Read Online False Diamond--An Abbot Agency Mystery by Veronica Heley - Free Book Online

about Dilys. My experience is that you can’t rescue those who are in thrall to their abuser.’
    â€˜So you get at it another way, by eliminating the abuser.’
    How on earth did he think that could be done?
    She dealt with her visitor – no references, no job, sorry – and turned back to her computer to check Leon out. Yes, and yes. The dry cleaning business had existed, he’d been the sole proprietor, it had sold … yes … and for a nice sum, too. The house was still on the market but it had been priced at over two million, so … Difficult to check on debts, though.
    She hesitated about ringing Max, but did eventually do so. ‘Dear Max, I’m trying to check up on one of the Holland clan. Do you happen to be acquainted with the member of parliament for … I have the name here somewhere. One of the Exeter constituencies. He’s a Liberal Democrat, so you may not—?’
    â€˜Which Holland? The one who’s just crawled out from under a stone? Benton says he’s no good to us. He hasn’t been in touch with you, has he? The nerve of the man!’
    â€˜He’s been to see me, yes. He’s staying with Benton, it seems, and—’
    â€˜Benton took pity on him. More than I would have done. Mother, don’t let him fool you. He’s an undischarged bankrupt looking for a handout. He hasn’t asked you for a loan yet, has he?’
    â€˜Nothing like that. He’s invited me out for a meal this evening.’
    â€˜Mother! What are you like! You’ll be landed with the bill.’
    She was silent. She didn’t think she would be landed with the bill. She didn’t think Leon was an undischarged bankrupt. Only a tiny wriggle of common sense insisted that she check him out before she saw him again. But perhaps Max wasn’t the best person to ask?
    She said, ‘I’ll remember to take my cards with me, in case he defaults.’
    â€˜Whatever will you do next!’ He cut the connection.
    Bea made a childish face at the phone, dialled the House of Commons and asked to speak to the Liberal Democrat member for Exeter. The West Country was a Lib Dem stronghold and there were three who might fit the bill. She quoted the address of his house and was passed to a secretary who was regretfully unable to give out any information about … But if she liked to write in …? No, sir was not available at the moment.
    Bea wondered what else she had expected.
    So she rang the man who knew everything and was discreet about it. ‘CJ, a small problem. I am trying to keep out of the Holland and Butcher fiasco, but there’s been a development which may lead to the involvement of the police. I’ve been contacted by a man called Leon Holland, long estranged from the main branch of the family, who is concerned about the health and safety of Benton’s wife. He may be right to worry, but he’s an odd customer and I can’t say that I trust him altogether.
    â€˜I’ve tried to check up on him as far as I can. He’s just sold his business and put his house on the market and that all seems above board, but I need a character reference before I decide whether or not to take him seriously. He says he’s a Lib Dem supporter for a certain constituency in Exeter, and his member of parliament will vouch for him. Unfortunately, said member’s secretary won’t give me the time of day.’
    â€˜A man can give money to a political party and yet not be someone you’d wish to leave alone in a room with the family silver. You don’t trust him?’
    â€˜He’s an interesting personality, not easy to read. I’m not sure what I feel about him.’
    â€˜You are attracted to him?’
    She tried on a laugh for size. ‘I wouldn’t go as far as that.’
    A pause. Bea could hear him tapping … on his desk? He had long fingers, very clean nails, always manicured. She made a note to