Deep Hurt - Eva Hudson Page 0,58
hear Tommy in the background?”
The woman thought for a moment, finally uncrossing her arms and relaxing just a little. “I can’t be sure, I don’t think so.”
“But you didn’t ask to speak to the boy?”
“Why would I?”
“To check he was OK.”
“I had no reason to think he wouldn’t be.” She let out an irritated sigh. “Kyle Foster is a good man. You don’t work in this trade for twenty-odd years without being able to read people.”
“Even good people break down. I’ve been working at the Bureau for long enough to see it happen plenty of times. The nicest folk can do stuff that’s completely out of character.”
Sherwood shook her head adamantly. “Not Kyle. Molly must have had an accident or something.”
“Did Kyle tell you that?”
“He hasn’t told me anything about what happened. Only that he didn’t hurt Molly.”
“Why didn’t you try to persuade him to give himself up to the police when he called?”
“Because he told me he didn’t do it.”
“But he could explain all of that to the police.”
Sherwood was shaking her head. “He has Tommy to think about.”
“Don’t you think Carrie might want Tommy with her?”
“I saw how she was on the news. She doesn’t look capable of looking after herself, let alone Tommy.”
Ingrid didn’t believe what Sherwood was telling her. There was something more to it. Was it possible Yvonne Sherwood was having an affair with Kyle Foster?
“You OK, Mum?”
Ingrid looked up to see Marcus Sherwood standing at the door.
“I thought you’d gone to bed,” his mother said.
“As if I’d do that, with you being interrogated down here.” He stared at Ingrid. “Where’s the other one? Snooping around somewhere?”
“Major Gurley is outside,” Ingrid told him.
“Go back upstairs, Marcus. I’ll be up soon. I promise.” She stared at Ingrid. “I’m sure we’re almost finished here.”
“Sodding bastard, putting you through this,” he said.
“I can assure you Major Gurley was just doing his job. We have to ask these questions,” Ingrid said. “The police won’t be any different.”
“I wasn’t talking about Gurley.”
“Marcus! Can you please go upstairs?”
“For God’s sake, Mum. He’s not worth getting into trouble over. Think about Luke. What if you’re arrested?”
His mother said nothing. Marcus Sherwood stormed out of the room.
Ingrid sank back in her chair, her eyes wide, her eyebrows raised. She remained silent and waited for Sherwood to comment. After what seemed a very long few moments, she finally did.
“Marcus isn’t a big fan of Kyle’s.”
Ingrid didn’t respond.
“Marcus thinks I flirt with Kyle.” She tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. “Silly sod. I flirt with every bloke who comes into this place. It’s part of the job. It doesn’t mean anything. Especially not with Kyle.”
Ingrid wriggled forward in her seat again but didn’t speak.
Sherwood looked towards the door. “I don’t want Marcus to find out about this.” She tipped back her head and stared up at the ceiling for a few moments. “I feel so stupid about it now.”
Ingrid maintained her silence.
Sherwood puffed out a steadying breath. “A few months ago… Oh God. I’m only telling you this because it might change your opinion of Kyle…” She took another deep breath. “A few months ago I made a pass at Kyle. I was a bit tipsy. The kids had finally won a match and everyone was celebrating. Kyle and I were getting on really well. I misjudged the situation.” She put a hand across her eyes. “I can still picture the shocked expression on his face. He didn’t need to say anything—it was clear I’d crossed a line. Kyle might join in with a bit of banter now and then, but he only has eyes for one girl.”
Ingrid made no comment.
“You do know I’m talking about Carrie?”
“Actually I’d heard things had been a little… difficult between Kyle and Carrie since Molly was born.”
“Who told you that?”
“I really can’t divulge—”
“No—I don’t suppose you can.”
“You don’t agree?”
“Kyle mentioned it a few times. He confided in me, I suppose. It’s what made me think that he might be interested in…” She shook her head. “What a bloody fool I was.” Sherwood leaned in towards Ingrid. “Can this stay just between you and me? I’m only telling you because I want you to understand that Kyle and I became quite close. That’s how I know he couldn’t do what you say he did.”
“Tell me what happened between Carrie and Kyle after Molly was born.” While Sherwood was in a confessional mood, Ingrid hoped she could squeeze a little more information from her.
“I’m not a doctor,