Shades of Murder Read Online Free Page B

while I was there. Partly to give myself an idea of the sort of money they’d be able to spend on a flat if they sold up, and partly because I did think at first it might suit a client. But not after I’d looked at it.’ She pursed her lips. ‘Frankly, the property is going to be difficult to shift in its present state but they need to sell because it’s the only capital they have.’
    ‘I expect the gardens are in a mess, too,’ observed Alan Markby, seizing on the aspect of the situation which interested him.
    ‘Actually, they’re in rather better state than the house. They’ve got an old boy who does the garden for them,
gratis
. It’s his hobby.’
    ‘Ron Gladstone,’ nodded James Holland. ‘I was responsible for that arrangement. It seems to have worked out well, apart from the odd squabble about whether to put down crazy paving.’
    Juliet turned to her brother. ‘The Oakley sisters are an excellent example of the sort of people I can help, Geoff. They don’t own a car, and they wouldn’t have the physical strength to go haring around the country looking at flats. Damaris asked if I would do it for them. I said I would.’
    ‘No offence,’ said Geoff, who’d learned his lesson at least for the time being, ‘but don’t they need to sell at a reasonable price if they’re to pay your exorbitant fee?’
    This time she didn’t react badly. ‘As it happens, I’m not charging them a fee. I’ve known the old ducks all my life, for goodness sake! I ought to be able to fit in looking out for a retirement flat for them withtracking down property for other clients.’
    ‘You’re a dear girl,’ said James Holland. ‘It’s very kind of you to give your time to help out the Oakleys.’
    ‘I am not,’ she said militantly, ‘your dear girl. Or
anyone’s
dear girl! Don’t patronise me, James.’
    ‘Would I ever?’
    ‘If you’re interested in Victorian poisonings, James . . .’ Geoff began.
    ‘You’re going to tell them about the Oakley case, aren’t you?’ Juliet interrupted him. ‘Don’t you think it’s best forgotten?’
    ‘Ah, the mysterious death of Cora Oakley,’ said Alan Markby. ‘I’m familiar with that one. But I won’t spoil your fun if you want to tell it again.’
    ‘I don’t know it,’ said James Holland.
    ‘Nor I,’ added Meredith promptly.
    ‘It’s a horrible story,’ objected Juliet. ‘Don’t tell it, Geoff, please.’
    ‘James and Meredith would both be interested,’ said Geoff obstinately. ‘Well, if I can’t tell it, I’ve got copious notes on it, if either of you would like to borrow them. You probably know I plan to write a book on controversial trials one day? When I get the time, if ever. Mind you, I got no help from the family. They let me know in no uncertain terms they didn’t intend to rattle the bones of the family skeleton for me. But it just so happens I unpacked the Oakley research only yesterday. It’s on the desk in the study. Would one of you like to take it with you when you go? I have it all saved on disk.’
    Meredith and James Holland looked at one another.
    ‘Ladies first,’ said James gallantly. ‘Pass it on to me when you’ve finished, Meredith.’
    Geoff beamed at them. ‘William Oakley was charged with the murder of his wife, Cora. He got off and was damn lucky to do so. Many a man went to the scaffold on flimsier evidence.’
    ‘I’ve seen a portrait of William, tucked away in disgrace in a dusty back bedroom at Fourways,’ said Juliet unexpectedly. ‘I came across it when I was being shown round by Damaris. She was very embarrassed. She just said “That’s my grandfather!” in a starchy voice before hurrying me on. I nipped back for a look when her back was turned. In the portrait William looks the sort of chap who passed for handsome in those days. Lots of curling black hair and flourishing moustachio with a touch of a tippler’s complexion!’ Juliet illustrated her words with a mime of her right hand and