Cherringham--A Lesson in Murder Read Online Free Page A

exclusive school.
    “The message?” Jack finally said. “Not sure. I think that’s why you called us, yes? To find out. And if you give Sarah and me some time to discuss, I think we might begin.”
    Gavin nodded.
    “Of course. I’ll tend to things outside. You can chat here. If you need anything, the button on my desk summons Fliss.”
    As Gavin stood up, Sarah said: “We’ll do our best.”
    Jack stood as well. “You have a fine school here, Gavin. So — I’d really like to find out why someone means it harm.”
    Sarah looked at Jack.
    The word — harm. Interesting. Hinting that already Jack suspected there were secrets, maybe things the headmaster omitted.
    Hinting that as much as he needed their help, they might not get everything from Gavin Ward that they could use.
    We’ve been here before. People holding things back.
    Gavin took both their hands at the same time, a polished smile back on his face. “Good to hear. So — I’ll leave you to your … plans.”
    And then he walked out of the enormous room, leaving them alone.
    *
    “Well — what do you think?” Sarah asked Jack.
    He rubbed his chin. “I can understand why he didn’t call the police. His type … ex-army you guess?”
    “Could be.”
    “They like to ‘manage’ things. With us on the payroll he’s probably hoping to do just that.”
    “You don’t trust him?” she said.
    “Let’s say I don’t necessarily buy all his assurances that he can think of no one who would want to hurt the school. If I’m right, we’ll have to deal with that. Eventually.”
    “But for now?”
    “Need to speak to people, notepads out, right?”
    “Never leave home without it.”
    He grinned at that. “I’d like to take a look at the pool.”
    “Scene of the crime.”
    “Always the best place to start.”
    “So why don’t I have a word with the girl?” said Sarah. “The one who led the Minnows into the pool.”“She has to be rattled,” Jack said.
    Sarah took a breath. “And you know all that talk about a grudge …”
    “Yup?”
    “When I get home, I’ll see what I can find buried online.”
    “Along with the ranks of explorers, scientists, politicians, and generally amazing women … all from Cherringham Hall.”
    “Just might find some alumni who didn’t love this place.”
    “Good. Let’s go tell Gavin.” Another grin. “Make sure he knows he’s getting his money’s worth …”

4. The Scene of the Crime
    Jack followed Fliss Groves through the main hall and out onto the gravel drive which encircled the school building.
    A light rain was beginning to fall and he wished he’d grabbed his coat from the Sprite. But the prim Ms. Groves didn’t look like someone who liked to be kept waiting so he marched on alongside her.
    “You been here long — Fliss? Mind if I call you Fliss?”
    “Three years, Mr. Brennan.”
    Right , thought Jack. So we’re all on first name terms here — unless you’re the hired detective from the village …
    “You only work for Mr. Ward? Report just to him?”
    She nodded briefly and then pointed down the path. Jack followed her gaze.
    “Here’s the sports hall,” she said.
    Jack looked at the steel and glass structure which loomed ahead of them in the now-steady rain. It looked as big as a aircraft hangar. Jack could see the name of the building etched into the brushed steel over the double doors in foot-high block letters:
    “The Prince Said Building,” he read as they reached the doors. “Doesn’t sound like an old pupil.”
    “One of our many benefactors,” said Fliss. “We’re so very grateful to them all.”
    “I bet you are.”
    He pulled open the door to let Fliss in and followed her into a broad carpeted lobby. He looked around. The place was empty.
    A door opened and a young man in a dark blue overall walked in. Jack watched him approach. He looked to be no more than twenty, soft features, dark eyes, and matching dark hair, so long in front he had to keep sweeping it away from