A Perfect Likeness by Roger Gumbrell Page A

puzzled by the need for the question. ‘Except her hair was shorter and a different colour.’
    ‘Can you recall any distinctive features the twin may have had? A mole or, perhaps, a scar. Anything?’
    ‘No, I’m afraid not.’
    ‘Have you ever seen the other lady in the cafeteria since that day?’
    ‘Yes, she has been back a time or two on her own. She was here last about, oh… I don’t know really, maybe just under three months ago. That time, in fact, she was with a man. I imagined it was her boyfriend because they were very lovey-dovey towards each other. I remember how pleased I felt that she had found happiness as it must have been terrible losing her sister.’
    ‘What was the man like, Angela?’
    ‘A big man, muscular and rather handsome, in a rugged sort of way, I recall.’
    ‘Would you be able to describe him well enough for an artist to draw him if I felt it necessary?’
    ‘I could try, but Claire would be better, she really took a fancy to him. Not only that, she might draw him for you. She is very good at portrait painting. Claire works with me and I pointed them out to her.’
    ‘Is Claire on the list for me to see, Mr Myers?’
    ‘Yes. Claire Hall. She will be next.’
    ‘Thanks, Angela, very much, you’ve been most helpful. Also, if the twin should come in again, with or without her boyfriend, serve them in the normal way, but don’t mention anything about our conversation. And please let me know straight away. Mr Myers has my number.’
    ‘Yes, of course. Glad I could help.’
    Claire Hall, not showing any sign of nerves, confirmed Angela’s recollection. She had not seen Victoria although Angela had told her of the excitement at finding her twin.
    ‘I am sure Angela has told you already, but about ten, or maybe twelve weeks ago, I’m not sure, she pointed out the twin sister who was having a cup of coffee with a real hunky bloke. Tall and muscular and very tanned. To me he was like someone who has worked at sea all their life and was keen on body-building. I can see him now. Wow, what a man. I suppose I can dream can’t I, if I’m allowed to dream during working hours, Mr Myers?’
    ‘Certainly not, Claire, but if you should feel tempted just think of me holding your pay cheque and then consider who you like the most.’
    ‘Quite a kill-joy, your manager,’ said Trish as Claire shrugged. ‘Angela suggested you might be able to draw me a picture of this man?’
    ‘I could try. Might even enjoy doing it.’ She winked at Trish.
    ‘Please give it a try and when it’s done could you give it to Mr Myers for me to collect. One more thing, the same as I said to Angela, if you see either of them again, act normally, don’t mention this meeting and let me know immediately please. Again through Mr Myers.’
    ‘Will do and I’ll start on the sketch tonight. Something to look forward to.’ She turned to Myers. ‘Actually, Mr Myers, I like you a lot better than this hunk of a man.’ She got to the door and glanced back over her shoulder. ‘Well, at least once a month anyway.’ Another wink at Trish.
    ‘A happy young lady,’ commented Trish.
    ‘Always. The two of them make a great team. Now we have Susan Trent who works in the ladieswear department. She has been with the store since it was modernised some six years ago. A lovely lady in every way.’
    And she was. Trish was envious at first sight. Mid-forties, short hair, petite, perfect figure and film star attractive. She entered the room with a smile straight out of the toothpaste adverts.
    ‘Sit down please, Susan,’ said Myers, clearly delighted at having her sitting at his desk.
    ‘Thank you,’ she replied. Apprehensive, but still with that blinding smile. ‘I hope I am not in any trouble, Mr Myers?’
    ‘No, Susan, not at all. Miss Lister is a private investigator and working for the police. She has a few questions for you.’
    ‘You will need to think back about two years or so, Susan, and tell me if you can