Read Online A Cornish Revenge (The Loveday Ross Cornish Mysteries Book 1) by Rena George - Free Book Online Page A

said.
      ‘Until today?’
      Magdalene shook her head and her teeth caught her bottom lip. ‘I came back yesterday.’
      Sam’s eyebrows rose. ‘Your husband didn’t come home last night and you weren’t worried? Why not, Mrs Bentine?’
      Magdalene shrugged. ‘He often stays away. We have what is called…an open marriage, Inspector.’ She looked up, studying him for a reaction, but found none and continued, ‘It’s not unusual for him not to come home. His business you know. He often stays overnight somewhere without informing me. I told you, we don’t live in each other’s pockets.’
    ‘But surely you must have wondered where he was?’ Amanda asked.
        ‘Paul wouldn’t thank me for making a fuss. If I reported him missing and he walked in and found I’d been to the police he…well, his reaction would not be pretty.’  She put both hands to her face and held her head. ‘But you’re right. I am worried now. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.’ She was avoiding eye contact now. Were they believing her?
      Sam and Amanda exchanged looks. ‘Haven’t you heard any local news bulletins?’ Sam asked, and saw her body stiffen.
      ‘No’
      She was lying…but why? Sam drew in his breath and lowered his voice. ‘We might have some bad news for you, Mrs Bentine.’
      Magdalene kept her gaze fixed on the table. She knew what was coming.
      He spoke quietly. ‘We’ve found a body and it matches your husband’s description.’ He stood up. ‘I’m afraid we’ll have to ask you to take a look at it?’
      Magdalene’s legs felt like jelly and she trembled as she stood up. Sam nodded to Amanda to take her to the morgue.
    The women stood together behind the glass window as the body was wheeled in, and Paul’s dead face was uncovered. Amanda’s hand flew to her mouth and she nodded.
      ‘Is this your husband, Mrs Bentine?’
      ‘That’s Paul,’ she whispered, as her legs gave way and she collapsed into Amanda’s arms. 
      The call to her DI was short and to the point. ‘Mrs Bentine has just identified her husband’s body, boss, it’s Paul Bentine.’
      ‘How is she?’ came the sombre response.
      ‘Much as you’d expect, I suppose.’
      Sam nodded at the phone. ‘I’ve got her address. We’ll meet you up there.’
      The grandeur of the Bentine’s villa took Amanda by surprise as she followed Magdalene’s instructions and parked at the front steps.
      ‘I’m really fine now, DC Fox. There’s no need for you to stay.’
      ‘Well, it’s not that simple,’ said Amanda, following her into the high-ceilinged hall, and trying not to gasp at the sweeping staircase…the paintings. ‘You haven’t asked how your husband died? Aren’t you curious?’
      Magdalene pivoted round on her heel. ‘You said he drowned.’ Her voice was accusing.
      ‘We said his body was found in a cove.’ Amanda studied the woman’s
    face. The colour had returned and she was being more assertive. ‘I’m afraid there’s more to it than that.’
      ‘Suicide?’ Magdalene said, her eyes full of horror. ‘You mean he committed suicide?’
      Amanda pursed her lips, took Magdalene’s arm and walked with her into the opulent sitting room. ‘You’d better sit down,’ she said, leading Magdalene to a cream leather sofa and waiting until she was seated. ‘We’re still trying to establish the facts,’ she said quietly.
      The woman began to shake violently and the young detective scanned the room for a drinks’ tray. She found one on a side table and poured a measure of brandy, then made Magdalene sip it. Her mobile trilled and she answered it. ‘Boss?’
      ‘We’ll be searching the house. Is she up to it?’
      Amanda glanced down at Magdalene. The brandy was taking effect. Some colour had seeped back to the woman’s cheeks. ‘I think so,’ she said.
    Sam and Will arrived ahead of the Scene of Crimes team. The search of the house was quick, but thorough. They