A Fool and His Money by Marina Pascoe

Talking of that, where are we on this murder now?’
    â€˜Well, I’m thinking that we should go back and talk to that Edward James – Anne said that he and Clicker didn’t get on. She said that Clicker was firmly of the opinion that he was behind all the money-making racket … but why would that make him a killer? Surely he would want to keep him alive, to get as much as possible out of him.’
    Bartlett was listening and nodding.
    â€˜Yes, but, what if Clicker was running out of money? Didn’t Anne say that he was finding it difficult to keep up with their demands?’
    â€˜But that’s not really a motive for killing though, is it? What if Edward James knew that someone had told Clicker that Margaret Field was dead? Perhaps Clicker told him the game was up and he was coming to tell us … that would mean Clicker would have to be stopped.’
    â€˜That’s a very good point you make, Boase. We still need to look further afield for our man – or woman – but I agree, so far, that’s a rational opinion.’
    Boase spun round and round on the swivel chair that had been assigned to him.
    â€˜Will you stop that, Boase!’
    â€˜I’d love one of these, sir. Maybe I could pinch it and take it back to our office? No one would miss it – this room is hardly ever used.’
    â€˜You’re so immature sometimes, Boase. You can take it but if you keep spinning like that all the time, I’m bringing it back.’
    â€˜Thanks, sir – that’s a proper job, that is.’
    Bartlett grunted.
    â€˜Will you pay attention … listen, I agree that we need to speak to Edward James. Not least, we need to find out if he has an alibi. I think we’ll go up there later and speak to a few more people. Chester Martin is furious that he’s had to postpone his tour – reckons it’ll cost him thousands. I told him that’s too bad, none of them is leaving Falmouth until we resolve this.’
    â€˜Right, sir. They’ll just have to put up with it. Come on, let’s drink our tea and then we may as well go up there and see James.’
    â€˜Good idea – I’m sick of this pokey little office already. Drink up.’
    At two o’clock, Bartlett and Boase walked up Killigrew and to the recreation ground to speak to Edward James. As they approached the caravan he shared with Molly, they both stopped. The sounds of shattering glass and shouting came from inside the caravan.
    â€˜That’s them, Boase. They always seem to be arguing.’
    Bartlett knocked on the door and, within seconds, Edward James stood on the step.
    â€˜You two again … what is it now?’
    â€˜Mr James – may we come in?’
    Molly looked up as the pair entered.
    Bartlett cleared his throat.
    â€˜Mr James, I just wanted to ask you about your relationship with your father-in-law. Did you get on with him?’
    â€˜I tried – but he was a quite a difficult old man, you know. I always made an effort with him but I don’t think he liked me very much.’
    â€˜And why might that be?’
    â€˜Who knows? Does it matter now?’
    At this, Molly looked up at her husband.
    â€˜What are you talking about? You never liked him.’
    â€˜That’s not fair, Molly – I did my best with him.’
    Bartlett sat next to Edward.
    â€˜Mr James, I need to ask you where you were on the night that Clicker was killed.’
    â€˜You can’t believe I had anything to do with it – you’re ridiculous.’
    â€˜Just tell us where you were, and the name of someone who can attest to that, and we’ll be on our way. Clicker was seen by my assistant here at about half past six that evening. Where were you for the rest of the evening and night?’
    â€˜Well, I was here for the performance – plenty of people saw me. After that I came back here, sorted out the ponies and went to bed.’
    â€˜And