Read Online Sidney Chambers and The Forgiveness of Sins by James Runcie - Free Book Online

happened, or the power of the story he was telling. For some people, it was true, there could be no redemption.
     
    The following day, Sidney met his two colleagues in the Eagle. Lent had passed and he was allowed to return to his regulation two pints of bitter; although now Helena had joined them there was a question over whether the men were allowed a third drink.
    Sophie and Josef Madara were estranged; their marriage unable to recover from the trauma of events. Dmitri Zhirkov had made his confession. His was a crime of passion and he was prepared to take the consequences.
    ‘There’s no way he can get off’, Keating explained. ‘But he might manage manslaughter.’
    ‘And Sophie Madara goes scot-free?’ Sidney asked.
    ‘Despite faking her own death . . .’ Helena added.
    ‘We can’t even prove that. The room was tidied. We only have Madara’s word. I don’t think that will stand up against his wife in court. She knows how to manipulate a conversation. She will have no trouble convincing the jury that her supposed death was one of her husband’s nightmares.’
    ‘And what about her persuading Dmitri Zhirkov to kill his wife?’
    ‘It’s hard to prove.’
    ‘Isn’t it odd,’ Sidney asked, ‘how so much crime stems from an inability to forgive?’
    Inspector Keating reached for his pint. ‘Will Madara ever take her back, do you know?’
    ‘I don’t think so.’
    ‘So his wife’s plan was in vain?’ Helena asked.
    ‘Perhaps they should have talked sooner,’ Sidney replied. ‘Then they might have been able to forgive. Perhaps it’s easier when you are honest straight away.’
    Geordie was in a ruminative mood. ‘We should take this as a lesson. Cathy can get a bit funny if I see too much of one woman or another . . .’
    Sidney was surprised his friend was being so open in front of Helena. Perhaps he was either trying to tell her something or turning over a new leaf? ‘I don’t think either of us are murderers, Geordie.’
    ‘No, but you never know: our wives might be.’
    Helena Randall felt the discomfort and asked the men if they would like another round. She normally drank vermouth but switched to pints when she was with them.
    ‘I am sure it’s my turn,’ said Sidney. ‘Besides, you’re a lady . . .’
    ‘I’m glad you think so. But a modern woman can buy her own drinks. I’ve just got a pay rise.’
    ‘Really?’
    ‘The Evening News are worried they’re going to lose me to one of the nationals.’
    ‘And are they?’
    Helena smiled. ‘I don’t know yet. I think they’re going to see how this story develops. I’m after syndication. There might be quite a few bob in it.’
    ‘Perhaps we should get a cut?’ Keating asked.
    ‘That is corruption, Inspector.’
    ‘I was joking .’
    ‘It might even be a book,’ said Sidney.
    ‘Or a film.’ Keating brightened. ‘Basil Rathbone could play the priestly detective. Or Richard Attenborough.’
    ‘Aren’t they a bit old for the part?’
    ‘I shouldn’t worry,’ Keating replied. ‘Knowing my luck Sid James would probably be me.’
    ‘No, they’ll ask someone more handsome,’ Helena cut in, quickly enough to sound gallant. ‘Richard Burton would be good. Have you seen The Longest Day ?’
    Geordie was appalled. ‘Since when was I Welsh?’
    Helena laughed. ‘And Kenneth More for Sidney. This story could make my name. I’m very grateful to you both. I’ve been so lucky.’
    Despite the jocular nature of the conversation, Sidney had a quiet moment of melancholy. ‘Wouldn’t you rather that none of this had happened?’ he asked.
    ‘Of course,’ Helena replied, without sounding entirely convincing. There was still something uneasy about the atmosphere. ‘Oh look,’ she said. ‘There’s Malcolm.’
    ‘What does he want?’ Sidney asked.
    Keating became anxious. ‘I hope there’s not another fugitive in your church.’
    ‘You’ve no need to worry,’ Helena said breezily. ‘He’s taking me out to