Imposition (DI Gardener 5)

“Yes.”

“Did she sell her house?”

Robbie Carter shook his head. “It was rented.”

“How would you describe the marriage?”

“How would you describe any marriage?” countered Robbie. “It wasn’t perfect. We had our ups and downs but we worked at it. It was a second marriage for both of us so we’d had a bit of experience. It sometimes helps.”

“Any financial problems?” asked Reilly.

“No more than anyone else. We didn’t really have any debt. Both of us worked hard – paid our way.”

“What did your wife do?” asked Gardener, remembering the photos and the trophies.

“She worked for Matthew Atkinson. He owns stables in Thirsk. That’s who she rented the house off as well.”

“Did you go out much around the town?”

“Of course we did, like most other couples. We shopped in the town, went out for meals. So in case you’re wondering, plenty of people saw us together.”

“Any family?”

“No. Neither of us had children in any of the marriages. Her parents died years ago.”

“Any close friends?”

“Not that close. We never went out with the neighbours. Jane sometimes had girly nights out – mostly her mates from the stables.”

Gardener passed over the sheet of paper again, asked Robbie Carter to write the names and addresses.

When finished, Gardener asked: “How old was she?”

“Fifty.”

“When was the last time you saw her, Mr Carter?”

“That would have been before I left for the gig.”

“Which was what time?”

“Six o’clock. I always leave early for gigs: never like to arrive late. I like plenty of time to set the gear up – sound check.”

“How did she seem?”

“Tired. She’d had a full day at the stables. Like I said, no idea what she’d been doing. She only got back home about fifteen minutes before I was leaving.”

“Apart from tired.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“What we say?” said Reilly. “People can be tired but sociable. They’re not usually sociable if something’s bothering them. So how was your wife? Was she tired but pleased to see you – gave you a kiss? Appreciated the fact that you’d made her a drink, or perhaps had a glass of wine ready for her?”

“Jane was Jane. She was an Aquarian, not the most talkative of people anyway. They’re a bit cold – to the point. But her heart was in the right place. She was fine. I made her a coffee before I left but not before she got home because I never know what time she’s getting home.”

“She didn’t text you, then?”

“No. Like I said – Aquarian. They don’t waste much time on small talk.”