The Lipstick Killers

already got a place in mind. After what’s happened, and now this…’ He didn’t finish.
    ‘I suppose you’re right,’ said Sharon. ‘I just don’t like leaving. What will Peter and Susan think?’
    ‘It’s the best for all of you,’ said Margaret, holding her sister’s hand. ‘Believe me.’
    ‘What sort of place?’ asked Sharon.
    ‘A house. A cottage really. Out in the country. But not too far. It’ll be an adventure for your children,’ said Mahoney.
    ‘I suppose,’ Sharon said, bleakly.
    ‘Why don’t you go and pack,’ suggested Margaret. ‘Tell the kids it’s a holiday.’
    Sharon nodded. ‘I suppose so. If you think I should Mags.’
    ‘I do love, honestly,’ said Mags, cajoling. ‘We just need to get you somewhere safe. You and the kids. This is the best place for you, under the circumstances.’
    ‘Then I will. Thank you Sergeant.’
    ‘I’m just sorry it’s come to this,’ said Mahoney.
    ‘Not as sorry as I am.’ And with that, Sharon got up and left the room.

48
     
     
     
    Mahoney and Margaret were still sitting in the living room when his mobile rang. ‘Anything?’ he said into it, obviously recognising the caller. ‘Bugger,’ he said after a moment. ‘Thanks anyway.’
    He shut it off, then shook his head at Margaret. ‘Call box,’ he said. ‘London. Trafalgar Square, if that means anything.’
    ‘We might have guessed.’
    ‘And what have you been up to?’
    ‘Went back home, got some stuff. Clothes, you know.’
    ‘Anything else?’
    Margaret shook her head. She thought it best not to mention her visit to Antarctic Holdings, and certainly not the fact that she was now armed. ‘What about you? Have you heard anything more about the case?’ she asked.
    ‘Like I said yesterday, I’m on the sidelines. But at least I could fix up a place for your sister and her children to stay.’
    ‘I’m grateful. This is getting out of hand. Anything from Monty’s office or Joyce’s place?’
    ‘Nothing. Not that I’m supposed to know anything. But I keep my ear to the ground. By the way, about the funerals. They might have to wait a while. We don’t want to release the bodies right away. Is that going to cause problems?’
    ‘There’s nothing that can be done if it does,’Mags was resigned.
    ‘Yes. I’m sorry about that.’
    ‘Not your fault Mahoney. Anything more on this Haywood character?’
    ‘He’s a bit dodgy to say the least. South African but he left when apartheid fell apart. Bit of a colonial our Mr Haywood. Liked the status quo if you know what I mean. And not the band.’
    ‘Liked the natives in their place you mean?’
    ‘Exactly. Had fingers in diamond mines and all sorts. Apparently didn’t treat the workers too well. A lot of people died on his watch. Some from accidents that could have been prevented. Haywood wasn’t big on health and safety, to say the least. And then there were others.’
    ‘Others?’
    ‘Yeah. The bosses don’t like the workers trying to smuggle out the gems. Rough justice if they’re discovered . A bit of torture. A bit of ultra-violence. A bit of bodies being found buried in shallow graves with their stomachs cut open in case they swallowed the merchandise .’
    ‘Lovely. So what was the connection to Monty?’
    ‘Your brother-in-law did some work for him apparently . Small beer though, according to our enquiries.’
    Exactly what that smooth bugger St Cyr told me, thought Margaret. ‘Do you believe that?’ she asked Mahoney.
    ‘Until I learn something different, I do. Now, I’ll stick around and take your family to our safe house. Is that OK?’
    ‘Of course. You’re doing us a big favour.’
    ‘My pleasure,’ he said with an involuntary grin, which he quickly stifled.

49
     
     
     
    Eventually Sharon, the children, Frankie and Roxie came into the room. ‘I’ve packed for a week,’ said Sharon. ‘I just pray that’s enough.’
    ‘We’re going on our holidays,’ said Susan to Mags, brightly. ‘To the country. I hope there’s ponies.’
    ‘There might be,’ said Margaret, feeling a slight pang of sadness at the sight of her innocent niece so happy. ‘This is Mahoney. He’s your driver.’
    Mahoney looked quizzical, but said nothing.
    ‘He’s a nice man,’ said Margaret. ‘He might even buy you lollipops.’
    ‘I don’t want a lollipop,’ said Peter. ‘I want my dad.’
    Sharon hugged him. ‘I’m sorry love,’ she said, ‘I wish he was here too. You have to be a big