“We’ve no real proof,” said Charlie. “Helen’s got an aunt in Kinlochbervie. The second sight woman was killed there. She and Gloria were both dating Malky, we think, and no doubt supplying him with drugs, but we’ve no proof. We’ve proof Gloria was doing it but nothing on Helen. We think Helen bumped off Gloria so she could get her job and maybe woo Harrison herself, but she looks like the back of a bus. So surely no hope there.”
“I think I should give him a clear warning,” said the colonel.
Hamish came clattering in wearing his big boots. The colonel looked at him crossly. He didn’t like Hamish interrupting his cosy evenings with Charlie.
“George is thinking of giving Harrison a clear warning about Helen,” said Charlie.
“Is Greta still in residence?” asked Hamish.
“I believe she went south after the funeral,” said the colonel. “You surely don’t suspect her?”
“I think it’s all about money,” said Hamish. “If Harrison dies, then surely Greta inherits.”
“Maybe not.” The colonel brightened. “I could just ask him who he’s leaving his money to now.”
“Oh, keep out of it,” said Hamish wearily.
“I am not taking orders from some useless copper who had the damn cheek to jilt my daughter,” raged the colonel. He got to his feet and stomped off up the stairs.
The colonel set out for the hunting lodge the next day. He asked Harrison to dismiss Helen, saying he wanted to talk to him in private about a serious matter.
The day was sunny and warm and the long windows were open onto the terrace.
“It’s like this, Percy,” began the colonel, and he plunged into a long story about why he suspected Helen of being a murderer. He ended up by saying, “If I were you, I’d put it about you haven’t signed a will. That should keep you safe.”
“I’m leaving Helen money in my will,” said Harrison. “And I’m taking her to Yorkshire with me.”
“Why? You could get any amount of nurses.”
Harrison grinned. “I’m telling you, Percy, Helen does the best hand job in the Highlands.”
“Is that a type of massage?” asked the colonel.
Harrison rocked with laughter and then told him in graphic detail exactly what a hand job was. The colonel turned bright scarlet. “I’ve got to go,” he said hurriedly. He fled from the hunting lodge, followed by the cackle of Harrison’s laughter.
The colonel did a detour to the florist’s in Braikie and bought his wife a dozen red roses, thanking God for his clean life and a decent wife.
Charlie called in at the police station that evening to tell Hamish about the colonel’s adventure. When he had finished, Hamish sighed. “I’m sick o’ the whole business. Let her bump him off in Yorkshire and let the police down there sort it out.”
“Not like you, Hamish. When did you last have a holiday?”
“Can’t quite remember. I don’t usually bother when things are quiet like this. Slope around. Take things easy. Heard anything of Fiona?”
“Not a word.”
“Jimmy’s not come near me, either. I mean, surely they must know now it couldn’t have been Malky. But the way I see it, they got such a bruising in the press that the last thing they want is to open up that can o’ worms again.”
“We could be looking in the wrong place,” said Charlie. “Could ha’ been Juris or Greta.”
“No, it all points to Helen. Damn! I cannae leave it alone. Do you know what I’m going to do? I’m going up there and I’m going to tell Helen I think she committed the murders.”
“She’ll report you to Strathbane. She’ll sue you. You’ll lose your job.”
“So what? I cannae go on in the job wi’ this hanging over me. Something’s got to break.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No. One of us in trouble is enough. Take the dogs with you for the day.”
Hamish set out for the hunting lodge. He could feel his fury against Helen mounting. He found Harrison and Helen in the drawing room and told Harrison sharply that he had called on police business and wanted to see Helen Mackenzie alone. Mr. Harrison protested, but Helen said she was sure it would only take a few moments. Harrison shrugged and wheeled himself out of the room.
Helen sat primly on the edge of an armchair and Hamish pulled up a hard chair and sat opposite her.
Helen’s eyes were flat and cold and betrayed neither interest nor curiosity.
Hamish began. “I know you murdered Gloria Dainty, Jessie McGowan, and Andrew Harrison. Maybe you killed Willie Dunne as well. You killed Gloria to get her job so that you could seduce Harrison into either marrying you or leaving you money in his will. When you learned he had left it all to Andrew, then Andrew had to go. If that old fool Harrison does make out a will leaving money to you, he will be next. Here’s what I have found out so far.”
As he talked, she sat there, unmoving, her reddened hands folded on her uniform lap.
When he had finished, she stood up and said coldly, “I am going to report you to your superiors.”
“Please do,” said Hamish, “and tell them exactly what I have said.”
“And I am going to sue you.”
“Grand. The newspapers will have a field day. Hear this: I’ll be watching you every step o’ the way.”