There is a wealth of information available. I used herbs I’d grown myself, so I knew they were pure. I learned what strengths to use, as well as the healing properties of each of them.’ I look from one to the other. ‘Later, I studied herbalism at college. I have a qualification.’
‘What do you grow?’ For the first time, he sounds as though he’s interested.
‘Common or garden herbs that many people grow – rosemary, bay, oregano, mint, lavender, calendula, echinacea, several types of sage. The list goes on.’
‘Do you use berries?’ He stares at me.
‘Sometimes.’ I pause. ‘Herbalism isn’t limited to leaves and flowers. Some preparations use the root and bark and seeds …’
‘But you said you use berries.’ He repeats it too quickly.
I frown. ‘That’s correct.’
He nods slightly. ‘I was just thinking about how many poisonous plants there are out there. It wouldn’t be hard would it – if someone wanted to kill a person.’
I stare at him, aghast, then turn to Andrew Nelson. ‘I can’t answer that. It’s like admitting I’ve done something.’ Then I add slightly accusingly, ‘I thought you were supposed to be helping me.’
‘It isn’t a trick question, Ms Reid.’ The DI interrupts. ‘I’m asking if it would be possible, that’s all.’
His words shock me. Do they think I’ve poisoned Matt? ‘The whole world knows about plants like deadly nightshade or hemlock, that can kill people. Others can be dangerous and like any reputable herbalist, I’m aware of them.’
‘Tell us more about the old woman in Brighton.’
‘I was walking through the Lanes – after making a delivery. On my way back to my car. The first I knew of her was when she called after me.’
PC Page’s voice is sharp. ‘Can you tell us about her?’
I shake my head. ‘I don’t know who she was. I’d definitely have remembered her if I’d met her before. She said she had a message for me. I assumed it was to do with Matt.’ I shake my head, remembering. ‘She told me I wasn’t safe. To get away. She said Matt wasn’t who I thought he was. Then she told me I was in danger.’
‘You give this any credence, Ms Reid?’ The DI’s eyes are locked on my face.
‘Truthfully? I don’t know what to think. But after everything that’s happened, what she said makes sense.’
‘Did it resonate with you at the time? Perhaps tap into any unvoiced suspicions you might have had about Mr Roche?’
Frowning, I shake my head. ‘I didn’t suspect Matt of anything – not then. At first, I wanted to dismiss what she said as nonsense. But she was insistent.’ I pause, thinking. ‘It was the same day all of this started.’
‘What do you mean?’ The DI frowns.
‘It was after she stopped me that Matt disappeared.’
The DI sounds mildly irritated. ‘Would you say you’re the kind of person who believes in clairvoyance?’
Beside me, Andrew Nelson seems to stir into life. ‘I’m not sure that question is entirely relevant.’
‘Thank you,’ I mutter towards him, then turn back to the DI. ‘Should I go on?’
‘If you would.’
I continue. ‘I drove home and carried on working. Later that morning, Matt called me.’ My voice wavers. At that point, as far as I knew, our wedding was going ahead. ‘He said he was taking an American client out for dinner. He sounded flustered – and apologetic – we were trying to organise the last minute details for our wedding.’ My voice wavers again. ‘He said he didn’t have a choice.’ I pause. ‘He told me he needed to speak to me later – he didn’t say what about. Then he said, take care babe.’ I look from the DI to PC Page. ‘That’s when I suspected something was wrong.’ Watching the DI’s puzzled face, I explain. ‘Matt never called me babe. And he never said take care. Not ever. When he called me that morning, something was different.’
‘Let me get this straight.’ The DI frowns. ‘Your fiancé says take care, babe … and you interpret that to mean he’s in some kind of trouble? He didn’t give you any clue as to what it was you needed to talk about?’
‘No.’ My throat is dry, my voice husky.
‘From what we’ve been told, presumably he was planning to come home and tell you he was leaving you.’
‘Maybe.’ I stare at the table.
DI Lacey looks confused. ‘So what happened next? I’ve been going through the case notes. With regard to the meeting your fiancé had with an American client – that was