Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again Book 2) by M Comley (best books under 200 pages txt) 📕

this happen, at the university? Was it one of the students? No, it couldn’t be, could it?”

“We don’t know. We’ve come directly from the scene. Our first task is always to inform the next of kin. Are you up to answering a few questions?”

“Of course. I mean, I think so, there’s no telling if I’m going to pass out again or not. Bloody hell, this has come as such a shock. Murdered? I find it incredible to believe. Do you think it’s one of those road rage incidents? My husband has always been a careful driver, never one to cause problems behind the wheel, not to my knowledge anyway.”

“We’re unclear about the circumstances, as you can imagine, being out here there weren’t any witnesses. I have to tell you, bearing that in mind, it could prove very difficult to solve your husband’s case.”

“What? You can’t tell me that. What nonsense. How dare you say such a thing? Are you telling me that you’re going to give up at the first hurdle? Not bother investigating his death?”

“No. I didn’t say that. Sorry, of course we’re going to give it our very best shot, that goes without saying. What I meant was, without witnesses or evidence, our undertaking is going to be that much harder.”

“I see. In that case, I’m sorry for snapping. What a bloody mess. How the hell am I going to bring up five kids on my own, what with me working full-time?” She waved a hand, dismissing her own statement. “Ignore me, I’m being selfish, thinking of myself when I should be thinking of my dear husband. Please forgive me.”

Katy shook her head. “Seriously, there’s nothing to forgive. I can’t predict what your life is going to be like in the future but I’m sure the kids will pull you through this and help out as much as they can. Do you have any relatives in the area?”

“Unfortunately, both sets of parents are now dead. All I have is an elderly aunt who lives in a care home. She won’t be able to help, she barely remembers my name most of the time.”

“Sorry to hear that. What about friends or your neighbours?”

“Yes, they’ll probably do their best to help out now and again. It doesn’t matter, that’s not your concern. I need to know how he died?”

“You don’t. It wasn’t very pleasant. I’d rather save you from knowing that, if it’s all the same.”

Adele stared at her hands in her lap and whispered, “Did he suffer?”

“We have no way of telling, not until the post-mortem results are in,” Katy lied. It was only a white lie, saving the woman from yet more anguish.

“Why? Was he robbed?”

“No. His wallet was found on him at the scene. There was money inside, so we’re going to rule out that scenario. Has your husband had any problems at work or in his personal life in the last few weeks?”

Adele contemplated the question for a while and then glanced up at Katy, her head swishing from side to side. “No. If he did have any then he kept them from me.” She ran a hand around her face. “I can’t believe he’s gone. He was such a wonderful father. Not bad considering when we first met, he told me he didn’t want kids. Then, once he held Trina in his arms for the first time, he was smitten. Couldn’t wait to have more. If I hadn’t told him that five was enough, he would have wanted a whole tribe of them, not that five isn’t a tribe.”

“He was a devoted father then?”

“Yes, and some. All his spare time was spent with the kids. He never ventured out on his own to the pub with friends or anything like that. He adored the children and was always voicing his disgust at the men who walked out on their families without a second thought of the struggle their wives or partners would go through bringing the kids up alone. And now, I’m left to do just that. If I know my husband, he would have fought tooth and nail for that not to happen. Is that how he died? Defending our reputation?”

“We’re unsure of the facts. I’ll tell you what we do know. He lost his life a few miles from the house.”

She gasped. “No. He was nearly home? Is that what you’re telling me?”

“I’m afraid so. Someone attacked him. He had several wounds, which tells us it was a prolonged attack. The pathologist who attended the scene believes that your husband possibly knew his killer. Which is why I asked if your husband has had any problems or fallings out with anyone recently.”

Fresh tears gathered and dripped onto her cheeks. “No, I don’t think so. Why would he fall out with someone? He had his family. He no longer had what you’d call close friends. He did back in the day, but nowadays, like I said, it was his choice to be at home with me and the kids. We used to go away one weekend a month, take the tent and go off camping. The kids loved to do that. To spend valuable time with him, and he loved to be around us all.”

“You say he was a lecturer. May I ask what subject he taught?”

“He was an English literature professor. He cherished the job he had and was blessed to have good students. Some of them have gone on to become famous authors. He was thrilled to have had a hand in their success. A couple of them even went out of their way to visit him, to hand him a signed copy of their books.” She darted off the sofa and went over to the pine bookcase in the corner. She returned clutching five paperbacks. She flipped a few of them open and showed them to Katy and Charlie. “You see, each one has written a special note, thanking him for his wonderful teaching over the years. He was so proud