Gregory's Game by Jane A. Adams Page A

Desiree to the nursery down the road and to the mother and toddler group … It just seemed like an obvious solution.’
    â€˜But you’re still preparing to sell this place, despite her attachment?’
    Ian frowned at her and Tess knew she was pushing too hard. Probably to no purpose too. ‘I’m letting my wife set the pace, there. And, actually, I don’t think that’s got anything to do with you.’
    â€˜And you were fine with moving here?’ Vinod cut in. ‘I mean, this place, no offence, but it’s not a patch on Church Lane.’
    â€˜No, it’s not,’ Ian said coldly. ‘But sometimes that’s not what’s important, is it? Sometimes it’s all about what makes those you love feel better.’
    Vin nodded and Tess glanced through her notebook to see if there was anything else to ask. Off hand she couldn’t think of anything.
    â€˜What will happen now?’ Ian said. ‘I mean—’
    â€˜Well, the house is still a crime scene. We’ll get it released as soon as we can and then … I can recommend a specialist cleaning firm …’
    â€˜I see,’ Professor Marsh said. ‘Yes, I see.’
    Tess got up and Vinod followed suit. ‘I’m really sorry,’ she said. ‘This must be very difficult for you.’
    â€˜Well, yes, but it must be so much more horrible for the poor man’s family. I can’t begin to imagine what they must be going through.’
    Tess nodded. ‘Are you likely to be going away any time soon? I mean, in case we have to speak to you again?’
    â€˜No.’ Ian Marsh shook his head. ‘It’s term time, and I’m back at work tomorrow. That’s why I left the car with Kat. It seemed a shame for her to have to cut the visit short.’
    Tess nodded again. ‘I see.’
    She made sure she had the professor’s home number and his work extension and then left.
    â€˜What did you make of the younger one? Nathan?’ Vinod asked as they got back into the car.
    â€˜Why? Apart from the fact that he was very pretty.’
    Vinod laughed. ‘More your area of expertise than mine,’ he said. ‘I don’t know, he seemed … odd.’
    Tess shrugged. ‘I don’t think they’re going to be much help, anyway,’ she said. ‘It might be worth talking to the wife; she’s obviously the practical one.’
    Vin nodded. ‘Is it worth getting our colleagues in Suffolk involved?’
    â€˜I think it can wait until she gets back. Any news on next of kin yet?’
    Vin shook his head. ‘The man we thought was a brother turned out to be an old work colleague who just happened to have the same surname. He reckoned Palmer may have had a half-sister, but can’t tell us any more. We’ll just have to hope someone comes forward now the name’s been released.’
    â€˜ Local sources report that the tenant of the house was a Mr Anthony Palmer ,’ she quoted. ‘I’d like to wring local sources ’ neck, but you’re right, we’ll just have to see who comes looking.’
    Ian Marsh slumped back into his chair and looked across at Nathan. ‘That was not fun.’
    â€˜I think the police just have that effect on people,’ he said. ‘You’d best phone Kat, better she hears about this from you as soon as possible.’
    Ian heaved himself out of the chair. ‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘I’ll do it now. Want to make some more tea?’
    â€˜Will do.’
    â€˜Oh and I picked up some post as I came in. I think there was one for you.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ Nathan said. He frowned thoughtfully as Ian went off to make his phone call. He’d not used Ian’s address as a contact for a long time. When he’d still been travelling a lot, he’d often given his old friend’s address as a place to send mail, knowing Kat and Ian would keep