people to pieces is intriguing. Charles was my friend, and Tony was just twenty three years old. He was someone’s son, with all his life ahead of him. Just say whatever you’ve got to say and leave.”

“I didn’t mean to be insensitive; I was just speaking as a reporter. I’m really sorry about your friend,” Pat apologised.

“My business is in ruins, my friends and staff are being murdered. We haven’t completed all the renovation work yet, and now I’m being forced to close down.”

Kate couldn’t help but feel really sorry for Alex; he didn’t deserve all this misery. It was all Ben’s fault, and she had to bite her tongue in order to keep her thoughts in check.

        No one spoke, but the atmosphere was volatile, it would only take one wrong word to spark a fierce argument. Alex was understandably bitter; he was basically an innocent by-sander whose only crime was to have chosen I.D.C. to provide cleaning materials for his hotel. Little did he know what dire consequences this decision would reap on his empire?

“What’s going to happen now?” Kate asked the question.

Alex sat down, studied the three people standing before him and sensed an atmosphere of anticipation. They were looking at him, waiting for him to find a solution. Well he didn’t have one; his mind was racing with images of Charles and Tony’s horrific death. How many more innocent people would have to lose their lives before the lunatics responsible for such barbaric acts were caught?

“Our friend here says he has something to tell us, so I suggest we listen to him first,” Alex glanced in Pat’s direction.

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance of a bite to eat, I missed breakfast?” Pat winced.

“I’ll have to speak to Inspector Salt first, and then I need to make a few phone calls. If there’s any one in the kitchen to prepare food, I’ll get them to make a few sandwiches. We can meet in the lounge;” he glanced at his watch, “let’s say in an hour’s time. Is that alright with every one?” Alex suggested.

“I can make a few sandwiches if you like?” Kate offered

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“No Ben can help; we’ve got nothing else to do.”

“I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea, if it’s not too much trouble,” Pat smiled.

Alex left the room and went in search of Inspector Salt. He found him sitting alone in the function room flicking through the pages of a magazine.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting Inspector, but I’m sure you’re already aware of the morning’s events?” Alex asked.

“I’m afraid so; I believe Charles was a close friend of yours I’m really sorry.”

“Thank you. Is there any news yet?”

“It’s a bit early to be sure, but it was almost certainly a bomb. I will let you know when it’s confirmed. I had intended to interview your staff this morning, but under the circumstances it’ll have to wait until later.”

“I understand,” Alex nodded.

“There’s one more thing Mr. Lawton, I have to ask you to close your Hotel until we’ve finished our enquiries.”

“I’ve already decided to do that Inspector. Not many guests are prepared to book into a hotel where they’re unlikely to survive the night. Take a look around, this room was buzzing with guests two weeks ago; now I have more staff than guests.”

“It’s just a temporary closure,” Inspector salt stood up and walked towards the door to leave.

“No, wait a minute. I think you should stay; Patrick has something to tell us,” Alex spoke up.

“Oh he has, has he; what’s he got to do with all this?” the Inspector asked.

“I’m not sure; he’s covering the story, that’s all I know. We’re meeting in the lounge in about half an hour if you want to come along.”

“He used to be one of the best reporters until drink took a hold of him. Personally, I can’t stand the man; he’s arrogant but he knows his job,” Inspector salt replied.

“I don’t know anything about him, but he seems quite sober to me.”

“Right, I’ll make my way there then. I’ll see you later.”

         Outside the hotel, the wreckage of the fire ravaged Bentley was eventually transferred onto a low-loader and taken away for forensic examination. Experts present at the scene had confirmed that an explosive device was responsible for the devastation. It was highly probable that the device was a Semtex bomb commonly employed by the military. More disturbing, it was a favourite amongst professional terrorists and whoever planted it, was well acquainted with explosives. It could not be ascertained however, if the bomber responsible for this callous act was connected to the other deaths at the Lotus Hotel, but time would tell. Unfortunately, together with Charles Lewis and Tony Cornish, five other people had also lost their lives. The blast had shattered the windows of a nearby office building reducing the interior to rubble and tragically claiming the lives of the occupants, who hadn’t stood a chance. Whoever was responsible for the atrocity had taken the lives of seven innocent people, and Inspector Salt would not relent until this person was no longer at liberty to take any more.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ONE HOUR LATER

Ben and Kate worked side by side in the vast kitchen preparing sandwiches and tea.

Conversation was light on the ground, and basically limited to the events of the morning.

“Do you think Alex was supposed to have been in the car?” Kate asked as she carefully sliced another tomato with an extremely sharp knife.

“I think so, but we’ll never know will we? I don’t have much faith in the police.”

“Have you finished making the tea?” Kate placed the last sandwich on a tray.

“Just about.”

“Come on then, let’s go.”

“After you,” Ben opened the door.

Inspector Salt had taken a seat at the back of the room, and rose to his feet as they entered the room.

“Hello, its Mrs. Preston isn’t it?” he asked.

“Yes, and this is my husband Ben.”

“We’ve already met,” he replied.

“Are you looking for Alex?” Kate asked.

“No not really. I believe Patrick Hinds has something interesting to say, so I thought I’d stay around and listen.”

Ben placed the tray onto the table and took a seat next to his wife. Five minutes later, Alex arrived, followed shortly by Pat who immediately spotted Inspector Salt at the back of the room.

“Well what a surprise; Patrick Hinds without a drink in his hand. I never expected to see you sober. What are you doing here?”

“You’ll soon find out Inspector; and yes you’re right I am sober, just over two weeks now,” he replied smugly.

“I think we all know each other. We’ll begin shortly,” Pat turned away from inspector Salt.

“I hope this won’t take too long; I have an appointment at two o’clock so I need to leave here by one o’clock at the latest,” Alex checked his watch.

“It shouldn’t take too long, but I was expecting a guest. I had hoped he’d be here by now, but we can begin without him,” Pat replied.

“A guest, what do you mean?” Ben asked.

“Oh just get on with it man, I don’t have all day,” Alex replied impatiently.

Pat’s mobile phone was ringing, and he answered it immediately.

“I’ll be right there,” he dropped the phone back into his jacket pocket.

“Our mystery guest has arrived. You don’t mind if I let him in do you?” Pat looked at Alex.

“No just hurry up man, you’re just wasting time.”

Pat hurriedly left the room and returned a few minutes later with an elderly man, whom both Ben and Alex recognised. Alex smiled, obviously pleased to see him but Ben appeared to be very uncomfortable and avoided his gaze, as Stanley Austin stared in his direction. Kate’s first impression of the man was one of a cuddly grandfather with a more than ample waistline. She imagined him surrounded by young children giving them sweets and chocolates.  He was a tall man, whom Kate guessed to be around sixty five years of age; or possibly slightly older. His clothes were somewhat eccentric consisting of a dark red sweater, woollen blazer and cream trousers. An open necked cream shirt revealed a black cravat with an emblem embroidered on the corners. Surprisingly, he possessed a full head of hair, which was obviously dyed. Stanley was clean shaven and his over-all appearance gave one the impression of vanity.

“Stan, how are you, you old rogue?” Alex stepped forward and shook his hand heartily.
”It’s nice to see you as well you old charmer,” Stanley replied in a gruff voice.

“Where’s Simon by-the -way?” he added, glancing round.

“He’s not here at the moment,” Alex replied reservedly, this was not the time or place to divulge personal information.

“He phoned me a few days ago, said he was thinking of buying a car.”

“Oh, did he?” Alex was taken by surprise. “Can we talk about it later?

“Of course,” he replied.

“This is Inspector Salt,” Alex introduced him to Stanley.

“You didn’t tell me the police would be here,” he turned to look at Pat.

“There’s no need to worry Sir, if you’ve got nothing to hide that is?”

“Of course I haven’t.”

I believe you know Ben, and this is his wife Kate.”

Stanley threw Ben a discerning look.

“Did you think you could alter the past by changing your name?  What were you expecting to gain by that Gerry Parish? I never thought I was capable of hating anyone as much as I hate you, and I never expected to set eyes on you again. You destroyed my family. I had two granddaughters and you let them die, I’ll never forgive you for that.”

“You bloody hypocrite, one visit was all you ever paid to us after the girls were born. You couldn’t stand the sight of me, couldn’t accept that Anne was happy. I was never good enough was I?” Ben defended himself.

“I begged her not to marry you, I knew what you’d do to her,” Stanley continued to berate him.

“But you were wrong; so you tried to get rid of me with money, but you underestimated me; and when Anne refused to leave me you vowed never to speak to us again. You kept your word; you never even came to Helen’s funeral, did you?”

Stanley had nothing to say because he knew Ben was telling the truth.

“Can you discuss your personal grievances later?” Alex asked.

“I asked Stanley to come here today. He’s got something to tell you that not even Ben knows about,” Pat spoke up.

“Do you think there’s any chance you could tell us sometime today?” Alex’s patience was wearing thin.

“Shall we all sit down?” Pat suggested.

After taking their seats at the table, all eyes turned towards Stanley in silent anticipation. Inspector Salt remained at the back of the room surveying the scene, as Stanley Austin began to speak. 

“I too had twin daughters Gerry, or should I call you Ben? He asked a rhetorical question. “You married Anne, but you never met Judith. Anne was the oldest by twenty minutes, but she was still the first born child. Their mother Marjorie died of leukaemia when they were young; they should not have seen their mother die in such pain. The girls were almost were thirteen at the time and needed her; we all did. There were things I found I couldn’t talk to them about, women’s problems and adolescence. I wasn’t much use and my business was just beginning to take off. I employed a housekeeper, Evelyn Baines to help out. The girls eventually accepted her, and I could concentrate on my business. You have to understand, I wasn’t evading my duties as a father; I just wasn’t able to run the business and rear them at the same time. They needed a mother figure, and Evelyn fulfilled the role. The business was to be their inheritance; they had missed out on having a mother and I wanted to be certain they’d be financially secure in the future.”

“That’s very noble of you,” Ben jeered.

“Have you any idea what I went through; how hard it was to make the right decisions. I could have walked away from my business; and believe me there were times just after Marjorie died when I wanted to give up; but I had two daughters to think about so I had no choice.”

“You’re not seriously expecting me to believe that Anne had a twin sister, and she never mentioned her to me?” Ben interrupted again.

“She had very good reason not to; if you’ll let me explain.”

“It was just after the twins’ seventeenth birthday that things began to go wrong. Anne was at college; I forget what she was studying; and Judy was working in the accounts department of the local council offices. Judy was good at her job and learned quickly, although she had never been academically gifted at school; she was a genius with figures and numbers.

        The twins may have been identical in looks, but their personalities were quite different. Anne was the academic type and generally quieter than Judy, who was content to take a menial job and waste all the money she earned on clothes and going out in the evenings. The girls both received a small allowance and were never short of money, but Judy squandered hers while her sister saved whatever she could. This is when the arguments started; and Judy became very defiant. The more I tried to prevent her from doing something, the more rebellious she became. It was a battle of wills which Judy generally won. She became friendly with a group of students who she met in a bar somewhere. I only met them once when she invited them back to our house one Saturday night. I didn’t like them, and made it clear to her that I didn’t want them in my house again. It may sound harsh to you, but I wasn’t being vindictive. These people had very strong opinions on political and social issues, and Judy was easily led. She became a vegetarian and made offensive remarks to me and her sister whenever there was meat or poultry on the table. It became intolerable, and the arguments were never ending,” Stanley paused and asked for a cup of tea.

“I think there’s still some left in the pot,” Kate stood up.

Inspector Salt took advantage of the lull in the conversation and spoke.

“What did Anne think of her sister’s behaviour?”

“She tried to reason with her but she wouldn’t listen. Their relationship began to change at this point, they used to be so close, but now Judy was becoming a stranger to us. I was losing her, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”

“I think I know what’s coming next,” Ben butted in again.

“I don’t think so; this was only the beginning of a horrendous nightmare. As I’ve already mentioned, Judy was familiar with a group of students, I don’t recall all their names but one in particular I’ll never forget; Toby Lawrence, I despised him. He was an arrogant young man, a few years at university and he thought he knew it all. He was six years older than Judy and he’d just finished a course in Humanitarian Studies; whatever that’s supposed to mean, I don’t know. I can’t remember which University he attended; but he filled Judy’s head with all kinds of nonsense. He manipulated her and brain washed her until we hardly recognised her anymore. Even her appearance changed. She began to wear short skirts and low-cut tops, I don’t like to say it about my own flesh and blood, but she looked like a cheap whore. The last straw came when she dyed her hair blonde; it looked awful. Her hair was beautiful just like her mothers’ and she had it cut short and bleached. I was losing control of her; she wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Following this transformation, she began to stay out all night, and then for entire weekends. When I questioned her about it, she said she loved Toby and when they had enough money, they were moving in together. I was horrified; but there was worse to come. Toby was heavily in debt; he’d taken out loans and used credit cards during his time at University. I know Judy used to give him money; but I had no idea where it was coming from. He used to wait outside the house for her, he never once came in. For months he drove an old banger; and then one day he turned up in a brand new Rover. I couldn’t believe it. When I questioned Judy, she said he’d got a job and bought the car on credit. It sounded feasible so I didn’t give it another thought.

           Not long after this, Toby began to attend demonstrations, anti-nuclear protests and animal rights rallies; he was generally anti-everything. Of course wherever he went, Judy followed. They were arrested time and time again and cautioned, but the police became familiar with them and my reputation was compromised. I then found out that Judy had lost her job and refused to tell me why. I went to the office and demanded to know the reason. The humiliation that followed was unbearable; she’d been caught embezzling funds. No one knew exactly how much she’d stolen, but after a lot of grovelling, her Office manager agreed not to press charges if I paid back an agreed sum of money. I hoped that Judy would see how close she’d come to being arrested and finish her relationship with Toby, but she was besotted with him. He became more extreme and began persecuting any companies or organisations that tested products on animals. They protested quite peacefully at first with the occasional egg-throwing attacks on cars, and owners of laboratories, and then Judy and Toby disappeared.

He paused at this point and Inspector Salt spoke again.

“I can’t understand what drives these people to behave the way they do; but they always turn to violence. They’re quite prepared to kill and destroy people’s lives for their beliefs,” he paused, “please continue Mr. Austin.”

“Thank you Inspector. I didn’t see her again after that for a few years, and by this time Anne had married you, and the twins had been born. I made Anne promise that she would never tell anyone about Judy, or acknowledge her existence.”

“I still can’t understand why you were so against Anne marrying me,” Ben asked.

“I had dreams of her marrying a wealthy man. I’d already had one big disappointment in my life; I wasn’t prepared to see Anne marry a lowly factory worker.”

“You really are a conceited bastard. You’re the cause of all the misery that we’ve all suffered and,

Stanley refused to let Ben finish his sentence, and continued to blame him for his problems.

“Anne would have had a good life if she’d never set eyes on you.”

“You know what she was like Stanley, she drove me away. If you’d have stayed out of our lives things would have been totally different. You’re responsible for how things turned out.”