Free Found Guilty at Five by Ann Purser

When they died of malnourishment, disease and neglect, they were put aside like dead dogs. No, not like dead dogs. Dogs would be better treated.
    But for now, her concerns were for Jamie, her precious son, who could be mixed up with all of that, though for the life of her she could not see why or how.
    She walked on, head down on the lookout for rabbit holes and traps. Norrington had hired a new gamekeeper. He was neat and tidy, but kept himself to himself. Derek had reported that he’d seen him in the pub on his own, not making any attempts at friendship. He lived in the gamekeeper’s cottage, and was reputed to have an attractive blonde with him. He had apparently been employed by Norrington to set up a commercial pheasant shoot, and had claimed experience in various locations around the country. He had not mentioned his name in the pub, as far as Derek could remember.
    “Good morning, madam!”
    Lois stopped suddenly, startled by the loud voice. He was there, wearing the kind of muddy green that renders countrymen almost invisible, and was blocking her way. He carried a gun in the correct manner, and smiled at her.
    “Morning,” Lois replied. “Sorry—I don’t think I know you?”
    “Just call me Mellors,” he said, and burst out laughing.
    “I’ve read it,” said Lois flatly. Conceited idiot! Thinks he can turn on the charm, just because I’m female.
    “Ah, well done,” he said. “Lady Chatterley, I presume?”
    “Oh, for God’s sake, man. I’m in a hurry, so could you please let me through.”
    The path was narrow, with high nettles on either side. Lois hadn’t bothered to change into thick trousers, and was determined not to be stung.
    “There’s just one thing,” he said. “I believe you are trespassing. This is private woodland, except on days when Mr. Norrington opens it to the public. And this isn’t one of those days. And then there’s the pheasants. I’m here to protect these valuable birds from dogs such as yours.” He pointed at Jeems, who sidled up close to Lois and growled.
    “I always keep her on a lead,” said Lois, though this was not strictly true. Many local people had for years walked their dogs in the spinney, chiefly because it was a wonderful place for snuffles and sniffs, and setting up clattering pigeons.
    “Right, well, on you go then. Just find another place to exercise your dog, please.”
    “Oh, don’t worry. I shall get permission from Mr. Norrington, if that’s what’s needed. I’m sure he’ll be pleased to hear his gamekeeper is so keen on his job.”
    “Then we may meet again, Lady C,” the man said, and strode off, whistling.
    “Yeah, yeah, very funny,” Lois said aloud to Jeems. “Too clever by half. One to watch, I reckon, don’t you?” Jeems pricked her ears and growled again. She was good at recognising an enemy.

T HIRTEEN

    T HE TRAIN TO L ONDON WAS HALF EMPTY, AND J AMIE CHOSE a window seat. He had a paperback that his father had thrust into his hands at the last minute, saying it would take his mind off Akiko. It was a collection of Matt cartoons, and in spite of himself he began to smile and feel more cheerful.
    By the time he reached London, he had decided that they had all been worrying about nothing. The theft of the cello was serious, of course, but there were other cellos, and Akiko had it insured. Then all that stuff about a poisoned sandwich. Talk about melodrama! Really, Inspector Cowgill could see trouble everywhere.
    Akiko would turn up. He was sure of that. After all, although the two of them had been playing music together for some while, she had kept her personal life very separate from her professional relationships. Until recently, maybe? Yes, of course he cared about her safety. Who wouldn’t? She was as beautiful as fragile porcelain, and was always pleasant and considerate. The perfect colleague, then? But nothing more, as far as he was concerned.
    He was almost chirpy as he reached his flat and inserted the key in the