Free The dead of Jericho by Colin Dexter Page A

such hope was like the dew that dries so early with the morning sun. So often had his inner nature robbed him of his robe of honour that now he'd come to accept his weaknesses as quite incurable. So he safeguarded those weaknesses, eschewing all unnecessary risks, foregoing those earlier, casual liaisons, avoiding where he could the thickets of emotional involvement, playing the odds with infinitely greater caution, and almost persuading himself sometimes that in his own curious fashion he was even becoming a fraction more faithful to Celia. And one thing he knew: he would do anything not to hurt Celia. Well, almost anything.
    At ten-fifteen he rang his brother Conrad — Conrad, eighteen months younger than himself, not quite so paunchy, far more civilised, far more kindly, and by some genetic quirk a little greyer at the temples. The two of them had always been good friends, and their business association had invariably been co-operative and mutually profitable. On many occasions in the past Charles had needed to unbosom himself to his brother about some delicate and potentially damaging relationship, and on those occasions Conrad had always shown the same urbanity and understanding.
    'You thinking of putting in an appearance today, Conrad? It's after ten, you know.'
    'Twenty past, actually, and I'm catching the London train at eleven. Surprised you'd forgotten, Charles. After all, it was you who arranged the visit, wasn't it?'
    'Of course, yes! Sorry! I must be getting senile.'
    'We're all getting a little older day by day, old boy.'
    'Conrad — er — I want you to do me a favour, if you will.'
    'Yes?'
    'It'll be the last one, I promise you.'
    'Can I have that in writing?'
    'I almost think you can, yes.'
    'Something wrong?'
    'Everything's wrong. But I can sort it out, I think — if you can help me. You see, I'd — I'd like an alibi for yesterday afternoon.'
    'That's the second time this week!' (Was there an unwonted note of tetchiness in Conrad's voice?)
    'I know. As I say, though, I promise it won't— '
    'Where were we?'
    'Er — shall we say we had a meeting with some prospective— '
    'Whereabouts?'
    'Er — High Wycombe, shall we say?'
    'High Wycombe it shall be.'
    'The Swedish contract, let's say.'
    'Did I drive you there?'
    'Er — yes. I — er — we — er — finished about six.'
    'About six, I see.'
    'This is all just in case, if you see what I mean. I'm sure Celia wouldn't want to go into details, but— '
    'Understood, old boy. You can put your mind at rest.'
    'Christ, I wish I could!'
    'Look, Charles, I must fly. The train's— '
    'Yes, of course. Have a good day! And, Conrad — thanks! Thanks a million!'
    Charles put down the phone, but almost immediately it rang, and his secretary informed him that there was a call on the outside tine: personal and urgent.
    'Hello? Charles Richards here. Can I help you?'
    'Charles!' The voice was caressing and sensual. 'No need to sound quite so formal, darling.'
    'I told you not to ring— ' The irritation in his voice was obvious and genuine, but she interrupted him with easy unconcern.
    'You're on your own, darling — I know that. Your secretary said so.'
    Charles inhaled deeply. 'What do you want?'
    'I want you, darling.'
    'Look— '
    'I just wanted to tell you that I had a call from Keith this morning. He's got to stay in South Africa until a week tomorrow. A week tomorrow! So I just wondered whether to put the electric blanket on for half-past one or two o'clock, darling. That's all.'
    'Look, Jenny. I — I can't see you today — you know that. It's impossible on Saturdays. I'm sorry, but— '
    'Never mind, darling! Don't sound so cross about it. We can make it tomorrow. I was just hoping— '
    'Look!'
    'For God's sake stop saying "look"!'
    'I'm sorry; but I can't see you again next week, Jenny. It's getting too risky. Yesterday— '
    'What the hell is this?'
    Charles felt a rising tide of despair engulfing him as he thought of her long, blonde, curling hair