Deadly Diplomacy by Jean Harrod Page A

stopped and stared into Jess’s eyes as if she were sizing her up, then she went on: “But I think there was another reason.”
    “Go on.”
    “Well, my sister was very ambitious. All she ever thought about was work. She loved her job.” Susan’s face softened as she talked about Ellen. “She is… was… Western Energy’s Group Finance Director, you know.”
    Jess nodded.
    “And the Chairman had asked her to come over to work permanently in Australia.” She looked up proudly. “He wanted her to be the CEO.”
    “Really?” Jess remembered the Company website. “Don’t they already have one?”
    “Yes, Richard Price. But he’s a liability.” Susan pursed her lips. “He’s got a drink problem; knocked someone down while over the limit. There was such a stink. We did a piece about it in the Echo . Ellen said the bad publicity was the last straw for the Chairman. He’s been wanting to get rid of Richard ever since.”
    “I see. So did Ellen want the CEO’s job?”
    Susan nodded. “She seemed over the moon about it, at first. And she definitely wanted to move to Oz.”
    “ At first? ”
    Susan shrugged. “Ellen seemed to change recently. She seemed happier, more relaxed somehow.” Susan lowered her voice. “I think there was a new man around.”
    Ah, thought Jess. “Didn’t she introduce you to him?”
    Susan frowned. “That’s the funny thing. I was sure she had a new man, but she never talked about him or brought him home.” She stared at Jess. “I thought, well, I thought it must be someone she didn’t want me, or anyone, to know about – if you get my drift.”
    Jess nodded.
    “But then, if he was married,” Susan continued, “Ellen knew she could trust me.” She slumped down in the chair and stared morosely into the distance.
    There was a pause while Jess turned everything over in her mind, wondering what consular assistance she could give Susan. “Do you have any family in Brisbane? Cousins, or anyone else?”
    Susan shook her head.
    “What about in the UK?”
    Susan shook her head again. “I’d like to let Ellen’s friends in the UK know what’s happened, but I don’t have their contact details.”
    Jess felt the palm of her hand shift on the diary. The address book at the back would surely have them?
    Susan caught the movement and looked down. “That’s Ellen’s! I gave it to her last Christmas.” Susan’s eyes narrowed. “How did you get hold of my sister’s diary?”
    “A hotel cleaner found it in Ellen’s room and gave it to me on the stairs,” Jess said in a level voice. “I’m going to give it to Inspector Sangster.”
    “ No! ” Susan grabbed the diary and clutched it to her chest. She looked over her shoulder at the door again, as if she were about to bolt.
    “Put the diary down, Susan.”
    But Susan clung onto it.
    Trying to distract her, Jess asked: “Do you live permanently in Brisbane, Susan?”
    Susan shook her head. “I’ve been in Australia a year on a training placement at the Echo . Look, are you going to help me find Ellen’s killer, or not?”
    “I’ve already explained that’s a job for the police.”
    “ Please! You must help me.”
    The pain in Susan’s eyes unnerved Jess for a moment and she looked away only to see that rude oaf from the first floor heading in their direction. Her heart sank when he stopped at their table. “Susan Chambers?” He looked at them both in turn.
    Susan tensed at her name.
    “Inspector Tom Sangster, Queensland Police Service.” He extended his hand to her. “I’m leading the investigation into your sister’s death. I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
    Susan ignored his hand. “Have you found her murderer yet?” she asked, accusingly.
    Only the slightest hesitation suggested he was surprised at Susan’s reaction. “I assure you we’re working hard on it.”
    “What exactly are you doing?”
    He dropped his hand. “Look, can we go somewhere private to talk, Miss Chambers?”
    Jess stood up.