Read Online A Distant Shore by Caryl Phillips - Free Book Online Page A

hospital.”
    “But what I mean is you’ve not been here, in the village, for the past two days?”
    “I’ve just told you, I’ve only just got back.”
    The policewoman looked at the man, as though giving him the cue to assume his seniority.
    “I’m sorry to have to tell you, but Mr. Bartholomew has been found dead. He was found drowned, face down in the canal.”
    I don’t know what expression crossed my face, but the look obviously registered something with him for he felt compelled to go on.
    “You know the canal we’re talking about?”
    “What happened?” I knew that I was whispering, but I couldn’t find my breath.
    “Well, there was some bruising to the head so we can’t rule out foul play. But as I’m sure you appreciate, we don’t want to jump to any conclusions for there isn’t necessarily anything suspect.”
    The woman leaned forward and lowered her voice.
    “I’m sorry. We thought it best to come and tell you ourselves as people said you knew him.”
    It was after the police had gone that Carla came to see me. I hardly ever have anybody come to my door, so to have two visits in rapid succession was disturbing. I got out of the chair and imagined that it was somebody else wanting to tell me about Solomon. Young Carla stared up at me with sad eyes, and so I asked her in. She wiped her feet and then sat down somewhat heavily in the armchair that I had just vacated. She did so without taking her eyes from me the whole time, which made me feel nervous. I asked Carla if she’d like some tea or coffee, but she just shook her head and then, for the first time, she spoke.
    “It’s about your friend. The black guy.”
    “Solomon.”
    “Yeah, him.”
    I looked at her and waited for her to go on, but she said nothing. She lowered her eyes and stared at the space between her trainer-clad feet. “What’s the matter, Carla?”
    “I really shouldn’t be here. Paul will kill me if he knows I’m here.”
    I sat now, and it was my turn to watch her closely.
    “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
    Carla twisted herself around and reached into the back pocket of her jeans and pulled out a letter. As she handed it to me, she looked up.
    “I found this and it’s addressed to the black guy. They’re out of order, Miss. I’m not stupid. I know what they’re like.” Carla paused. “I’m sorry, Miss.”
    “You’re sorry about what?”
    I looked closely at Carla, who was now leaning forward so that she was sitting on the edge of the armchair.
    “They’ll kill me, Miss, if they find out I’m here.”
    “Who’s ‘they,’ Carla?”
    “Paul and his mates. Paul’s my boyfriend. They’re just stupid bullies.”
    “Does anyone know you’re here?”
    “No. Course not.”
    “Have you put yourself in danger?”
    “I don’t think so.” Carla looked puzzled and then she sat back in the armchair. “What do you mean?”
    “Carla, where did you get this letter?”
    “I nicked it out of Paul’s pocket. I told you, they’re bullies. They’ve been writing stuff like this for a while now. They think it’s a laugh, but I’ve told them it’s bang out of order.”
    I looked at an agitated Carla, who was clearly ready to leave now.
    “Did they harm Solomon, Carla?”
    “I think they just wanted to frighten him. But I didn’t want any part of any of it, Miss. None of it.”
    “Any part of what?”
    Carla stood up now. She began to fumble with the zip on her jacket.
    “Miss, maybe you should go to the police, but you can’t tell them anything about me.”
    “Perhaps
you
should go to the police, Carla. Unless, of course, you’re simply making the whole thing up?” Carla flashed me a look that was initially disbelief. Then I saw her face change as she became angry. “Listen, Carla, if you’ve got something to say, then please say it. We shouldn’t be falling out. Not over something as serious as this.”
    “We’ve not fallen out, Miss.”
    I looked at her as she finished