Stonebridge Manor
Chapter 44
CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
The two detectives had a long and frustrating day in London. Nobody was cooperative with them and they learned little, if anything.
They met Jane Robins in a theatre’s dressing room where she’d agreed to play a small part for a lot of money. She didn’t particularly want to do the play, but after what had happened she thought she needed the distraction. She made a statement which only confirmed what they already knew, except that she’d declined to return home with Tristan. Getting a ride instead from Simon Ward-Davis. She hadn’t seen Tristan leave and hadn’t seen him since. She also stated that although she felt very humiliated and betrayed, she hadn’t killed Lady Baldwin.
Simon Ward-Davis confirmed he’d given a ride to Jane Robins, and he didn’t see Tristan leave either. Tristan himself, was very open with the detectives. He readily admitted having a long affair with Lady Baldwin, but never envisaged it becoming permanent. He was quite happy with Jane Robins and was genuinely sorry it was over. He wouldn’t be going to the funeral out of respect for Lord Baldwin, but would visit her resting place as soon as he deemed it fit to do so.
Liz Price didn’t leave with who she arrived with either. Instead, she left with Charles and Sophie Baldwin. Her statement didn’t come up with anything new really, apart from John Steele having to drive home alone, and no, she didn’t see him leave.
Suzy Walker, having met the detectives away from her home, flirted with them virtually nonstop. She seemed the only one to truly miss Lady Baldwin, and was ever so grateful to her for introducing her to Simon, who truly was a friend. She would attend the funeral. It was the least she could do to pay her respects.
Robert and Mandy Mills didn’t shed any light either. Chris thought Robert may have had a close relationship with Lady Baldwin at some stage, purely because of his mannerisms during some of the questions. Perhaps his wife Mandy suspected that and took her revenge, but that was a long shot. And when the weekend ended, they left the estate together.
Paul and Larry had no reason whatsoever to kill her. They’d just earned a sizable amount of money for their endeavors and Lady Baldwin was a frequent customer. They seemed entertained with the whole weekend.
Chris really took a dislike to John Steele. He tried avoiding every question, didn’t like admitting to making the tape with Cathy, didn’t know why Lady Baldwin was in possession of it, didn’t know of her apartment, and didn’t know why Liz Price didn’t leave with him.
“We’re getting nowhere fast it seems, Sergeant,” commented Chris on their way back.
“I agree. Apart from Mrs. Roberts, nobody wants to tell us anything and we don’t think she’s telling the truth either.”
“I think I’ll talk to the Chief when we get back, see about formally charging Mrs. Roberts and see if that makes someone relax and tell us something. I doubt it, but it’s either that or we get lucky.”
“It’s the funeral tomorrow. Are we going?”
“Yes, and have all the family and staff available for some further interviews. Just tell them that we want to tie up all the loose ends, but we’ll do the interviews before and after the funeral.”
“Right, Sir.”