Mystic detective goes to Cambridge

Paul was tired; weary; so tired he was beyond sleep; travelling on a slow delayed cross country train back to Manchester. It was dark but at least the Pet Shop Boys were on his I-phone. His trip to Cambridge had been mostly a waste of time but not completely as it had eliminated one area of inquiry relating to Frankie and had also opened up a new one. But so what? The gloomy song Suburbia seemed just right to resonate with Paul’s mood.

Travelling to Cambridge the night before he’d been hopeful. And even the hotel – recommended by Frankie – had not been bad at all. Neither had the restaurant with its camp style and food, and retro feel which added to his enjoyment. As did its name. I mean who in 2020 calls a restaurant Battleship Potemkin?

But the next morning his meeting with James had at first seemed like a right waste of time.

-          James, I’m glad you agreed to meet me.

James shrugged,

-          And to talk to me about him.

-          I’m only doing this for him …

Paul nodded,

-          What can you tell me about his relationship with Julia?

-          She was a right case … a real money grabbing bitch …She pushed him and pushed him … wanted him to get promoted and promoted, when all Frankie wanted was to teach his students. But that’s not where the real money lies. (The last words were almost spat out with – anger, resentment?)

-          So you first got to know him when his marriage was on the rocks?

James nodded,

-          He was so beaten down, sad to see it really.

-          Was that when?

-          When he got busted?

-          Yep.

-          Whose fault was it?

-          At first I thought it was her.

-          His wife?

James nodded,

-          But no it can’t have been.

-          Then who?

-          Can’t tell you.

-          Can’t or wont?

-          More than my life’s worth …Look I am sorry … and Frankie is a great guy but …

-          You know he got thumped last week?

-          Sure, that’s why I am even talking to you.

-          Is there nothing you can tell me?

-          OK... Look all I am going to say is this… Check out the Sons of Gideon.