Read Online Kissing the Demons by Kate Ellis - Free Book Online

talking.
    â€˜Which property is it? I’ve got fifteen properties in Eborby. And nine in Leeds.’ As he sat back in his seat Joe thought he looked rather pleased with himself.
    â€˜It’s thirteen Torland Place,’ said Emily.
    â€˜What about it?’ There was a wariness in his voice. ‘Actually that’s one of the places I’m getting rid of. With the recession there’s quite a few bargains to be had so I’m buying some apartments in the new Gungate development which means that I need to release a bit of capital.’
    Joe sensed Cassidy was comfortable talking about business – and it meant he was putting off the moment when the conversation turned to more sensitive matters. But Emily came straight to the point.
    â€˜You have a tenant called Petulia Ferribie at Torland Place.’
    He frowned, as if trying to recall the name. ‘I can’t be sure without looking at my records, of course, and they’re all in my office.’
    Joe didn’t believe a word of it. Cassidy knew the name alright. There had been a momentary flash of recognition in his eyes when Emily had said it. Recognition and something else perhaps.
    He took the photograph Caro had given him from his wallet and handed it to Cassidy. ‘That’s her on the left.’
    â€˜Yeah. I’ve seen her around.’
    â€˜It seems she’s gone missing.’
    â€˜I was round there yesterday and nobody mentioned it.’ For the first time during the interview he looked uncomfortable.
    â€˜So you’ve no idea where Petulia Ferribie might be?’
    Cassidy shook his head. ‘Sorry. Wish I could help.’
    â€˜Were you at the party they had on Friday night?’ Joe asked.
    â€˜People don’t tend to invite their landlords to parties, more’s the pity,’ he said with a smile, more relaxed now.
    Suddenly the smell of roasting meat seemed stronger and, as Joe visualized the succulent joint, crispy roast potatoes and fluffy Yorkshire pudding, he wondered about the cook. He heard clattering dishes in the distance but, in his experience, most wives and partners can’t resist seeing who’s at their door. Unless Cassidy had so many business visitors that curiosity had died years ago.
    â€˜That smells good,’ he said.
    â€˜Anna’s from Poland but makes a mean Sunday roast.’
    Joe saw Emily frown at this sudden display of overt sexism. ‘You’re married?’
    â€˜Not exactly,’ Cassidy said with a sly grin. Somehow Joe suspected that the arrangement might not altogether be to Anna’s advantage.
    â€˜Can you tell me who owned the house before you? We’re trying to trace the whereabouts of a student who lived there twelve years ago.’
    â€˜Good luck,’ said Cassidy with a dismissive grunt. ‘I bought the place three years ago from an old guy called Quillan who lived next door. He owned both houses and rented out number thirteen. He’s sold up since. Probably wanted to ensure a bit of comfort in his old age.’
    â€˜What can you tell us about Mr Quillan?’ Emily asked.
    â€˜Not much. He was an old bloke like I said. Kept himself to himself.’
    â€˜Married?’
    â€˜He lived alone as far as I could see.’ He stood up. ‘Look, much as I’d love to sit and chat all day, my dinner’ll be ready soon and I’m meeting some friends later.’
    Joe saw that Emily was pushing herself out of her seat reluctantly. Andy Cassidy’s sofas were uncommonly comfortable. You get what you pay for.
    Cassidy began to make for the front door and they followed. There was probably little more they could learn here. Although Joe suspected that he knew more than he was saying.
    If Pet didn’t turn up safe and well soon, they might just have to pay her landlord another visit.
    Emily sat in the lounge bar of the Star and examined her watch. Two o’clock. She’d promised to be back by two