Impurity (DI Gardener 1)

“That’s right.”

“And returned when?”

“About ten-thirty, as I said.”

“Can anyone verify your movements?” He noticed her glance at Mabel. “Apart from your sister.”

“Of course, the people in the bingo hall, for a start.”

“Which is where?”

“Dewsbury Road.”

Where everything else is, thought Gardener. “Do you know the name of the ticket seller?”

Olive Bradshaw folded her arms. “Certainly do. A woman named Molly Simpson, lives on Queen Street, number twenty-three. You can check out my story with her, seeing as you think I’m guilty.”

“I didn’t say you were guilty.”

“No, but you’re thinking it.”

“Do you read the tea leaves, then, Olive?” Reilly asked. “Or is it just minds?” He could tell by her expression she wasn’t amused.

“When was the last time you saw Herbert alive?” Gardener continued.

“Friday afternoon, I think. Mabel and me were out doing a bit of shopping. He was at the Co-op.”

“How did he seem?”

“Fine.”

“Did you speak?”

“No, but he waved. We were on the opposite side of the road, about to cross. He was leaving. He had a carrier bag with him.”

“Which direction was he heading? I take it he wasn’t coming home?”

“No, he was probably going for an afternoon tipple. Looked like it, anyway. Heading toward The Black Bull.”

“Did you see anyone close to the house as you left?”

“No. Passed a few people further down the street, but we knew them all.”

Gardener made a note of their names so he could cross-check back at the station, before rising

from his seat. “Well, thank you for the tea.”

He threaded his way around the antique furniture. “You’ve been most helpful.”

“Anytime, Inspector. If you could see to it the room is cleaned up as soon as possible, I would be most grateful.”

“I will.”

“I know I’m selling up, but I don’t want anyone talking about me when I’m gone.”

“Dread the thought,” replied Gardener. He opened the door to leave, and stopped in the doorway. “Just one more thing. How many keys were there for the room?”

The question made her think. After a short pause, she answered, “Three. I have a master; he had the other two.”