Free Murdered by Nature by Roderic Jeffries Page A

have been less than the person he appeared to be to most.’
    â€˜You have a valid reason for suggesting this?’
    â€˜He often sailed to Morocco, but never with his wife, although she went with him on other trips. On his return, he brought back, amongst other things, antique copper caskets. Why the caskets?’
    â€˜You do not allow he might appreciate them?’
    â€˜Perhaps they were filled with cannabis of a newly developed, considerably more powerful variety. Señor, you may not remember there were several spliffs in Kerr’s possession.’
    â€˜Do not judge the quality of others’ memories by your own.’
    â€˜If Kerr bought them locally, he will have known who was dealing in them and learned something which made him think it possible Ashton was importing the cannabis from Morocco. At first sight, this would have seemed ridiculous. Ashton was seemingly wealthy and had no need to take part in so illegal and risky a venture. Was his supposed wealth an invisible cloak? What seems so unlikely, may not be. No one would wonder if the financial chaos of the past years badly hit his income and capital, or that to maintain his luxurious lifestyle he needed to make money quickly.
    â€˜Having discovered the truth, Kerr tried to put a black on him, probably for five thousand euros, eight hundred of which had been spent before Ashton decided the blackmailing had to be stopped; the only way, to murder Kerr.’
    There was a long silence.
    Salas finally said: ‘I doubt I have ever before heard the equal of such improbability. What scintilla of proof is there that Señor Ashton suffered any financial distraint before his death? What reason is there for supposing a man of his background and character would, whatever his financial circumstances, even consider indulging in criminal activities? How could he have met Kerr? Is it conceivable he would have wished to have contact with a drug addict?’
    â€˜Señor, there were four thousand two hundred euros in cash in Kerr’s possession plus the notebook in which was the address of Son Dragó. There is one way of proving I have been talking nonsense.’
    â€˜There are several.’
    â€˜But wouldn’t it be as well to consider that one way, however absurd it might seem to you, and cover one’s back?’
    â€˜A very regrettable desire.’
    â€˜It’s so difficult to judge in which way things are likely to go.’
    â€˜And for some, in which way they have been. What are the details of the señor’s will?’
    â€˜I haven’t yet—’
    â€˜What is the evidence of the cook?’
    â€˜I haven’t yet—’
    â€˜How much longer is the analysis of the contents of the dead man’s stomach going to take?’
    â€˜The lab said it would be a very lengthy process, and they couldn’t give an accurate figure.’
    â€˜They said that today?’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Then I suggest you find out when. Logical possibilities need to be examined before illogical ones.’ Salas closed the conversation.
    The next morning, Alvarez regarded the unopened envelopes on his desk with bored dislike. Official mail was either incoherent, inopportune, or boring. For once, he had misjudged. In one envelope was the authorization for Inspector Alvarez, of the Cuerpo General de Policía, to be given details of the accounts of Señor Ashton, deceased, in Banco Llueso.
    He lit a cigarette. Salas must have decided there might be an advantage in having his back covered.
    Pagés regarded Alvarez approach with annoyance.
    â€˜Good morning, señor,’ Alvarez said.
    He muttered a return greeting.
    â€˜I have come back to ask for details of—’
    â€˜You did not understand what I told you?’
    â€˜I have an authorization granting me the right to learn certain details regarding the accounts of the late Señor Ashton.’
    â€˜Let me see it.’
    Alvarez