Deadly Lies

An alert has gone out to the public with the children’s details and it’s important you don’t tell anyone about the Hardmans or your work there or about what we talk about today. Any information you can give me might be vital. Could we start by you telling me about your work for the Hardmans.’
‘Of course – I clean bathrooms, kitchen, living room, study – I do the whole house once a week and I’ve worked for Joan for almost seven years. What do you want to know?’
‘Do you see the grandchildren when you’re there?’
‘Never, though I hear about them often. I go there on a Thursday and I’ve been going there from before Emily was born so I get all the news and, of course, I clean their bedroom too with all their things in it.’
‘Right. And you have a set of keys for the house?’
‘I have front door and back door keys and that’s because usually Joan isn’t there when I arrive. Plus, I have to take out the trash and that goes out the kitchen door. And I prefer to take my equipment out through the garden not through the house.’
‘And you keep your keys where?’
‘I’ll show you.’
Halina took McGowan into the kitchen and she opened the door of a cupboard. On the inside there were several rows of hooks, each with a set of keys on them. He counted fifteen in all.
‘Some people I clean for let me in and out. These are the owners who don’t.’
‘Lots of people trust you.’
‘Of course, why not? People want a clean house and I do a good job. Only I know which key is for which house and not even my husband knows. I haven’t written it down anywhere because I keep it in my head.’ Halina tapped her temple. ‘That was my oldest daughter’s idea in case we had a break-in.’
‘That was smart of her. And have you ever had a burglary?’
‘Never.’
‘What about the keys to Mrs Hardman’s house, have you ever misplaced them or left them anywhere? Think carefully, Mrs Badawi, and please don’t think I’m accusing you, we simply need to work quickly to establish the facts and find the children. That’s what we’re interested in.’
‘Of course, I understand.’
Halina thought for a few moments, then she shook her head. McGowan felt his hopes sinking.
‘I’m certain that’s not happened. They’re in my bag to and from Joan’s house and when I get back I always put them on the hook.’ She went to tap Mrs Hardman’s hanging keys and McGowan stopped her.
‘Please don’t touch them. You’re certain you’ve never mislaid them nor given them to anyone else?’
‘Definite.’
‘I’ll need to take these for testing,’ he said. ‘And you’re sure no one else apart from you knows which key belongs to Mrs Hardman’s house?’
Halina drummed her fingers on the counter. ‘Only me. Except maybe my oldest daughter might have guessed. Because she’s clever like that.’

7
Sylvie Delacourt wished she could go to the gym. It was her usual place for de-stressing and she really needed it. She was feeling so strung out after seeing the abduction of Emily and Lisa on the news and the early morning rush at work had been awful. She’d tipped a milkshake into a customer’s lap and spilled a whole canister of chocolate powder on the floor. When she dropped a tray of glasses, the manager had confronted her and Sylvie spilled her story of having known the Glover children. At least it got her a bit of sympathy and the manager rolled his eyes and told her to take a couple of hours’ break.
Sylvie needed to think straight. Should she contact the Glover family? What would she say to Alice? The woman hated her and yet the children were missing so shouldn’t Sylvie at least call? And what about Jack?
The streets of Brighton were always busy. Walking amongst the crowds, Sylvie headed for the promenade. Along the seafront she could smell the salty air and the gulls called out over the water.
Sylvie hadn’t wanted to leave Himlands Heath. She’d imagined herself staying with the Glovers for another six months which would have given her time to set up her website and sort out graphics and a proper advertising strategy for her new business. Jack Glover had promised to support her business idea and to lend her money to start it up. Of course, it all went down the pan when Alice made a fuss. Stupid woman. Alice had no ambition. All Alice had was looks which were fast fading and a body which hadn’t got back into shape after two children. Why did Alice have to ruin everything?
With no waitressing experience, Sylvie had been lucky to be taken on at the coffee bar. She had even more luck when another waitress offered her a room. Sure, the lodging the two of them shared was poky and basic. Sylvie didn’t care. It was cheap.
Going back to her room, she rummaged for her towel and costume. She couldn’t go to a gym anymore because the running machine and the weights would be too strenuous and too risky. Instead, she’d go to the swimming pool. A few gentle lengths might help stop the turmoil because she really needed to calm down.
Her phone buzzed and when she looked at the screen she saw her big sister. It was Chloe sending photos again – several of Chloe in a bar with friends and one taken at Chloe’s desk showing a huge pile of files. As Sylvie scanned, she felt tears prickling the back of her eyes. She was more emotional these days which must be down to her hormones. There was no way she could tell Chloe she’d got herself into a terrible mess. She knew what her big sister would say – she’d criticise and pick fault and get to act like the superior one again. Sylvie’s parents would do the same – they’d point out how Sylvie was always the one to get it wrong and