To Murder Matt (37 page)

“I am sorry to interrupt your...grief, but I must inform you now that because Mr Mellor is dead; that you must all come down to the police station and answer a few questions; just routine of course.”  He signalled to another police officer and they all walked out of the building together.

The sun shone brightly through the high windows of the wood panelled courtroom.  Ellen sat stiffly in the dock.  By her side Dean, Veronique and Nico sat together.  Now was going to be the decision that would decide the rest of their lives.

The judge entered the chambers and they all stood. He sat down and peered over his half moon glasses.  The case had been long and tedious. They all had a motive. They had all confessed to wanting the man dead. They all refused to be tried separately.  It was a most unusual and unsatisfactory case, quite unprecedented.

There was a general whispering amongst the people waiting.  The lawyers approached the bench and a heated argument ensued much to the annoyance of the judge.

“Learned gentlemen, please!  Remember you are in a court of law and not a bar.”

“I am sorry your honour, but the state versus the accused cannot continue.”

“What?” The prosecution looked aghast.

“No your honour,” the defence continued, “I have been trying to inform our learned colleague of some surprising last minute evidence. Evidence that totally changes the proceedings and which came to my attention only five minutes ago.”

There was shocked whisperings in the room and Ellen looked at the others with her. They were as confused as she was.  The lawyer paused theatrically.

“The wreckage of the car shows that it was a fuel leak which allowed the fuel to drop onto the exhaust. It has just been confirmed and apparently this can happen, rarely I admit, in cars of this vintage.  This proves that none of my clients had anything to do with the death of the deceased with the car. None of them even mentioned this but each had confessed to the intention of killing him by another method. In addition, the housekeeper has just found a letter written by the deceased, informing of his intent to commit suicide. It had blown under a nearby garden bush, but we think it was originally on a table by the pool and connected to the time that the police themselves, had to take the deceased to the hospital. It appears that he committed suicide.” He handed the letter up to the judge who peered at it seriously.

Veronique and Nico held hands tightly.  Ellen felt the blood drain from her face and Dean looked serious.

“Has this document been verified by a calligraphist?”

“Yes your honour.” 

“Well, that changes things doesn’t it?”  The judge leant across to the doc and looked at them all. “So be it. The State versus The Accused is dropped due to new and substantiated evidence. Case dismissed.”

There was an outcry of surprise in the court.  The four of them sat there in disbelief.  They had done it. They had pulled it off.  The perfect, well almost perfect, murder.

“It’s not possible.”  Ellen’s voice surprised her.  She wasn’t even aware she was talking. Shivers ran up and down her spine.

Never was Veronique so grateful to Matt than she was right then, that he had insisted that she hand wrote most of his business letters and he just signed them.  Now when it really came to it, he had just proved their innocence. They turned to one another and hugged.  They cried again with laughter with joy and with relief.  Ellen felt strange. It was as though she were watching everything happen through a fog.  She suddenly felt dizzy and started to swoon.  Dean caught her just in time and he laid her down on the bench.  They all looked at her and waited for her to come around.  A few moments later she opened her eyes and she smiled. 

“Dean, I have to tell you something. I have to be honest.” He looked at her, concerned showing in his eyes. “As Matt’s widow...”

“Yes?” he said fear in his voice.  She started to cry again, but in happiness. “I inherit
everything
he left. We will get all our money back that was stolen and we get the company and assets back too.”  He started to laugh with her.

“None of that matters my darling as long as we are together.”

“I have to tell you something else as well.”

“What now?  We get his French villa too?  Why don’t we let Veronique and Nico have that, if they want it?  It can be our wedding present to them.”

“No, it’s something else.  I don’t know how you will take it.”

“Whatever you tell me will be okay. I love you.”  She sat up and looked at him.

“I’m pregnant.”  As she spoke her hands covered her stomach protectively.

Dean took her into his arms and they hugged.  Veronique and Nico were too busy kissing to hear.

“I hope it’s Dean’s.”
Ellen thought as she kissed him passionately.

I
f you have personally been affected by any parts of this fictional book or are in a situation of domestic violence or sexual abuse, please seek professional help immediately.  You are not alone and there is no need to suffer in silence. There are people and groups out there who are here to help you.

There is no shame in seeking help for your situation. You can be happier without it. It can happen to any one, both men and women.  You do have a voice; use it.

No sexual abuse or violence of any sort should be tolerated.  No one has any right to beat, hit, harm or threaten you (and/or your children). You are a valid human being with every right to be loved for who you are. Do not to make excuses for them or be a victim.  It is not your fault.  It is
never
permissible for anyone to hit, harm or abuse you whether sexually, emotionally, physically or mentally. All abuse carries scars.  So please be strong, seek help and believe in yourself. 

There is always a better future...if you want it.  I believe in you.

In strength and support,

Viveca Benoir

M
att – the Beginning

What made Matt the way he was? Who was he before he turned murderer? Was there ever a chance he had a heart?  This novel takes you back into Matt’s past and shows you what happened to make him the man we all love to hate.  Smouldering dark passionate secrets reveal as the pages turn.  Can we forgive him?

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E
llen’s Son 

Ellen’s son was happy until he found a letter saying his father could be a guy called Matt.  Who is Matt? And who is his real father? His life turns upside as he discovers more and more about the people in his life Ellen, Dean, Nico and Veronique.

Be thankful, he doesn’t know you. He is a twisted guy.

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D
ancing With Devia

When one woman decides she has met the man for her, she will do everything to get him in to her life, even if she has to resort to murder.  The fact that he is already married means nothing to her. Anyone that stands in the way of her happiness becomes a target, until she gets what she wants.  You had better hope she doesn’t want you.

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J
ulian’s Jury

When Julian finds out what really happened to his life, he goes on the rampage and swears revenge on the woman, Devia, who has ruined everything for him.  You wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.