The Secret Bullet Read online

  The Secret Bullet

  Les Rixon

  ARTHUR H. STOCKWELL LTD

  Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8BA

  Established 1898

  www.ahstockwell.co.uk

  2018 digital version converted and published by

  Andrews UK Limited

  www.andrewsuk.com

  © Les Rixon, 2017

  First published in Great Britain, 2017

  The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is purely coincidental.

  The Main Characters

  Richard Reynolds, A Solicitor in Hannisford

  Mary Reynolds, His Wife - a nurse

  Harold Reynolds, Richard’s Father

  Janet Reynolds, Richard’s Mother

  Helen Brown, Mary’s Mother

  George Brown, Mary’s Father - a police officer now deceased

  Robert Green, Friend of George Brown

  Tom Burgess, His colleague at the same firm of Solicitors

  Charles Lightfoot, Vicar of St. Michael’s Church

  Inspector Willis, Police Officer investigating the death of Inspector George Brown.

  DC Frank Harris, Police Office investigating the death of Inspector George Brown

  Jack Price, Police Witness

  Bruce Drummond, Villain

  John Brooks, Trainee Chef

  Tony Wren, Retired Police Office

  Ronald Williams, Harold Reynold’s Solicitor

  Monica Jones, Richard’s Receptionist

  Inspector Bob Wilson, Police Officer investigating the shooting

  Sergeant Graham Cook, Police Officer investigating the shooting

  Angela Riley, Landlady of a B & B

  Eric Smith, Known Villain

  Suzanne Sullivan, Police Witness

  Chapter 1

  Richard Reynolds had just qualified as a solicitor in the market town of Hannisford. His first position was when he joined Phillips and Wareham, a prominent firm based in the town centre. His first day was spent on various conveyancing matters. He was assisted by, and shared an office with Tom Burgess, a man about twenty years his senior. Tom was a very experienced legal clerk. Richard and Tom soon became very firm friends. One day Tom asked Richard if there was a lady in his life. Richard answered firmly:

  ‘Very much so. In fact, my girlfriend, Mary, and I have an arrangement that once I qualify we will get married. We are preparing for the big day.’

  ‘Congratulations! I am sure you and Mary have a great future together.’

  ‘I will keep you posted.’

  The following evening Richard and Mary went out for a meal at the Copper Kettle, their favourite restaurant.

  After the meal Richard said to Mary: ‘I would like to honour the pledge I made some time ago and marry you’.

  Mary, with sharp wit, said: ‘I suppose that is a definite, but slightly unusual, proposal which I am more than happy to accept.’ It was then to the astonishment of the other diners in the restaurant, they warmly embraced one another.

  Richard then said: ‘Do you want a church or registry office wedding?’

  Mary replied: ‘To be honest, I would love to be married at St. George’s church in Church Road. That’s where I was christened.’ ‘Well’ said Richard. ‘The first person we should see is the Vicar at St. Michael’s, then let our parents know.’ He went on: ‘I’m no prophet, but I think your Mum and my parents would love for us to have a church wedding.’

  They made an appointment for the following evening. The Vicar, Charles Lightfoot, was a mature man and easy to talk to. He asked the usual questions, to which Richard and Mary answered with no problem. Mary did mention that she was christened at the church and that her mother had long been an active member of various groups at St. Michael’s.

  The Vicar then smiled and said: ‘You must be Helen Brown’s daughter.’

  ‘Yes’ replied Mary.

  With no further ado, the Vicar said: ‘I would be very pleased to marry you’.

  He then produced a large diary, and asked what date the couple had in mind.

  Richard responded: ‘Well, we were hoping for the last Saturday in May - in about four weeks time.’

  ‘Well’ said the Vicar, ‘the first free date would be the first Saturday in June. We need three weeks prior to that to call the banns.’

  Mary said that the date would be fine. ‘There are quite a lot of arrangements to be made.’

  The following evening Richard called to see Mary and her mother. He first asked Mary, when she opened the front door: ‘Have you told your mother the news?’

  ‘No’ replied Mary ‘I wanted for both of us to tell her together.’

  ‘OK’ said Richard ‘Let’s do it.’

  Richard said to Helen: ‘Are you sitting comfortably?’

  ‘Yes’ said Helen.

  ‘Well’ said Richard ‘Mary and I have big news for you. We are getting married in about five weeks time.’

  Helen got out of her chair and hugged Richard and then her daughter. ‘That’s wonderful news. Where are you getting married?’ was the first of Helen’s several questions.

  Mary replied ‘St. Michael’s. We have already seen the Vicar.’

  Helen said: ‘I am so pleased you are having it at St. Michael’s, old Charles the Vicar, does a lovely wedding.’

  Richard then said: ‘We must break the news to my parents.’

  ‘Yes’ said Mary ‘As soon as possible’.

  Helen then said: ‘One thing I always promised myself was that if and when my daughter got married, I would love to make the wedding dress. Well not entirely on my own. My sister Joan is a very experienced dressmaker, and I’m sure between us we can do you proud. I know Joan has loads of patterns to choose from. One last thing, your late father would have been so proud to give you away on the big day. May I make one suggestion? For the occasion, the man I think would love to do it is Uncle Harry.’

  Mary replied: ‘He would be the one I would choose in the circumstances. One thing Mum, could you have a word with him?’

  ‘Leave that to me, and if I can help in any other way, just let me know.’

  Chapter 2

  Richard and Mary then left to break the news to Richard’s parents. It was about fifteen minutes later that they arrived at the Reynolds family home. Richard opened the front door only to come face to face with Richard’s father, Harold Reynolds. He greeted them warmly and said: ‘What brings you both here?’

  ‘Well Dad’ said Richard. ‘We have big news for you.’

  Harold called up the stairs: ‘Janet, leave whatever you are doing and come down.’

  Janet came down straight away and said humorously: ‘Where’s the fire?’

  They all went into the very well-appointed lounge. ‘Well’ said Harold ‘what is the big news, Richard?’

  ‘Well, Mum and Dad, Mary has agreed to be my wife in approximately five weeks time.’

  Harold and Janet got to their feet and almost together said ‘Congratulations!’

  Richard’s father the
n said: ‘This calls for a little celebration.’ He left the room and returned shortly afterwards with a bottle of Moët & Chandon, a tray and four elegant glasses. He then expertly opened the champagne and poured out four glasses. He raised his glass and said: ‘This is the best piece of news I’ve heard for a long time. To Richard and Mary from Janet and me, the warmest wishes to you both.’

  He paused and said ‘When is the actual big day?’

  Richard replied: ‘Five weeks tomorrow at St. Michael’s, Elmhurst at 3 p.m.’

  ‘There must be a lot of things to do before then. Firstly that’s a lovely church.’

  ‘To bring you right up to date, we are booked to get married at St. Michael’s church. We’ve seen the Vicar and the first of the wedding banns will be called this Sunday. We are proposing to hold the reception at Elmhurst Lodge Hotel, which is roughly only half a mile from the church. Now to other matters, I have had a word with the manager of the local branch of Finches about the possibility of renting a flat or house in that area. He told me he had something coming up that might suit. Apparently the property in question is being refurbished and should be available roughly the second week in June.’

  Harold said: ‘Hold it right there. Now you are probably aware that over the years I have been building up a portfolio of investments with a view to giving me an enhanced pension pot when I retire. Now about eighteen months ago I purchased a house in Elmhurst which needed updating. I was advised that the owners just wanted to dispose of the house as soon as possible to clear certain debts. Hence the price I paid was a snip, and over the last year I have been using a local builder to renovate the house. So far a new kitchen has been installed plus a new bathroom suite, and to bring it into this day and age, an efficient heating system. The whole house has been decorated inside and out. I also contacted Finches and enquired as to what would be a fair rent for the property. I was pleasantly surprised at the figure they suggested. I suspect by now you realise we are talking about the same house.’ He went on to say: ‘I think it would suit your requirements. Obviously I would not expect you to pay the rent advised by Finches.’

  ‘Well’ interrupted Richard’ I think we could manage quite a reasonable rent on a house in that condition.’

  ‘Well that is very fair but, of course, as family you would be entitled to a discount. I think first of all you should go and have a look tomorrow. I have a spare set of keys and then if you like it, we can discuss it further.’

  ‘That all sounds very promising, don’t you agree Mary?’

  She replied warmly: ‘It’s fantastic news.’

  Harold, turning to Mary, then said ‘I would like to discuss a rather delicate matter. I know that by tradition the bride’s parents often pay for the reception. I have to say, however, that I know your mother has had a very difficult two years following your father’s death from that terrible car accident.’

  ‘If my father had survived that accident he would certainly have wanted very much to be involved in the wedding arrangements.’ At this moment Mary paused and said: ‘After long and provocative discussions, however, my mother was today informed by her own advisors that at long last there is a firm offer of an out of court settlement for substantial compensation. So her financial position will be considerably improved from what it is at the present moment.’

  ‘Well’ said Harold ‘I am more than pleased to hear that, but I have to say that whatever sum is paid cannot compensate for the trauma your mother has had to face over the past two years. With your approval, I would like to talk to your mother about this, and frankly, I would like to contribute something to the reception.’

  ‘That’s OK by me. I will have a word with mother when I get back.’

  Harold then said: ‘Well we have covered a lot of ground tonight. There is just one other point I would mention which might be of interest to you. To cut a long story short - as you may know, your mother and I have had several holidays on a small island about fifteen miles east of Corfu. It’s got quite a long name but, roughly translated, means “paradise”. So most of the Brits who live on the island refer to it as Paradise Island. Well actually, we now own the villa. Your mother and I had a fifty percent share in it. The other fifty per cent was owned by someone we met many years ago. He was a painter, not very well known, who rented the villa from the previous owner. He sold most of the paintings at a reasonable price and eventually we went fifty/fifty with the villa. This provided him with the peace and quiet he longed for to enable him to paint all day. From day one, he always said this was where he would love to spend the rest of his days, so we came to an arrangement whereby I would buy fifty per cent of the villa, which he could use, and we became virtually sleeping partners. I’m sure fifteen years of his life on the island were happy. In fact, two weeks before he died he completed his last painting. He always said that if anything happened to him he would leave his share of the villa to Janet and me, and true to his word, that is what he did. So if you are looking for a nice quiet place for your honeymoon, you can use it.’

  Richard replied: ‘That’s a lovely offer, but I have already booked a place and not even Mary knows where.’

  ‘Well, well!’ said Harold. ‘You really are a chip of the old block. When your mother and I got married, I never told Janet where we were going for our honeymoon until we were on our way. We did not have a car then and went by train. The surprise was - we went all the way to Cornwall and stayed at a lovely small hotel in Falmouth. So Richard, go ahead. I am sure you will be happy wherever you go.’

  Richard then said: ‘There is one more piece of news which has nothing to do with the wedding. Perhaps Mary ought to tell you.’

  Mary said: ‘I think you are referring to my job. In simple terms, one of the Sisters in the Maternity Wing at the hospital is retiring in the autumn and I have been asked to take over her role. I do have the right qualifications and all it would mean is spending a few weeks as her understudy before she retires. It also means I would be promoted to Sister.’

  Harold said straight away ‘Congratulations Mary! I am sure you deserve the appointment. This calls for another drink.’

  Richard then said: ‘I don’t think I had better have any more as I will be driving Mary home. Thanks all the same.’

  ‘Well’ said Harold, ‘I have an answer to your problem. I have an account with a small taxi firm around the corner. I will give them a call. What time do you wish to leave? Shall we say 10.30 p.m?

  Mary said: ‘That would be fine by me.’

  Harold then said: ‘If you like, Richard, you can escort Mary home and then return here in the taxi.’

  ‘OK Dad, that sounds fine.’

  The taxi arrived on time. Mary made a point of hugging Harold and Janet in turn and thanked them both profusely. On the way to Mary’s house, they embraced one another and Mary then said: ‘I have a job to believe all the good news I have heard tonight.’

  ‘Yes, I have to say that my father has been very generous, and I know they both think the world of you.’

  ‘My Mum regards you as the son she never had.’

  ‘On that happy note, I will pick you up at about nine o’clock to go and see the house’ and added: ‘If you want to bring your Mum along that’s OK by me.’

  With that they kissed. ‘See you tomorrow.’

  Chapter 3

  The following morning Richard was up early. This would be a big day, and after breakfast he was off to pick up Mary and go and see the house his father had offered them. He rang the doorbell and Mary’s mother opened the door.

  ‘We are ready,’ she said. ‘The only small snag is I have to be back by about 10.30 a.m. to prepare lunch. I have the chap who has been handling my claim coming over to go through the necessary documents, to discuss whether I should accept. Actually, I would be grateful if you could be present, just to cast your legal experience on the proposed out of court
settlement.’

  ‘I shall be glad to offer my opinion on what is proposed’ agreed Richard, adding ’We should be back here in good time.’

  Mary came down the stairs ‘Good morning Richard. You are bang on time. Let’s go.’

  They soon arrived at Elmhurst and found the house. Mary’s mother said straight away ‘I remember this house from when I went to school just down the road. Believe it or not, it used to be a local post office. The lady who ran it sold a few things - mainly sweets. She did a good trade when the children were at school and got to know many of them by name.’

  Richard turned the key on what was to become his home after he and Mary were married. The first room they took a great interest in was the kitchen. It was fully fitted and even had a built-in washing machine, dishwasher and freezer plus an electric cooker. Mary was over the moon with what she saw and said: ‘This is beyond my wildest dreams. I only hope my cooking skills will match all this.’ Her mother responded: ‘Don’t be alarmed at what Mary said. In fact she is very capable in that department.’

  The whole house had been decorated from top to bottom - the walls in magnolia emulsion and the woodwork in white paint. They went upstairs and looked at the bathroom. This had been finished completed with a mixer unit on the bath and a shower connection. To complete the bathroom was a folding glass door which could be pulled to form a shower area. They completed their inspection of the house.

  Richard then said: ‘I must contact my father later to confirm acceptance of his offer.’

  They all returned to Helen’s house very pleased with what they had seen at Elmhurst. Mary was especially happy and could not believe how lucky she was. Once home, Helen said: ‘I must get started on the lunch. If you could give me a hand Mary, that would be helpful and you Richard might like you read the file and notes on the claim that I am pursuing.’

  Richard replied: ‘That’s a very good idea.’

  Chapter 4

  Richard took the file from Helen and began to read it. The first two pages were really a summary of what actually happened on the night Helen’s husband George had died as a result of a traumatic road accident.