Layers of Deceit, page 4
I headed outside to hear Craig chatting about his blog and asking whether Nathan was interested in posting an advert on it.
‘Oh, well, yes, possibly,’ said Nathan. ‘Let me get sorted out here and I’ll get back to you. I can’t afford much at the moment. Things are a bit tight.’
‘Well, there’s no pressure, I just thought I’d mention it. Actually, Sarah has taken over running my blog now as I’m trying to make progress with this book I’m writing.’
‘What do you do in your spare time?’ I asked Nathan.
‘Oh, I like jogging, so I’m looking forward to some nice runs by the sea. I like going to concerts, films, that sort of thing.’
‘I’m going to start jogging, said Craig. ‘We could go together sometime.’
‘Yes, that would be good,’ said Nathan although he sounded rather unenthusiastic.
Cyril came back to the patio. ‘Right, well, I think we’ll head off now. We don’t want to outstay our welcome. Come along, Nathan. You need to sort out your room. It looked very untidy.’
Nathan rolled his eyes and stood up. ‘My uncle is such a stickler,’ he said. ‘I’ll probably have a daily room inspection!’
Cyril ignored his nephew’s remark and said, ‘Oh, Mrs Needham, could I have my spare keys back as Nathan will need them, and it will save me having another set cut?’
I went to find them, then our guests left, and Craig took the coffee things through to the kitchen.
‘Well, that was interesting,’ I said, returning from the front door. ‘Or should I say embarrassing?’
‘The Odd Couple,’ said Craig. ‘Oh, dear, Cyril really excelled himself this morning.’
‘I could have slapped Cyril! He was so rude.’
‘Now, now, don’t be violent,’ laughed Craig. ‘Mind you, Nathan might give Cyril a slap if he carries on like that!’
‘I thought Nathan was OK. What about you?’ I said.
‘Yes, he seems quite normal for one of Cyril’s relatives.’
‘Well, a few weeks ago, I would have told you off for saying that. I’ve always thought Cyril was just set in his ways. Now, I think he’s rude as well!’
‘You can say that again. He spoke to Nathan like he was about thirteen. Telling him to tidy his room!’ said Craig.
‘Well, that was funny. I’ve never seen Cyril like that.’
‘But you’ve not had a huge amount to do with him, have you?’
‘No, that’s true. I think it will be good for Cyril to have some company. It might help him realise that people have different opinions. Perhaps it will broaden his horizons?’
‘Hmm, I doubt it,’ murmured Craig.
‘I noticed you didn’t miss a chance to tout for business on your blog.’
‘Your blog, now,’ said Craig, grinning.
‘Our blog, then.’
‘Never miss an opportunity. That’s my motto.’ Craig laughed. ‘I thought it a bit rich when he said he was a bit tight for money. That car of his must have cost a bomb!’
‘Perhaps he leases it? So many people do that nowadays.’
‘Well, yes, but that’s expensive too. It’s a top of the range model. I reckon fifty grand. Forty at least. Perhaps he’s a petrol head. Anyway, you can stop peeping out of the window all the time now we know who is living next door.’
‘And you! You’ve been spying as much as me,’ I said.
‘I have not! Right, back to work for me.’
‘And for me. I better get on with my blog, hadn’t I?’
Chapter 7
The next couple of days were routine with work taking precedence. Cyril appeared to be busy in his garden, and presumably, Nathan was occupied with his app development, as we hardly saw him except when he went out to buy some food shopping.
QexChem released a statement on the local news website.
‘It is with regret that we announce the death of Joshua Hanson, aged 38. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends. Joshua was a highly respected colleague who had worked at QexChem for eight years, and his contribution to research was considerable and highly valued by the company. We are providing emotional support to colleagues affected by his sad death.
The Health and Safety Executive and Kent Police will advise us when we can reopen the laboratory where Joshua worked. His death was not due to any chemical incident.
We will not be releasing any further updates concerning this matter. Please respect the privacy of Joshua’s relatives and colleagues at this difficult time.’
‘So, it still doesn’t say how he died,’ said Craig. ‘There’s still a chance of writing your tale of intrigue “Murder in the Laboratory.”
I ignored Craig’s comment, merely adding, ‘It’s tragic, he was only thirty-eight.’
‘Yes, it’s awful. Have you looked him up on LinkedIn and Facebook? Has he published anything?’ replied Craig.
‘Not yet. I can do. You can look him up on Facebook. Anyway, why are you so interested?’
Craig shrugged. ‘I don’t know. He’s a chemist from our previous company who has died relatively young. I’m just curious.’
I jumped as my phone rang. ‘Oh, it’s Katy.’
‘I’ll get back to work,’ said Craig. ‘Don’t forget your assignment!’
I waved him away as I answered, ‘Hi, Katy.’
‘Sarah. How are you?’ she said.
‘I’m OK, thank you. Feeling much better apart from a few slight headaches, but that’s because I’ve been reading quite a bit on screen.’ I filled Katy in with how things were between Craig and myself, workwise and personally before asking her whether DI Bignell was keeping her busy.
‘As always,’ replied Katy. ‘We are short-staffed at the moment. Someone’s been off sick for a while, and another has retired. So, it’s all a bit frenetic.’
‘Oh, dear. Don’t let it get you down. Are you finding time to go running?’
‘I am, but not as often as I’d like to. Anyway, I can’t chat for long as I’ve got a meeting, but I wondered whether I could pop around later today? Would you and Craig be free this evening? Say about eight?’
‘Er, yes, that’s fine. I’m sure Craig’s free too.’ A sudden wave of panic spread through me. ‘Katy, is this about Joe? I mean about the inquest? Is there a problem?’ I realised I was gabbling a bit, due to my anxiety. Joe’s reckless actions had cost him his own life before he could claim any other victims, and the inquest into his death had been opened and adjourned until late September. Although I knew it was a mere formality, I was looking forward to its completion. Only then would I be able to draw a line under the whole episode.
‘Oh, no, that’s all fine. No something quite different. It’s nothing to worry about.’
‘Well, we will see you at eight then.’
‘Bye, Sarah.’
‘Bye.’ I ended the call, intrigued but slightly apprehensive, and made my way upstairs to tell Craig.
**
‘Oh, I forgot to ask,’ said Craig, as we waited for Katy to arrive. ‘What did you find out about the chap at QexChem?’
‘Not much. He did his PhD in London, Imperial College, I think, yes, that’s right. Then he went to a small biotech company,’ I paused. ‘I can’t remember which one, then he moved to QexChem about eight years ago. He’s made a couple of short presentations at conferences, and his name is on a few patents. He’s a co-author on a paper about drugs for chronic pain and this is his latest publication,’ I said, bringing up a paper on my tablet.
It was in a journal called Synthesis Comms, which had only been in publication a couple of years. The papers were generally two pages in length, outlining the initial research. Should the work prove to have wider applicability, other papers would be published in other journals allowing more discussion of the discovery.
Craig peered at the screen and donned his new reading glasses, purchased after finally admitting that his near sight was failing. ‘Oh, so he’s developed some new conditions for a particular step in a synthesis.’
‘What do you make of it?’ I said.
‘Well, it looks good. I remember working on something similar, but I don’t think it went very well. This looks a big improvement.’
‘It’s such a shame. It sounds like Hanson had a great future ahead of him.’ I thought back to my working days and couldn’t remember losing any colleague at such a young age. Sadly, I was now at that time in life when funerals were not such an uncommon event. I glanced at my watch. ‘Katy should be here soon. I’ve got some nibbles to put out.’
‘I hope she will fancy some wine, then I’ll have an excuse for a drink too,’ said Craig.
‘I didn’t think you needed an excuse.’
‘Hey! I’ve cut down a lot since I’ve been here. I’ll soon be teetotal!’
I was checking that the wine glasses were smear-free when the doorbell rang. ‘Hi, Katy,’ I said, opening the door.
‘Hi, you look well. These are for you!’ she said, handing me a bunch of flowers.
‘Oh, thank you. Come in.’
Katy tried to take her shoes off, but struggled a bit and had to bend down, pushing at the back of them. ‘Oh, I think my feet have swollen up today.’
She was wearing a navy trouser suit, with a cream top underneath, and flat loafers, and looked smart as she always did. Her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail. I ushered Katy through to the lounge where Craig was waiting.
‘Craig, good to see you again. You look well!’ Katy said, shaking Craig’s hand.
‘A bit less stressed than when you last saw me,’ he replied. ‘God, what an evening that was.’
‘Yes, I don’t want any more like that,’ said Katy shrugging off her jacket.
‘Can I get you a drink? We’ve got white wine, red wine, tea, coffee?’ I said.
‘Oh, well, as you’re offering, I’ll have a white wine. I’m not on duty and it’s been a long day!’
I could hear Craig and Katy chatting away as I put the flowers in water and poured the wine. Katy had appeared quite relaxed, so I hoped it was just a social call, although it was quite unusual to get a visit from her as she hadn’t been around since a few days after I’d left hospital. We had only spoken on the phone or by text.
‘Thank you’ said Katy, as I offered her some wine, and she took a couple of crisps. Craig and I did likewise and sipped our drinks.
‘Any interesting cases at the moment?’ said Craig.
‘Well, we’ve arrested the husband for the murder of his wife in Margate, you might have read about it on the local news? What else?’ Katy paused. ‘Well, there have been a few drugs raids too. One followed a nasty assault down at the harbour.’
‘You meet some lovely people,’ I said.
‘We certainly do. There’s been a bit of a turf war. One dealer strayed into another’s territory. And, then there was the incident at the Science Park which I’m sure you’ve read about,’ said Katy.
‘Awful,’ I said. ‘He was only thirty-eight.’
‘That’s right. Of course, we are called when there’s any sudden death. Anyway, currently, it’s considered to be an accident.’
‘But I thought it wasn’t a chemical incident?’ said Craig.
‘Oh, no, it wasn’t. It was one of those freak events. He fell and banged his head. Look,’ said Katy, hurriedly, ‘this mustn’t go any further, OK? I mean, you must promise. This is confidential information.’
‘Of course, we won’t say anything,’ I added, and Craig nodded his agreement.
‘I could get into a lot of trouble if anyone found out I’ve been discussing police matters with you. However, we’ve been through a lot together, and I value your opinion,’ continued Katy.
‘It’s nice of you to say that,’ I said. ‘And I appreciate how you listened when I had concerns about David’s death.’
Katy sipped her wine. Could I notice a slight tremor in her hand as she raised her glass? She glanced at me, then at Craig. ‘Well, the thing is, I just wanted to discuss a few things with you. There’s something which bothers me about Joshua Hanson’s death.’
Chapter 8
Katy’s statement hung in the air between us, totally unexpected after what we had read in the local press. I opened my mouth to speak, but Craig beat me to it.
‘Bothers you? You just said it was an accident? I don’t understand,’ he said.
‘Oh, well, perhaps I didn’t use the right words. I wanted to discuss it with you in case I’m missing something, or perhaps reading too much into it.’
I felt somewhat confused. Katy had just said that the man died after banging his head, yet wanted to discuss the details. ‘Well, yes, of course, if you think it will help?’ I said. ‘Before you start, would you like more wine?’
‘Well, I’m driving, so I’d better not,’ replied Katy putting her hand over her glass.
I raised my eyebrows at Craig, who nodded, and I topped up his glass and mine.
‘On second thoughts, I will have some more,’ said Katy. ‘Can I leave my car here and I’ll get a cab?’
‘Sure. No problem,’ I replied.
‘I might run. It’s not far!’ said Katy. ‘Thanks, it’s a lovely wine. Chardonnay, yes, I’ll look out for that one.’
Craig and I were eagerly awaiting the details of the sad event at QexChem.
‘So, as I said, Joshua Hanson fell and banged his head on the edge of the laboratory bench. Unfortunately, he had a weakness in his skull after a cycling accident when he was a teenager. If someone else had fallen in the way he did, they would probably have just got a lump on their head.’
‘Poor guy,’ I murmured. ‘He had been doing so well in his job.’
‘Yes. He was quite popular from what I can tell. I mean there’s always going to be some issues with interactions when you work with people all day.’
‘I know what you mean. Sarah was so irritating when I worked with her!’
‘Why do I put up with him?’ I said pulling a face at Craig. ‘Carry on,’ I said to Katy.
‘It’s not clear exactly why he tripped or slipped. Perhaps he was tired, or distracted.’
‘What time did it happen?’ I said.
‘The pathologist estimates the time of death between seven and nine, and when Hanson phoned security around six, he told them he wouldn’t work much later than half-past eight. Security found him at just after ten.’
‘So, didn’t he have a lone-worker alarm?’ asked Craig.
‘Yes, he did. It was one of the older types with a tilt sensor. The newer ones can detect if someone suddenly falls on a hard surface. Also, it wasn’t in his pocket, though. It was on the bench.’
‘That’s odd,’ said Craig.
‘Yes, it is. However, one theory is that he slipped on some water. There were traces of water under the edges of the cupboards. We also found a wet lab coat bundled up on the bench. So, we think he spilt some water on his lab coat, changed it, and forgot to put the lone-worker alarm back in his pocket.’
‘So, didn’t security check up on him before ten?’ I asked.
‘No. I’ll explain. Firstly, they are a bit short-staffed at the moment. Also, this is where it’s a case of one of those random events which has unintended consequences, so to speak. The weather was bad that evening, do you remember, we had thunderstorms?’
‘Oh, yes. I remember, we had a short power cut here,’ said Craig.
‘Yes, well, it was a violent storm, and the turnstiles stopped working. Apparently, they are very sensitive to electrical storms,’ said Katy.
‘That’s true, I remember that happening when I worked there,’ I added.
‘So, because of that, security had to man one of the main entrances to let people in and out. Also, I think there were some issues with CCTV and power supplies. One of the emergency generators didn’t kick in, so they had to get electricians to sort that out as some equipment needs to be on permanently.’
‘So, it was a bit chaotic, to say the least,’ said Craig.
‘Indeed. So, when things calmed down, one of the security guards realised that Hanson was working late and hadn’t told them he had finished. So someone went to check on him.’ said Katy. She emptied her glass of wine. ‘Well, as it turns out, we don’t think it would have made a lot of difference. The pathologist thinks that Hanson died fairly quickly. As I said, there was a lot of bleeding in his brain.’
Katy’s last comment touched a nerve, and although I’d not had any lasting damage, there was always the possibility that in future, I could have another bleed. That was why Craig was vigilant about my headaches. I was going to have to be particularly careful to avoid situations where I could fall, either on a slippery surface or from a height. Craig had banned me from using a ladder unsupervised in the garden or stepping on a chair to reach things.
Katy continued. ‘So, what else? Well, there’s no CCTV in the laboratories or corridors. There is on the main entrance and on the security turnstiles. We’ve got the entry pass details, so we know who was working that day. But there’s no exit data after about 6.30 p.m., due to the turnstile failure.’
‘So, what’s troubling you about it all?’ I asked.
‘Well, I don’t know. Having gone through it all now, I’m beginning to wonder myself if I’m being silly. It’s just that from what people have told us, Joshua Hanson was particularly careful and vigilant about safety rules, so it just seems rather odd that he forgot to put the alarm back in his coat pocket.’
‘Can I tempt you to a little more wine?’ I asked Katy.
‘I shouldn’t but yes please!’ she said, laughing.
I could see Katy fiddling with her bracelet. She seemed to want to say something else, so Craig and I remained quiet.
‘Look, tell me if I’m really entering a fantasy world, but what if there was some sort of grudge between him and another colleague? What if someone pushed him?’
‘Has anyone mentioned any animosity towards Hanson?’ I said.
‘No. People are often reluctant to say anything to the police. Or maybe it was a private grudge between two people and others hadn’t noticed it.’
