SECRET CRIMES a gripping crime thriller full of suspense by MICHAEL HAMBLING Page B

in the kitchen. They were sitting at the table, nibbling at some cheese. She sat down heavily, looking washed out.
    ‘They want to speak to you, Ed.’
    ‘Are you alright? You look a bit tired.’
    ‘At least I’m still alive. That’s what I keep telling myself.’ She gave him a weak smile. ‘I’m okay. But they are very thorough. She’s quite remorseless. I had visions of a couple of country cops who might be a bit clueless. I really thought I knew Sarah, but after some of the questions they asked, I’m beginning to doubt it. They followed up on every single decision we made yesterday. It’s made me think again about the way the evening went. And the sergeant just sits watching, and occasionally throws in another question. I feel like some kind of criminal.’
    ‘Have a glass of wine. There’s still a bit left in the bottle.’ Ed poured her a glass before he left the kitchen.
    * * *
    ‘Tell us about yourself, Mr Wilton,’ said the sergeant. ‘I understand you’re a professional musician and music producer.’
    Ed was surprised that the initial question came from the sergeant.
    ‘So you live in London most of the time, and use this flat as an occasional retreat? How often does your daughter visit?’ Again it was the sergeant who asked. The DCI watched and listened in silence.
    ‘Two or three times a year. She tries to get to one of the music festivals with me. I arrived yesterday morning, and she got here early evening.’
    ‘But you went out by yourself? Why didn’t she go to the gig with you?’
    ‘She had some work to write up for university and wanted to do it while it was fresh in her mind. She was planning to come out with me today.’
    ‘How many festivals have you attended?’
    ‘Over the years? Most of them. I used to come regularly with my wife, Lizzie. She died eighteen months ago.’
    At last the DCI spoke. ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Mr Wilton. It can’t have been an easy time for you. But I hope you understand that we have to ask you these questions, given the circumstances.’
    Ed nodded.
    ‘What band did you see last night?’ asked the sergeant.
    ‘Blue Moods. They’re quite young, but I was given a tip-off to see them. The vocalist is really special.’
    ‘What other bands have impressed you recently? At the last festival for example?’ the sergeant continued.
    Ed thought back six months and listed a couple of gigs he’d attended.
    ‘Mostly female vocalists, Mr Wilton.’ This from the DCI.
    ‘Along with many other people in the music business, I think the female voice is usually clearer and more expressive. Women singers are often willing to work harder at what they do. I recommend acts to a couple of agencies and studio labels, and they want people with real potential. At the moment, as far as vocalists are concerned, that usually means women. Too many guys think they’re God’s gift to the business and don’t live up to any early promise.’
    Ed noticed the DCI incline her head towards the sergeant.
    ‘How did you get to meet Rosemary and Sarah last night?’ he asked.
    Ed described the scene the previous evening. The two women had been waiting at the bar. ‘I happened to be beside them, and sat with them while they ate. We were lucky to get a table. We got served just before the place started to get busy, so Rosemary and Sarah got their food fairly quickly. We chatted a little, but they went as soon as they’d finished eating.’
    ‘Who suggested that they should leave?’
    ‘I don’t know. I went to the loo, and they’d gone when I got back. I felt a bit let down, because they hadn’t mentioned leaving. Though I thought Sarah seemed a bit edgy.’
    ‘In what way?’
    ‘She kept looking at her watch. She also spent a while on her mobile phone. Texting, I think.’
    ‘What did you do then?’
    ‘I’d lost my seat so I got myself another drink and found a stool in a corner. I stayed there for most of the gig. I was surprised to see them come back in later.