Chapter Twenty-nine

The woman sitting opposite Strike and Robin in their office looks younger than her wrinkled hands suggest, and Strike is wondering if she's had cosmetic surgery when Robin begins, "Thanks for coming in, Mrs. Newton, we_"

"Ms," snaps their guest, who's resting face evidently leans towards bitterness.

Strike is thinking he deserves a medal for not rolling his eyes, as Robin says, "Ms. Sorry. Our office manager is usually spot-on about such things."

Waving away the apology, Ms. Newton says, "Not her fault; my divorce came through while I was on your waiting list."

Robin is about to offer a vague excuse when Strike says, "Apologies. We've been on our honeymoon."

The divorcee's eyes widen in surprise, and her stunned gaze flicks between the two detectives before she says, "Oh, I hadn't heard. Congratulations."

Strike nods, saying, "Thank you. Now, perhaps you could tell us exactly what you want from us?"

Her mouth a thin line of fury, Ms. Newton soon says, "I want you to find out whose dog impregnated my Ruby. It's one of my rivals, I'm sure of it. They know I've got a champion bitch, and they've ensured that she won't be fit for the start of the coming season."

It's Strike who says, "You know that this could conceivably cost you thousands, because we have a lot of suspects to go through?"

Turning her angry gaze on him, Ms. Newton says, "With Crufts and Westminster under her belt, I could have sold Ruby's purebred puppies for thousands each, but mongrels are no use to me, and it'll be months before she's back to peak condition. I understand that, even if trespass is involved, this is hardly the crime of the century, as the police were at pains to inform me. But, if you identify the bastard who did this, I can sue them for lost earnings."

Strike has been observing her since she entered, and now says, "But it's not about the money."

Strangely, this seems to ease some of her tension, and she visibly relaxes before explaining, "No. I like to win, but cannot abide cheating. I'm sure the KC would officially shun the culprit, should I provide proof of their transgression."

Of course, Robin has prepped, from what information Pat gleaned in the first contact, and asks, "But the alarm at your house didn't trip, and nothing showed up on the security camera?"

"No, but the camera only covers the front door. Someone could have entered the yard over the rear fence, I suppose, and Ruby is often out there during the day, though she's supposed to be supervised. I was in Switzerland when it must have happened. The idiot girl who was minding Ruby never even noticed anything amiss. It was too late to do anything about it by the time she got worried enough to call me."

Glancing at the case file open before her, Robin asks, "That's Melonie Waters? You're satisfied she had nothing to do with this?"

"Of course not. she's family. Mel wouldn't do this, but she'll never work for me again. No, it'll be another breeder."

Looking at the pages of names before her, Robin asks, "These are in order of likelihood?"

For the first time since entering the office, their client looks impressed, and she says, "Yes. How did you know?"

"Just a guess. They're not in alphabetical or any other apparent order, so it made sense that you'd put the person you most suspect at the top of the list. Why Oscar Romain?"

The anger returns to their client's face as she reveals, "Ruby beat out his dog for best puppy a few years ago, and he's never forgiven us. He's also tried to buy her, and got quite rude when I refused, though I could have been more tactful about it."

Robin now looks at Strike, who asks, "Can you describe the gate you mentioned? Your house backs onto Chelsea Common, right?"

"That's right. The fence is very high, and the gate was wrought iron filigree, but I value my privacy, so had it covered in sheet metal. You can't even see into my yard from the common, and the gate is always locked. I'm satisfied that Mel made sure of that at least, if only because the lock is such that it snaps into place as the gate closes."

When Strike then nods at Robin, she says, "Well, I understand you already signed a contract and paid an advance, thank you. So we can get started on this immediately. Oh, one or both of us will want to check out your home, when it's convenient? We might spot something you didn't."

"Now is convenient. The housekeeper is currently at the Chelsea house. I'll let her know to expect you. Ruby is at my property near Chelmsford, and I'm heading back there after this. She could start whelping any day."

Curious, Robin asks, "Why was Ruby in town when this happened?"

Ms. Newton's jaw clenches before she grinds out, "Because I feared such maliciousness, but assumed someone might try to abduct her, and thought she'd be safer in the city."

Standing, Robin says, "Well, good luck with Ruby, and we'll keep you updated."

Ms. Newton and Strike stand at the same time, and he offers his hand while asking, "Ruby's pedigree name, it's for your surname?"

Looking impressed for the second time, Ms. Newton shakes his hand as she says, "No one has ever made the connection before."

Her hand lingers in his, so Strike ends it and walks her to the door while bidding her farewell. When the partners are alone, Robin asks, "Connection?"

Strike's grin is smug when he reveals, "Flower of Kent is supposedly the variety of apple that inspired Sir Isaac Newton."

Not for the first time impressed with her partner's ability to retain facts, Robin asks, "Why did you tell her we're married?"

Strike shrugs and explains, "I'm sure you remember what our recently divorced clients can be like, so thought I'd nip any romantic aspirations in the bud."

Someone else might think him arrogant for assuming, but Robin had indeed noticed something in the way Ms. Newton was looking at her husband. And she's run interference for him in the past when a few of their female clients had become quite persistent in their pursuit of him. "Well, thanks. I could probably take her if she got pushy, but it's a little unprofessional to attack a client."

Strike laughs and agrees, "Just a tad." Robin has picked up the long suspect list when Strike suggests, "Let's check out the house first. I've got an idea."

Genuinely intrigued, Robin looks at him to ask, "What idea?" When he only grins, she accuses, "You're infuriating."

He merely laughs and says, "So I've been told."

With time on her hands, Robin is having a catchup lunch with Stevie Barlow, who unfortunately hadn't made it to Cornwall. After hearing why Robin has unexpected free time, Stevie laughs loud enough to draw glances from other diners, and then asks, "Seriously, a stray dog?"

Smiling, Robin says, "Yep. He's a Jack Russell terrier—super friendly—and just small enough to fit under the gate. There were hairs on the bottom of the gate that didn't match an Irish setter, so we hung around long enough to catch him in the act of trespass, no doubt looking for his girlfriend. Strike dropped him off at a no-kill shelter before calling our client, because he was worried she might have the little fellow euthanised if she got her hands on him. He's cost her thousands of pounds, and that's not counting the setback to her career as a breeder."

Stevie laughs again, a little more subdued, and asks, "You say Strike guessed?"

"Sort of. He remembered a mate bitterly complaining that a Pomeranian had sneaked into his yard and was having its way with the guy's German shepherd, who was obligingly lying on her side for the amorous intruder."

After yet more laughter, Stevie asks, "So what will the puppies look like, with a terrier dad and setter mum?"

Robin shrugs and says, "No idea. Apparently, such mixed breeds can produce puppies anywhere in between. The shepherd didn't have puppies, because there's something like the morning after pill for dogs. Our client wasn't that lucky, because she was overseas and left a teenager in charge. If she was trying to save money, she spectacularly miscalculated."

"But she still paid you?"

"Our policy is to extract an advance. We offered to refund the balance, which of course was most of it, but she's just glad to have it resolved, and told us to keep it." With a smile, Robin adds, "I suspect she was about to start making a noise at the Kennel Club, and we've at least saved her from that embarrassment, though she'll be a laughing stock if the truth gets out."

"Well, no one's hearing it from me. I learned that lesson."

Mortified that Stevie thought the comment was directed at her, Robin quickly says, "Oh, no, I didn't mean you."

Stevie smiles and says, "I know. Thanks." And then her expression is grim when she reveals, "Not a secret, but they brought Stephen in for questioning this morning, about him maybe bugging that place in St. Mawes."

Her stomach immediately in knots at mention of his name, Robin says, "Oh, I hadn't heard." Nervous about asking Stevie to reveal details of an investigation, especially given that they've just discussed the pitfalls, she continues, "Uh, do you...are you able to talk about it at all?"

"Only for you and Strike, he confirmed that he visited Cornwall. Other than that, he lawyered up and kept mum."

"I presume, if it was him, he left no trace?"

With a shrug, Stevie says, "Dunno, but I haven't heard of extra charges being laid. Oh, though they interviewed the old lady who lives across the road, and she remembers a young woman checking out the house around that time."

Remembering the charming but inquisitive neighbour who'd furnished tea and fruitcake on Friday, and had been one of the revellers on Saturday night, Robin smiles and says, "Edith is lovely. Is there any suggestion that the woman she saw might be working with Stephen?"

Frowning, Stevie says, "Uh, I'm not sure." With a grimace, she adds, "Sorry. I'm not officially privy to the details, but heard a few things from a friend who knows of my connection to the case."

Her heart beating faster, Robin asks, "Do you think your friend would talk to me? We'd usually ask Eric Wardle, but he's wary of sharing stuff after_"

"Stephen fucked him over by going public about the investigation into his Leda Strike's murder," interrupts Stevie, and then continues, "I can ask. If a Violet Nixon contacts you, that's her. Oh, you met Vi; she sometimes makes it to class."

Recent events have kept Robin from attending the self-defence classes, but she's picturing a tall black woman with watchful eyes and a ready smile when she says, "Of course. She's sweet. Oh, and I'll be at the class on Thursday evening, if that's okay?"

Stevie smiles and says, "Absolutely." With a pointed glance at Robin's abdomen, she asks, "Everything good?"

Resting a hand on her belly, Robin assures her, "Everything is perfect." With a glance at her surroundings, she takes the precaution of lowering her voice to add, "Only you and my parents know, and I haven't had a scan yet, but the blood tests all came back okay."

With a kind smile, Stevie says, "I'm glad," and then erupts in laughter.

"What?"

Settling down, Stevie is still smiling when she explains, "Oh, I was just thinking about mismatches. What if you end up with a girl who looks like her father?"

Robin also laughs and says, "Well, I think he's gorgeous, but that would be unfortunate. Though almost as bad if we have a boy who looks like..." And then she smacks her palm to her forehead, exclaiming, "I'm such an idiot."

"Forgotten something?"

"In a way. Stevie, I'd really like the description of that woman who was at St. Mawes. I think it was Stephen."

Stevie rocks back in shock at the idea and says, "What? I don't think so. I mean, he's a good-looking guy, but he never...oh, but disguising himself as a woman doesn't necessarily mean he's into it, does it?"

"Not at all. We've had a couple of cases where the guy only dressed as a woman when committing a crime."

"Fuck, I'd better tell Wardle about this."

Stevie's is expression is suddenly so miserable that Robin says, "Look, forget about it. I wouldn't want to get you in more trouble."

Stevie winces and says, "No, he needs to know. It's just that he won't be impressed I mentioned anything to you."

Robin smiles and says, "You're too honest. Just tell Vi my theory. If you're okay with her taking the credit?"

"Absolutely. I'm still keeping my head down at work after the recent slap on the wrist. I'll do that, thanks." Sitting up straight, Stevie says, "In fact, I'd better do it right now. Okay to wrap this up?"

Robin hasn't quite finished her coffee, but says, "Of course. Thanks for taking it seriously. I'd better call Strike too. Can't believe a feminine disguise didn't occur to me before now. It might explain why we never spotted Stephen tailing us."

Studying her friend, Stevie asks, "You still think he's dangerous?"

"I honestly don't know. But I'm sure you're well aware how many attacks on women first begin with stalking."

"Yeah." Suddenly standing, Stevie says, "All right, gimme a hug." As they embrace, she adds, "Sorry I couldn't make it to Cornwall, but I'm real happy for you...both of you. He's a lucky guy."

Robin savours the embrace and then releases Stevie with a peck on the cheek before saying, "Thanks. I'm a lucky woman."

Stevie hesitates, as if reluctant to leave, and then begs, "You'll watch your back?"

In reply, Robin "solemnly" crosses her heart, which apparently satisfies that young constable enough that she leaves without comment other than a smile. The bill is already paid, so Robin drains her coffee and waits until outside before calling Strike, who answers, "That was a quick lunch. How's Stevie?"

"She's good. But, Strike, you remember saying that the local police would probably interview Ted's neighbour, Edith?"

"Yeah?"

"She saw a woman checking out the place when Stephen would have been in Cornwall."

There's a silence of several seconds before Strike exclaims, "Fuck. I'm an idiot."

Robin laughs and reveals, "That's what I said. I mean that I'm an idiot. I feel so stupid for not realising this sooner. And I'm remembering now that the second thought I had about Stephen is that he has such pretty eyelashes he could pass for a woman with a bit of makeup."

"Fuck. I need to call Ninja. Don't get on the Tube. Grab a taxi."

Rolling her eyes, Robin argues, "Strike, I'm fine. This doesn't put me in any more danger than I was before now. In fact, we have an edge while he doesn't know that we know." Laughing at the phrasing, she concludes, "If you know what I mean."

Strike sighs and says, "All right, but please be vigilant. I'm sure you can imagine what it would do to me if my half-brother ever hurt you."

Her brain thankfully retreats from picturing Strike under such circumstances, but she needs to swallow before saying, "I'll be careful. I promise. And I'll be with you very soon."

"Not soon enough. I missed you this afternoon."

Walking as she talks, Robin reminds him, "Darling, I've only been gone a couple of hours."

"And before that I had a few days of round-the-clock Robin. Seriously, I had to remember how to function alone after you left."

Robin knowingly married the most independent person she's ever met, and jokes, "Who is this, and what have you done with my husband?"

Strike laughs and agrees, "Fair comment." And then he sighs again and says, "Rob, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Her next breath trembles from too much emotion, and Robin says, "Back at you. I didn't know it was possible to be this happy."

"So, you'll take a taxi?"

He doesn't sound serious, so Robin laughs and says, "No. Go find something useful to do."

He laughs and signs off with the now familiar, "Yes, boss."