Chapter 12 – Further Questioning

After Fidel had questioned Patrick and Gemma about the fraud and plagiarism charges, they were taken to the main table in the police station to be interviewed by Jack and Florence.

'So Mr Buchanan' began Jack, addressing Patrick. 'I believe you lied to us yesterday when you told us you and Mrs Munro were arguing about the origin of The Wind that Shakes the Barley? Would you care to tell me what you were really talking about?'

Patrick tutted and backed down 'OK so Heather sings a song that we do sometimes and when we met in Germany last year she confronted me and said somebody had told her at the end of one of her concerts that they had seen us in concert a couple of weeks before and that Gemma had said she had written it, so this person was confused when Heather acknowledged that it was written by the legendary songwriter Robert Main'

'I see, and so you threatened her with her life if she reported this to the relevant authorities?'

'No I didn't threaten her with her life, nor did either my wife or I murder her over this!'

'So what exactly was the threat?' asked Florence.

'I said I would confess to her husband she had been having an affair with me. Gareth Munro would never forgive that and would have split with her immediately!'

'And is that true?'

'No, she couldn't stand the sight of me. But it would have been my word against Heather's!'

'And Mrs Buchanan' continued Jack 'could you please tell us once and for all what you were doing when you were alone in the hall where the concert took place'

'As I told you before, I was checking Heather's set list' answered Gemma with a hint of irritation in her voice. 'Only I was looking for Edinburgh Nights by Robert Main rather than The Wind That Shakes The Barley. And no, I really did not turn up the volume on the CD player or murder Heather Munro'

'Yes we know you didn't touch the CD player' agreed Jack. 'But could you please tell me why you tried to run away from Sainte-Marie if you are not guilty of murder?'

'We are not guilty of murder, but as you know we have been found guilty of fraud and we were confronted by someone this morning who said they had evidence we had cheated them and were going to go to the police. We did it to try to save our careers'

'Well, I'm afraid it didn't work. Now I must remind you both of what will happen now' he looked between Gemma and Patrick. 'You will be kept in our holding cells while the murder investigation continues and if neither of you are found to be guilty of the murder you will be transferred to St Lucia to attend court for the charges you are facing there. If you are guilty you will have to attend court on both islands but will be detained here as this would then be the location of the most serious offence'. And with that Patrick and Gemma were led away to the cells.

'Well, I'm exhausted. It's been a very long two days!' said Jack. I'm going to head home for something to eat and a bit of quiet time, although I may have a think about things later on'

'Sounds like a good idea, Sir' agreed Dwayne, smiling.

'Got plans with Darlene again, have you?' Florence quizzed him.

'Maybe' he looked away and headed out the door.

'Things must be going well with those two' commented J P. He was singing and dancing earlier on!'

'Really?' gasped Jack and Florence together.

'Yes, the Commissioner and Fidel got an unexpected show when they arrived!'

'I wish I'd see it' Jack laughed.

'Me too!' giggled Florence.

'Well, I'd better be going. Rosie will have made dinner and will be wondering where I am'

'Then you'd better not keep her waiting!' agreed Jack. 'Good night J P'

'Good night Sir, Sergeant'

'Good night' echoed Florence. 'Well, I guess I'll call it a night too. Shall I drive you home?

'No, it's OK. I think I'll walk and get some fresh air'

'OK. Give me a call if you get a brainwave'

'Ditto'

Two hours later, having had a walk, eaten, showered and changed into comfortable clothes, Jack was still pacing up and down the porch of the shack.

'What do you think, Harry?' he asked the little green lizard who had appeared on the railing. Harry just stared back quizzically. 'The fellow folk singers who were known to the victim to be plagiarists and whose careers could have ended if she had reported what she knew about them? Or the jealous young barmaid? Or the arts chief who was acting in a suspiciously more controlling way than usual? And where's the poison and the weapon that was used to hit her on the head?'

'I don't know. I've been thinking about it too but I think it's time to relax and switch off from it for the night' Florence appeared out of nowhere.

'Oh hello Florence…were you listening to my rant?' Jack was slightly embarrassed.

'Just towards the end, I couldn't help it, sorry'

'No worries, really. And you're right. I should really leave it for the night'

'Yes, and I've brought some dessert. Coconut rice pudding, my favourite. I thought you might like to try it?'

'Sounds lovely, I do like the rice pudding we get at home'

'But this is our special coconut version. I hope you like it'

'I can't wait to find out. I'll just get two bowls and some rum to go with it'

'Perfect!'

As they tucked into the dessert, Jack exclaimed 'Mmm, this is lovely, Florence. You'll have to give me the recipe!'

'I will, it's quite easy' she promised.

They talked about their favourite foods for an hour or so, forgetting about the murder case, before Florence headed off and they both got some much needed sleep.