A Question of Motive Read Free Page A

streets. ‘I’ll speak to her.’
    â€˜Will you please come this way, Inspector?’
    He entered a spacious hall and waited as Parra opened a door, stepped inside and said: ‘Inspector Alvarez wishes to speak to you, señorita, if it is convenient.’
    â€˜Please ask him to come in, Pablo.’
    Mary Farren was dressed with the casual elegance money could provide. Her rich, auburn hair held a natural wave, her eyes were dark blue, her nose graceful, her lips firmly shaped. But on the left-hand side of her jaw, harmony was lost in heavy scarring and a slight, but noticeable, misshapen line.
    â€˜Please sit,’ she said in heavily accented Spanish.
    â€˜Thank you, señorita,’ he answered in English. The chair cosseted him with expensive luxury.
    â€˜Before we go any further, may I offer you coffee or a drink?’
    â€˜A drink would be very welcome.’
    â€˜Will you tell Pablo what you would like?’
    Parra had remained just inside the doorway.
    â€˜A coñac with just ice, please,’ he said in Mallorquin.
    â€˜And I will have a Dubonnet.’
    Parra left and closed the door.
    â€˜How can I help you, Inspector?’ she asked.
    It seemed from the lack of any suggestion of alarm, any understanding of why he might be there, they had not heard about the dead body at the foot of Barca. He had to try to learn the facts without alarming her unless, or until, that became necessary. ‘I understand you employ Parra, his wife, a maid and a gardener?’
    â€˜I assure you that we pay all the appropriate taxes.’
    â€˜I would not doubt that, señorita. Is there anyone else who works here?’
    â€˜Eloisa, but only when we have a party. She comes in and helps out.’
    â€˜Have you any guests staying at the moment?’
    â€˜No, why are you asking these questions?’
    â€˜I will explain in a moment. Do the servants live in their own quarters?’
    â€˜Yes. That is, except for Santos. He owns a finca between Llueso and Port Llueso, so he doesn’t need accommodation.’ She stopped. After a moment, she continued: ‘Last year he did think it would be a good idea if the family moved into the two empty staff rooms because he wouldn’t be tired out by travelling to and fro and he could work longer.’
    He was unable to resist the comment: ‘An unusual wish!’
    She smiled. ‘We imagined he was hoping to have the chance to let his finca to tourists during the summer. But for us, three children under eight would have destroyed all peace.’
    Parra returned, a silver salver in his hand. He crossed to where she sat, placed a glass on the piecrust table by her side, added a small bowl. ‘The cheese sticks you like.’
    â€˜Well remembered! Will you see if the inspector would like some?’
    Parra put a glass and the bowl down for Alvarez. ‘Is that all, señorita?’
    â€˜Yes, thank you.’
    He left.
    She raised her glass. ‘Your health.’
    They drank. Alvarez had been hoping for a good brandy and was not disappointed. Carlos III?
    â€˜Inspector, you were going to explain the reason for your questions.’
    â€˜Please allow me to ask a few more, señorita, before I do so. Parra told me Señor Gill is not here. That is so?’
    â€˜Yes. Have you tried the cheese straws?’
    â€˜Not yet, I fear.’ He picked out two, held them in his left hand, carried the bowl over to her. She thanked him as he returned to his seat. ‘Can you say where he is?’
    â€˜Probably. Why do you want to know that? And please don’t say you’ll explain later on. You’re making me very worried that he’s in some sort of trouble.’
    Did he prevaricate further? If he did, her fear could be exacerbated rather than held in check. ‘Clearly, señorita, you have not learned that the body of a man was found below Barca this morning.’
    â€˜My