Chapter 24 #2
‘Oh, Jake, you are a silly,’ said Julia.
He gave her a look that said he was well aware of his foolishness, but he was unable to change his basic nature, so nothing to be done.
He was soon cheered by the arrival of Moxy, a little schnoodle, trotting confidently along the crosspath towards them, on her lead, taking her owner Jim McEnroe for a walk.
Julia hadn’t recognised Jim at a distance, because the long, rather scraggly hair he had had since she’d known him had been cut into a short, neat style.
He was deep in thought, it seemed, and they were practically bumping into each other when he looked up and exclaimed, ‘Julia!’ as if she’d just that moment materialised from the ether.
‘Hi, Jim. Getting a walk in ahead of the storm?’
‘Clearing my head. Lots to think about with this meadow business. I’m working lots of angles.’
‘The two deaths?’
‘It’s the only story right now.’ He fell into step beside her, the two dogs leading the way.
‘How’s it going? Did anyone come through with new information? Any more anonymous tip-offs?’
‘I wish… No genuine tip-offs since that first call. I’ve had quite a few calls and emails, but they’re all wild accusations, general character assassinations. Nothing I can work with, so far. No facts, no proof.’
‘Who are the people who are contacting you? What are they saying?’
‘Oh, lots of things. One woman said it was a pagan sacrifice, because the planet Jupiter was in alignment with… I forget, but some other celestial body. Obviously, I investigated that thoroughly.’
He gave a harsh, humourless bark of laughter.
‘And, of course, a lot of people in the area don’t like all the development that’s happening.
There’s one guy who phoned twice. He must have watched a lot of cop shows on TV in the nineties, because he was talking through a handkerchief.
He said to look into the property companies, and specifically Eco Evolve – well, thanks for that insight, Inspector Morse!
Hardly a novel idea, seeing as the body was found on their land.
They were literally the first people I talked to. Bloody hell!’
It wasn’t like Jim to be so tetchy. Jake, who didn’t like cross voices, moved away from Jim, positioning himself so that Julia was between them. He looked up at her nervously.
‘It’s okay, Jake,’ she said, leaning down and patting his head for reassurance.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, Jake,’ said Jim. Jake gave him a look which said he’d let it go this time, but he would expect better in future.
Jim continued with his tale of woe. ‘I feel incredibly frustrated by this story. To be honest, the whole thing has been a bit of a damp squib. When I got that anonymous phone call with the tip-off about the body in the field, I thought this was my big breakout story. It seemed that it was meant to be – it happened practically in my backyard, I was right there from the beginning, first journo on the scene. I reckoned this was the one that would take me to the next level in my career. But it’s not turning out that way. ’
‘I can see that it’s a disappointment for you, Jim. But the story is still there. You can only carry on doing what you do. Do the work. Make the connections. Follow the leads. Maybe it is something to do with Eco Evolve?’
‘I doubt it. Basil Crow wasn’t working on anything related to that development.
The boss of Eco Evolve – chap called Colin – said he knew Basil, but that it had been a while since Basil had consulted on any of his projects.
And the council backed that up. The work on Meadow Court was put on hold when the body was found, of course.
Forensics, and stuff. But it is back on track now. ’
‘Are they straight operators? Any hint of dodginess about them?’
‘Look, the property game is super competitive. There are fortunes to be won and lost. People will play hardball when there’s that kind of money at stake.’
Julia nodded. ‘Yes, I know, it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Especially here in the Cotswolds. There are not many areas of land that are suitable for these larger developments. And the council approves relatively few of them. Just the kind of situation that results in skulduggery.’
‘Yes, you hear talk of bribery, backhanders, and so on… But I’ve found nothing in particular on Eco Evolve.’
They stopped, as if by silent agreement. They were almost in town now and would soon go their separate ways.
Jake flopped down at Julia’s feet, and Moxy clambered onto him. Jake growled his playful growl and wriggled a bit, play-wrestling with Moxy, allowing the smaller dog to bite him. The gentle way he treated her made Julia’s heart squeeze.
‘The key question is why was Basil Crow killed,’ said Jim. ‘Was he dirty? Or was he squeaky clean and standing in the way of someone’s plans?’
‘He might have been unpopular, but I don’t think he was dishonest. From what I have heard, Basil Crow was principled, if not very nice.
I met someone yesterday who works for one of the other property development companies, Murdoch Enterprises.
She said he was good at his job and cared about the environment. ’
‘So it seems.’ Jim looked downcast. ‘I feel like I’m missing something. Like we’re all missing something.’
‘I know what you mean. It feels like there must be a straightforward explanation. There’s the property development angle, and all the stuff around that – people he might have angered through his work, and then the local interest groups, you know, the dog owners, the nature lovers. But it’s not adding up to an answer.’
‘If only I could get some facts, someone who would speak on the record instead of a maniac with a handkerchief over the phone making wild accusations. That’s what’s missing all the way through the chain – facts.
It would be a good story, a fantastic story – no disrespect to Basil Crow, I mean, I’m sorry he’s dead – if only I could get the inside info.
I tell you, it’d be a top story. Top! National papers! ’
He sighed at the injustices of life.
‘Just the kind of story you’re looking for, to help you make your big move up the ladder. Sorry, Jim. This is very frustrating for you.’
‘I haven’t given up,’ said Jim. ‘I’ve still got a few ideas up here in the old noggin.’ He tapped his head.
‘Speaking of the noggin, I like your hair. Very… smart.’
He gave an embarrassed grin. ‘It’s a bit more of a grown-up corporate look. Moira says, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”’
‘She’s a clever woman.’
A gust of chilly wind hit them from the direction of the rain clouds. Julia tightened Jake’s lead to get his attention, and said, ‘I’d better be on my way if I want to get the shopping done and be home before the rain. Good luck to you, Jim.’
‘And you, Julia. And if you think of anything, or hear anything…’
‘Likewise. Keep in touch.’