Page 105

‘Mortuary products,’ Fleur spoke over him.

‘I was told it’s in plenty of fluids that you use every day in the mortuary: disinfectants, deodorising compounds, cosmetics and so on,’ Green said.

Fleur nodded in gloom. ‘He’s right.’

Green sighed. ‘So, just to be clear on what I’ve been advised, even if traces of arsenic had been found in Henry’s body, it would not have proved what you wanted it to prove. Mrs Appleby’s defence counsel would still quite rightly argue that Henry was around arsenic every day.’

‘Not in the amount she was giving him,’ Fleur bristled, but she knew there was no point arguing. ‘I can tell I’m not going to be able to take this any further, Inspector.’

He shook his head. ‘Not without some sort of corroborating factor.’

‘Like what?’

‘A witness or witnesses who would testify to what you allege about Mrs Appleby. They would have to be prepared to stand in the dock and affirm what they know under oath, and to be interrogated by her defence.’

Fleur sighed again. ‘Well, I don’t have anyone who can.’

He gave a small shrug. ‘You have to let this go, Miss Appleby. The law sees that there is too much doubt in this instance to incriminate Mrs Appleby.’

‘This means I’m free of all uncertainty over Henry’s death?’ Irma asked.

‘It does,’ Green said. ‘You are free to arrange the funeral of your husband and the case is closed. I’ve organised for Mr Appleby to be transferred back here. Is that what you want?’

‘Yes,’ Fleur said firmly, before Irma could speak. ‘I will prepare my father.’

‘Well, thank you, Inspector Green,’ Irma said, sounding buoyant. ‘I’m delighted to cast off this shadow. Now I can get on with grieving for my beloved husband and working out how to live as a widow.’

‘Yes, and I—’

The inspector got no further as another firm rap at the door startled them. This was suddenly like a poor pantomime, Fleur thought, and Irma was playing the role of the wrongly accused with spectacular credibility.

‘I wonder who that might be,’ Irma said.

All you lack is an audience out there in the stalls, Fleur thought.

‘My word, people are insensitive,’ Irma continued. ‘Surely they know we’re bereaved. Fleur, perhaps you could escort the inspector out and send away any other callers. I am going to my room to pray for Henry.’

Fleur had to use all her willpower not to walk over and slap Irma for her horribly hammy acting.

‘Good day and thank you, Mrs Appleby. Shall we . . .?’ Green said, but Fleur had not moved. She was staring at the swirling pattern on the carpet, knowing that once the policeman left, that was it for her father; he would be put in his grave without justice.

Green made to leave.

‘Oh, look at the poor wretch,’ Irma said. ‘I can appreciate how upsetting it must be to realise her unfounded claim has been thrown out by the coroner.’

‘That’s not quite how—’ Green started.

‘Seems I shall have to see you out, Inspector,’ Irma cut in, marching off and expecting him to follow.

Fleur heard Irma opening the door and a sudden shocked silence before she heard another man’s voice in apology.

‘Bowers?’

‘Sir.’ There was a moment’s pause when she presumed the subordinate had removed his hat and nodded at Irma. ‘Mrs Appleby.’

‘What’s going on?’ Green urged.

‘Can I come inside, please?’