A Coffin for Charley Read Online Free Page A

the corner or in a doorway tonight. He could go back and tell the two women that it was all clear. Although that did not mean the man had not been there or might be there again.
    No need to alarm Stella and Letty by telling them thata girl called Marianna Manners had been strangled and then stifled. But he had to think about it.
    It was possible that she might have been killed by Job Titus whom they both knew.
    Or Titus might have contracted for her death with one of the Creeley family, a youngster with a violent reputation.
    In both those instances, Stella and Letty were under no threat.
    Or Marianna might have been killed by just the sort of man that was watching them.
    He walked back to St Luke’s Mansions. A patrol car passed him, slowed for a look, recognized him, and passed on. So his orders were already being followed.
    A prosperous-looking dark blue car was parked in the kerb near by. An expensive-looking car and he thought he had seen it before. He walked round the front to study the windscreen and saw on it a card which empowered the driver to park his car in the area reserved for Members of Parliament.
    The last thing he wanted just now was a visit from Job Titus. There were good sound reasons for not entertaining in your home a man who might be a murder suspect.
    He walked up his stairs quickly, arriving at the kitchen in time to hear Stella saying that they were going to eat at home but something had gone wrong with a casserole she was doing and she thought they would now be eating out.
    Job Titus was sitting at the kitchen table holding a glass of red wine. He had been drinking already, Coffin could tell from his eyes, but had himself in hand. He was supposed to be able to charm all women and Coffin thought he was doing so now. Letty was smiling and Stella would probably be asking Titus to join them at dinner if he didn’t move fast to stop her.
    Job stood up as Coffin came. John, of course we’ve met, you remember?’ He held out his hand.
    At a large charity dinner in the Docklands, if you could call that meeting. They had shaken hands, no more. And as far as Coffin was concerned, they could leave it there.
    They were not friends. Job had certainly joined in the late campaign to get his resignation, even if he had kept his name hidden. My secret enemy, he thought.
    He left the outstretched hand hanging and after a second, Job withdrew it, covering the moment with a smile. ‘I always believe in going to the top with a complaint. Your men have been harassing me. I don’t want to make it official, cause trouble for you. I want to keep it friendly.’
    â€˜I can’t discuss anything,’ said Coffin stiffly. Like to slit your throat.
    From Stella’s startled look at him he guessed this notion came across to her. ‘John …’ she began.
    â€˜It’s all right, Stella, Mr Titus is just leaving.’
    Job Titus stood up. He put his arm round Letty who showed no sign of resenting it. ‘I just love this leopard lady. You aren’t listening to me, John. I did not kill Marianna Manners. You might pass that word on to your murder squad. They are ill-mannered bastards who take a lot for granted and if I swore at them, then they deserved it. This was meant to be just a friendly warning for you to pass on. Next time I will make it official.’ He moved away, knocking over the glass of red wine. ‘Look, I told your men that Marianna had been complaining of a man trying to get to know her. Go for him, not me.’
    â€˜I’ll see you out,’ said Coffin.
    â€˜Before we go, just one more thing: Marianna auditioned for a part in the amateur play in the Theatre Workshop here. She was out of work, you see, and she thought anything was better than nothing. Maybe she met her killer there. Bear it in mind.’
    Coffin just held the door without answering.
    Job Titus hesitated, then moved towards the door. ‘Goodbye, Stella, goodbye, Letty. Mrs Coffin,