Free The Shroud Maker by Kate Ellis Page B

them down into a spacious cabin, comfortably furnished with all modern conveniences: plush seating, a TV, a sound system and a well-stocked drinks cabinet. He invited them to sit, casting a nervous glance at the clock.

‘I take it you were aboard yesterday morning around ten thirty when this boat was seen sailing out of the river?’ said Wesley.

Teague shook his head. ‘No, I wasn’t. Den told me on Friday that he wanted to take her round to Bloxham for a short run yesterday morning. Said he wasn’t going far so he wouldn’t need me.’ He smiled. ‘Think he went under power – he isn’t the world’s best sailor.’

‘So where were you while he was chugging round the headland?’ Gerry asked.

‘I spent Friday night with a friend then I had business to attend to the next morning so I didn’t get back till yesterday lunchtime. She was here at her mooring again by then.’ He shrugged.

Wesley looked at Gerry for guidance. He’d know whether the story was feasible if anyone did. Gerry said nothing so Wesley assumed it was.

‘So what about this friend you were with while Mr Dobbs went on his solo voyage?’

‘It was someone I met at the festival. A girl.’

Wesley took his notebook from his pocket. ‘She lives in Tradmouth?’

‘She’s got a flat up near the market. Then yesterday morning I went to see an old mate here who wants a partner to help with his yacht charter business. We met at his office.’

‘How long have you worked for Mr Dobbs?’

‘Only a few weeks. I met up with him in Antibes. I’d been crewing for an American guy and Den said he needed someone to help him sail the
Queen Philippa
back to Blighty. She’s a nice craft,’ he said, looking round appreciatively.

‘You’ve worked a lot in the South of France?’

‘Yeah. All around the French coast.’

‘But you’re planning to settle in Tradmouth if your mate’s job offer works out?’ Gerry sounded genuinely interested.

The man shrugged his shoulders. ‘I guess so and if it doesn’t work out there are a lot of yachts in Tradmouth for this Palkin Festival so if Den doesn’t need my services any more, I won’t have any trouble getting another berth.’ He smiled.

‘Is that what you do for a living… bum around on yachts?’

The smile widened to a grin. ‘It’s nice work if you can get it. And so far I’ve never had any trouble.’

‘What can you tell us about Dennis Dobbs?’ Wesley asked.

Teague’s manner suddenly became guarded. ‘Den’s OK.’

‘How does he earn a living?’ This was a question Wesley would have liked to ask many of the yacht owners who turned up in Tradmouth each year. He suspected that not all the flashy vessels moored in the river were paid for by honest graft.

Jason rolled his eyes. ‘In my line of business you learn not to ask too many questions. I do my job and I do it well. That’s it.’

‘Where does Dennis Dobbs live when he’s not on his yacht?’

‘London as far as I know.’

‘What time is he due back?’

‘Not till this evening. And before you ask, I don’t know where he’s gone or who he’s seeing. I’m just the hired help. He doesn’t confide in me.’

‘You said you’d heard about the woman who was found floating in an inflatable dinghy yesterday.’

‘Can’t avoid it. It’s the talk of Tradmouth. How did she…?’

‘She was strangled.’

Jason frowned. ‘Bad business.’ He looked away, avoiding Wesley’s eyes.

‘A fisherman saw this yacht anchored near the entrance to the river yesterday, about half an hour before the call came in to report the body.’

‘Like I said, Den took her out on his own.’

‘Do you have an inflatable dinghy on board?’

‘Sure. But I can assure you it’s still where it should be.’

‘You’re certain about that?’

‘Course I am. Have a look if you like.’

Gerry caught Wesley’s eye and stood up. He wasn’t taking Jason’s word for it that the inflatable dinghy was still there. He followed Jason