Read Online Death in July by Michael Joseph - Free Book Online

couldn't make head or tail of it, but he was sure of two things. Firstly, last night had been no random burglary. This man was interested in Geoffrey for a particular reason. Secondly, Sam reckoned the intruder wasn't aware Geoffrey had passed away, and unless he was friend or family, why should he? As Sam had observed earlier, the cottage still looked inhabited at first glance.
    A thought struck him. One that sent a cold shiver down his spine.
    Had the intruder failed to get what he wanted last year? Had last night been about completing unfinished business?
    Most importantly...was he coming back again?
     
    ***
     
    An hour later, they were back at Geoffrey's cottage.
    'Why don't we go to the police?' asked Benjamin. 'Tell them about last night. Explain how the description matches up with the man who attacked my father last year.'
    Once again, Sam was taken with Benjamin's tenacity.
    'They still won't do anything,' he said. 'A big man in dark clothes. Possibly the same person again. It's not enough for them to go on. They'll make notes and say they'll look into it-'
    'And then not bother doing anything,' huffed Benjamin, chin planted firmly on his knuckles.
    'You're learning quickly,' grinned Sam. 'A regular cynic.'
    Benjamin wasn't laughing. He gave Sam a serious look.
    'What is this all about, Sam? What's going on here?'
    Sam got up to leave. He wanted that word with Moira.
    'Benjamin, that is what I aim to find out.'
     
    ***
     
    Leaving the cottage, Sam saw John Carr in his front garden, pruning his rose bushes under the burning sun.
    'Hi, John.'
    'Hello, Sam. Have you been in to see Benjamin?'
    'Yeah, he's sorting out some more of his father's things. Talking of which, I hear you were the one who found Geoffrey the night he died.'
    John put his secateurs down and took his gardening gloves off. Beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.
    'That's right. Unfortunately, I was too late to help.'
    Sam smiled easily.
    'I don't suppose it would have made any difference if you'd had a spare key...'
    John looked at Sam blankly.
    'You know, if you'd been able to let yourself in to the cottage rather than waiting for the police...'
    John looked away and wiped his brow.
    'I, er, did have a spare key, but I lost it. I asked Benjamin a while back to get me another one cut.'
    Sam listened with interest. Benjamin hadn't mentioned a lost key.
    'Mmmm, only Benjamin was wondering about it himself. It didn't cross his mind until today.'
    Not until Sam had brought it up.
    'Well, he must have forgot about it,' said John, looking cagey. 'I did tell him.'
    Sam raised an eyebrow.
    'I'm telling the truth, Sam,' spluttered John, bristling. 'Anyway, why are you so interested?'
    Sam had been waiting the bite back. He decided to push a bit more.
    'It just struck me as strange that-'
    A brief flash of anger shone in John Carr's eyes.
    'What has this got to do with you, Sam?' he retorted. 'Who are you? You turn up out of nowhere and start asking questions-'
    'I'm just helping Benjamin out.'
    'Well, keep your nose out of my business!'
    Sam watched John march back into his house. He was intrigued by the sudden change of personality.
    There was no doubt.
    John Carr was rattled for some reason.
     
    ***
     
    Sam had just started up the stairs to his flat when he heard raised voices coming from the flower shop. He stopped and listened. It sounded as though Moira and Alice were arguing. Puzzled, he went back out and let himself in the florists. Neither woman appeared to have heard the jangle of the doorbell.
    'But why did you have to tell her where I was?'
    'Alice, your mother was worried.'
    'I'm a grown woman, Aunt Moira!'
    'I know you are, love, but she said you took off without any explanation. It's only natural for her to wonder where-'
    Sam coughed. Both women looked at him, flushed in the cheeks.
    'Sorry to interrupt, ladies. Is everything okay?'
    Alice huffed and turned away.
    'Sam, I've gone and put my foot in it,' said Moira, close to tears. 'I told