The Glass Wall by Clare Curzon Page A

come about my mystery young man?’
    Zyczynski considered her. ‘Actually, no. My boss asked me to look up Mrs Stanford. He saw her before she was brought in. Took her panic phone call.’
    â€˜She phoned the police?’
    â€˜They’re neighbours. I guess she meant to contact his wife, but they both went round to help. Mrs Yeadings was once a Sister at the old Westminster.’
    â€˜Thank heaven Audrey had enough sense for that.’
    The detective nodded. ‘It sounds as though you know Mrs Stanford.’
    â€˜Her husband’s a GP. I met her socially through him.’
    â€˜I see. Look, don’t let me hold you back. I know hell’s always a-poppin’ in here.’
    â€˜That’s one way to describe it. Actually Keith’s – Dr Stanford’s – here with his wife at the moment. Come through and see him. But I’m afraid I can’t let you question Audrey. Not at present, anyway.’
    â€˜Fair enough. A goodwill message from my boss will do for the present.’
    Keith had looked up as he heard their voices. Now he rose and came across, smiling wearily. ‘Z, you haven’t come about my wife, have you? It was quite straightforward. Superintendent Yeadings could tell you what happened.’
    â€˜He did. He sent me to see how she is. Nan would have come herself but she’s tied up with the toddler’s sight and hearing tests.’
    â€˜She’s going to be all right. From this, I mean. You know the cancer’s terminal? The truth’s really reaching her now. I’ll have to spend more time at home with her.’

    â€˜I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.’ Her shock seemed genuine. In the awkward pause that followed, Alyson asked, ‘So you know each other?’
    â€˜We meet professionally,’ Keith admitted, ‘when I stand in as police surgeon.’
    Zyczynski nodded. ‘I’ll not get in your way, doctor. Try and get some sleep yourself. You look dead on your feet. Goodbye.’
    On her way out she turned back to Alyson. ‘You said you had a mystery young man. Is there anything I can do?’
    â€˜I’m not sure. The constable who brought him in as an OD took away a debit card he had. I doubt it would be his, since he’s a junkie. I mean …’
    â€˜Not old or affluent enough to have his own account? So, he’s nameless?’
    â€˜That’s one problem. I was just going through his clothes to see if there’s any clue. Would you like to look? That’s more in your line than mine.’
    â€˜Why not? Can I take a look at him too? Maybe I’ve seen him hanging around with dealers.’
    â€˜It’s family visits only, but he’s out cold so he’ll never know. Come on then.’ They stood either side of the young man’s bed. ‘He’s only a boy really,’ Alyson said. ‘What do you think?’
    Zyczynski was frowning. ‘There’s something familiar, but I can’t place him. Seen him in court possibly. Or at the nick when he wasn’t quite such a mess. But maybe it’s just a type. Don’t you despair of them coming in like this time and time again?’
    â€˜Don’t you?’
    She smiled. ‘I haven’t your patience.’ She leaned forward and read the ID card clipped to Alyson’s pocket. ‘Alyson Orme. D’you know, it was once a toss up for me between nursing and the police. I think I chose the right career.’
    â€˜I certainly did. Here, put some gloves on if you’re touching his things.’
    She left the policewoman to find out what she could. Keith was hovering at the door, ready to go. ‘She won’t have anything to do with me,’ he said tightly. ‘I might as well go home and leave her simmering.’

    â€˜And the course you were going on?’
    â€˜Can’t leave, naturally. But while she’s safe here with you, I can carry on working. Have to