A Deadly Learning: The "Diana Rivers" Mysteries, #6

By Faith Mortimer

A Deadly Learning’ – Faith Mortimer

When sleuth and private investigator, Diana Rivers travels to Portugal for a holiday, murder is the last thing on her mind.
On the first day of her visit, nothing bodes well at the International College of Portugal when a woman’s body is found interred behind a wall during renovation work. The striped plastic tape around the crime-scene portrays a sense of profound unease.
What with students practicing sexual rituals in the sand dunes, a suspicion of a drug factory and money laundering plus a rash of killings, her plans for a quiet break go awry.
Diana is in her element.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Topsails Charter
• Release date: Mar 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497790483

Book preview

A DEADLY LEARNING

A Diana Rivers Mystery

Faith Mortimer

––––––––

On the Algarve, Portugal.

The grounds around the science laboratory of the International School and College of Portugal looked as pristine on that day as might have been expected from this pillar of education. The acres of freshly cut lawns and a blaze of summer flowers were a delight. Only the plastic crime-scene tape surrounding the complex betrayed a sense of profound unease.

Renovation work had begun on the laboratory only the day before, and teachers and students had been warned away from the building.

It was during the removal of one flimsy wall that the workmen made a gruesome find. There was a small cellar underneath part of the laboratory. The floor and walls were crudely finished; the place was used as a store for obsolete items. That fateful day, they were knocking through one wall when they came across a cavity ... in which they discovered the dry remains of a body...

Chapter 1  Agios Mamas, Cyprus

Diana sat back and read through what she had typed on her laptop that morning. As she neared the end of the manuscript she smiled. That was bound to fox her readers. They would never guess who the murderer was until the final chapter. A few of the more canny among her followers might just suspect something but the majority would be thrown. Pleased with the day’s two-thousand-word instalment towards her latest novel, she saved the file, stood up and stretched. Sitting down for long periods made her stiff, so she decided, despite the heat of the day, to take a walk through the village of Agios Mamas to see if there was any post for her and Steve.

Apart from needing some exercise, she felt wired. Her writing often did that to her; when working on a new mystery suspense novel she lived the characters and story. But it wasn’t just that. She felt edgy, Diana sensed something electrifying was about to take place in real life.

She found her husband working in a shady part of the garden. His own laptop and phone were on the table beside him. He looked up as she approached.

There you are. I’m just popping out to stretch my legs and check the post box. Want to come?

Steve moved his head from side to side. No thanks. I’d like to finish off here before lunch. You go. Oh, by the way, I definitely have to go to Lisbon this month.

Really? That’s nice. I’ve always liked Portugal.

Steve stared thoughtfully into Diana’s pale face. You have. So why don’t you come, too? Poppy’s staying with your parents for the next four weeks. We could go over to Lisbon for a week or so and then pick her up on our way back through England. We’ve got the UK flights already booked, so it’s only a matter of changing the dates and buying additional flights to Portugal. You’ve been looking tired over the last few months. I’m always saying you need a break and a change of scene more often.

Diana smiled. You know what? That would be great, and you’re right. I’ve been working flat out over the last few weeks, and I know that as soon as I’ve written the last chapter I’ll be washed out and good for nothing. We could take a real holiday in Portugal once you’ve finished your business meetings. Okay, we’ll talk about it some more over lunch. I won’t be long. Bye.

Now, don’t be. It’s far too hot to be out walking at this time of day. Another thing...if we go, then I insist it’s a complete break for you from solving crime riddles. For once, you can leave your intrigue and sleuthing behind. Portugal’s a quiet and placid country. No work—I forbid it!

Diana grinned and blew him a kiss. I have no idea what you’re implying.

Strolling through the cobbled lanes of the village, Diana thought about Steve’s suggestion. It had been some while since they had spent time alone together. Diana’s parents had recently taken their granddaughter, Poppy, back to the UK for a long visit, so it was the perfect opportunity for Steve and Diana to take a holiday. A stay in Portugal during June would be cooler and pleasant, and a contrast to the hot arid conditions of Cyprus. There would also be the delicious wines of the Douro area to sample. It all sounded perfect, and then she paused.

There were a few small problems: the house and garden, and the cats needed feeding. Over the years, Diana had grown fond of her shady courtyards and garden packed with flowers and fruit trees. She knew Geraldine from The Magic Teapot couldn’t keep an eye on the place, as she had more than enough to do with the pub and restaurant. She had also been very ill during for six months and needed surgery. It was only now she was feeling more like her old self. Then Diana had the solution: Ann and Elaine! She knew those two lovely ladies enjoyed nothing more than pottering about in the garden and walking in the countryside. They would love nothing more than to swop hot and steamy Limassol for the cooler mountainside for a few weeks. They were also animal lovers. She would stock the freezer full of enticing food and make sure there were enough cold drinks to keep them happy. They enjoyed a tipple or two in the evenings. She would ask them as soon as she returned home.

Happy with her decision, she resumed her walk. A breeze skittered along the alleyways of the village, causing the branches of the overhead apricot and lemon trees to sway. Ripened fruit lay on the ground, oozing a sweetness the wasps found irresistible.  Diana stepped round the overripe apricots avoiding the insects.  She strolled through the deserted village to the post boxes, which were under cover and next to the shack that served as a village shop. Diana unlocked their post-office box and removed a small collection of envelopes.

She flicked through the mail and saw all, except one, were addressed to Steve. She turned the cream envelope over, noting the handwritten address. It felt stiff, rather like an invitation. Inside, she found a twenty-first birthday invitation and a note from an old friend, Wendy. Goodness, they hadn’t seen each other in ages.

Diana scanned the note, glanced at the invitation and smiled. What an amazing coincidence. Only minutes ago, she and Steve had been contemplating visiting Portugal. She reread her friend’s scribble. Evidently, Wendy’s god-daughter, Louise, who was spending her final year at the Lagos International School and College, was approaching her twenty-first birthday. Wendy went on to add that she suspected Louise might announce her engagement to her boyfriend, Jake, at the party. The affair was being held in the small Portuguese town of Lagos on the Algarve, and Diana and Steve were invited to join in the celebration. Wendy also asked—should they accept—whether Diana would give a talk to the staff and students at the college about her writing career. It was something she did from time to time, and an hour’s presentation would be easy and no doubt fun.

Wendy was the assistant head and one of the geography tutors at the college. She had been on the staff for some years. Diana’s friend decided to settle on the Algarve after losing her husband, Edgar, to Hodgkin’s disease. At first, Wendy desired nothing more than to live quietly on her own as she got her life back together. As the pain of his death eased, Wendy needed more things to occupy her long days and sought out the college for a position. She had worked there ever since.

Diana checked the date again. Late June coincided with Steve’s plans perfectly. They would attend the party, and Diana could spend more time with Wendy while Steve was away on business up in Lisbon. She wondered how Louise was getting on with her degree. It had been some time since she had seen Wendy’s god-daughter. A thought occurred to her: if the party was that month, why had the invitation been sent at such short notice?

Turning towards home, Diana wondered if there was a reason for their haste. Louise, Diana remembered, was a pretty, rather shy girl in her late teens. She had always struck Diana as being a methodical type of person—organised and almost pedantic. Arranging a party at such short notice seemed completely out of character. She shrugged. Maybe Louise really wanted to broadcast her engagement rather than her birthday. Diana recalled with a smile how strong and passionate young love could be. No doubt Louise was completely spellbound by her boyfriend, Jake.

Chapter 2 Portugal

When she and Edgar first bought the spacious three-bedroomed villa overlooking the eighteenth hole, Wendy thought they were wasting their money. She had no interest in golf, but Edgar played every day, health and weather permitting. After ten years, the local property prices had rocketed, and Wendy knew she was now the owner of an exceedingly desirable property. 

This really is an amazing outlook! I could sit and watch the sea for hours. I believe I’m going to enjoy spending time here. A real holiday by the sea. It’s been years since we did that, exclaimed Diana, as she stepped out onto the sun-shaded patio at the rear of Wendy’s villa. Leave the luggage in the hall for a moment and come and look at the view, Steve.

Beyond the sweeping emerald grass of the golf course behind the villa, the sun glinted down on the smooth ocean before them. The water’s a different colour here, a deeper blue instead of our lighter turquoise. It feels...different...fiercer somehow.

It’s because we’re on the edge of the Atlantic. The area is subject to high tides and often rough, stormy weather. In Cyprus there’s hardly any tidal movement, as you know and we rarely have long-lasting bad weather, Steve said as he joined her.

I like it. It feels fresh and dry. There’s hardly any humidity.

We’re having lovely weather at the moment, but it can get very hot later on. I believe June is one of the best months, Wendy said, laying plates, barbequed sardines, bacalhau and a huge bowl of fresh salad on the terrace table. I hope you’re hungry. I appear to have gone mad in the kitchen this morning.

Famished, said Steve with a smile as he uncorked the white wine with a flourish. There’s nothing better than your cooking.

The three sat down and tucked in to a collection of Portugal’s staple dishes. The tiny sardines with their crispy salty coating were grilled to perfection. The bacalhau, or salted cod, melted in the mouth.

After you’ve unpacked, what are you planning this afternoon? Wendy asked between mouthfuls. Unless you want to just relax and swim, you could join me down at the college. There’s an open-air performance of Twelfth Night starting at four o’clock. As you’re still involved in drama, I thought you might be interested. It’s a private performance, so only staff and students from the college will be there. The college is an eight-minute stroll from here to the west. We can go along the footpath which skirts the golf course—it’s extremely pleasant.

Steve and Diana exchanged looks and smiled. That sounds like fun. We haven’t seen Twelfth Night for years, and a walk to stretch our legs after the flight will be good. Yes, we’ll come.

Good. Louise is playing Viola, and her boyfriend, Jake, has the role of Sebastian. Diana glanced at Wendy, thinking she caught a frigid tone in her friend’s voice. She cast a look Steve’s way, but his attention was focussed on beheading his lunch.

That’s a lovely part to play and fun to do, especially at her age. I remember Louise was interested in acting from a young age and quite talented. What about her boyfriend? Is he any good?

There was a pause before Wendy answered. While Diana waited for her reply, she saw a tense expression in her eyes which hadn’t been there before. Jake? He’s okay, I suppose. He hadn’t done any acting before he landed the part, and I believe he persuaded Louise to put in a good word for him. He’s...er...rather good at talking.

Do I hear a note of disapproval in your voice? Diana asked.

Her friend looked away and stared at the aquatic view beyond the golf course. I know I shouldn’t criticise, but Jake’s...he’s a bit of a bully. I’ve found Louise in tears once or twice when she’s come back home after a date, and although she won’t admit it, I’m sure he intimidates her.

Diana and Steve exchanged glances. You intimated in your note they might get engaged on Louise’s birthday. If you deem Jake a bully, have you spoken to her about your concern? Steve asked.

Wendy rolled her eyes before shaking her head. Her neat, dark, bobbed hair, flicked from side to side. Not in so many words. I’m not saying he torments Louise, but I know he can be aggressive. It’s difficult to be impartial, but I love Louise as if she were my own flesh and blood. I hate to see her upset.

Do you suppose they’ll announce their engagement next week? I didn’t like to be nosy and ask her when we met late last night.

I’m not sure. I’m positive he’s all for it, but I get the feeling Louise wants more time. That was what their last disagreement was about. Wendy turned towards Steve. I know it’s a bit of an imposition, but as Louise has no father and Edgar’s no longer with us,  there’s no older male in her life apart from her college tutors, would...do you suppose a word from you might ease her mind? She won’t talk to me, but she’s always liked you both.

Again Steve and Diana exchanged looks. We can try. Of course we’d love to help. We’ve always been fond of her.

Wendy smiled. Thank you. Now let’s get lunch cleared away, and after a quick dip in the pool, we can call in at the college for the play.

***

On arrival at the college they saw that the groundsmen had organised seating for the afternoon’s performance of Twelfth Night on the extensive lawns. Behind a row of mimosa trees, a gorgeous, molten-looking, bronzed sun slid towards the horizon while the older part of the buildings shaded most of the seated area.

Although the show wasn’t due to start for another half hour, the area hummed with the voices of the people already gathered. About twenty to thirty people were milling around. A table staffed by students had been set up on the path for selling soft drinks and beer. Judging by the group waiting for service, it was doing a good trade, and Steve offered to fetch drinks for them all.

Diana looked round at the buildings with interest. The main part of the college was older than she first presumed. It was two stories high and built of stone. Off to one side was a newer addition, which Wendy explained was the science block.

You’ll notice the scaffolding around it. It’s because it’s in the middle of being renovated. They’re going to either reinforce some of the existing walls or knock down and erect new ones using stronger materials. As Wendy spoke, a mechanical shovel vehicle lumbered into view from behind the science laboratories.

As the sound of the machine’s gears grating carried to their ears, Wendy winced and raised her voice. I thought the workmen were supposed to have finished for the day. Surely they’re not going to be allowed to carry on when the play starts? I wonder if the head is here yet. Perhaps I should go and look for him.

Diana looked to where she indicated the moving digger. The driver obviously had no thought for aesthetics as he drove his machine onto the grass. He allowed the shovel affair on the front to drop down, and the metal teeth left a deep imprint in the lawn. Who’s that? she asked as a thin, wiry fifty-year-old came striding towards them.

The man himself, Lawrence Salter, the college principal, muttered Wendy.

Hello, Lawrence. What an awful noise. Have you ordered them to stop?

He glanced towards the digger. The foreman said five more minutes, I’m afraid, but there’s plenty of time before the play begins.

Good. By the way, can I introduce you to my friend, Diana Rivers?

Introductions were made and then repeated when Steve joined them. Conversation became difficult when a series of loud crashes emanated from within the science block. Everyone smiled and raised their eyebrows in wry humour.

Goodness, it sounds like they’ll demolish the whole place rather than a few walls.

Lawrence shook his head and winced. I do hope they finish soon. Whatever can they be doing now?

The group wandered over to see what the racket was about, and one or two other parties joined them.

Come to see the fun? A handsome woman in her late forties slipped alongside Wendy.

Wendy turned her head and smiled before pulling a face. No fun, Sarah. The place is going to be a mess for ages. Thank goodness it’ll be all cleared up by the time we come back after the summer holidays. Can I introduce you to my friends, Steve and Diana, all the way over from Cyprus?

As more people drifted nearby, Wendy called out to several of them to come over and meet her friends. After five minutes, Diana knew she would only remember a few of their names. Apart from the head of the science faculty, Sarah Headleigh, the only other name she recalled was Sibel Hart, an English teacher. Wendy waved to another member standing apart from the others. He inclined his sandy head but made no effort to join them.

Wendy must have realised what Diana was thinking and said, Don’t worry about remembering their names. You probably won’t have anything to do with most of them while you’re here. We’re a mixed bunch, and teachers tend to stick to colleagues from their own taught subject. They’re certainly not all sociable animals. And anyway, most will leave in a few days’ time for the holidays. Just relax and watch the world go by.

Don’t worry, I mean to, but tell me, who are the two younger women over by the students? Diana asked, indicating a thin, but stunning, blonde and an equally pretty dark-haired woman standing on the nearest side of the ornamental fishpond.

Wendy followed Diana’s gesture. Ah, one is Bernadette Cox, our gorgeous ‘science bunny’, and the other one must be a visitor...I don’t recognise her. Bernie’s the blonde. It seems as if she’s been with us for ages—she was a pupil at the college here before joining us as a teacher.

Apart from the tutors, a contingent of students had gathered in a group nearer the science lab. Like youth the world over, they bore scant regard for decorum and sprawled along the edge of the pond, one or two removing their sandals and slipping their dusty feet into the cool waters.

Diana watched as one or two older teachers, Clarissa Partridge and Rufus Snow, shook their heads in despair, and she wondered if they would ask them to behave. Some of the girls were exceptionally pretty, and she noticed they clustered round two of the male students, one a well-set, dark-haired fellow and another whose red-gold hair curled luxuriantly around his shoulders. Diana asked idly how many girls envied the red-headed giant his hair, and Wendy laughed. They’re founder members of a student union they set up this year. The dark-haired one is the leader, Jake Taylor, Louise’s boyfriend, and his beautiful Titan side-kick from Germany is Axel Adler. The girls follow them around like puppies, which isn’t healthy, but there’s little we can do. I just hope they’re careful, if you know what I mean.

Before she could answer, Diana’s attention was caught by one almighty crash from inside the building as the outer wall came down, and then a silence, which seemed to go on for ages.  Dust hung in the air. In fact, everything appeared to hang in time and space until there came a muffled cry, followed by a startled shout.

The onlookers stood frozen for a second, and then they all moved towards the building, intrigued to see what had happened. The first to reach the building stopped, and