Dearest, Darling... Dead. : The 3rd Murray Barber P.I. Case Story

By Julie Burns-Sweeney

Dearest, Darling.... Dead.
Case story three
Murray Barber is a private investigator with a difference. He can hear the dead speak. Along with his 'late' friends, Alistair and Rita, and Jeff, his friend from C.I.D., Murray solves a variety of cases.

Annette Castle believes her late husband's business partner is trying to drive her mad. Murray's Aunt Pam has something old buried in her fireplace. Can Murray solve one haunting problem and uncover a forty year old secret...?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781471043482

Book preview

Dearest, Darling... Dead. : The 3rd Murray Barber P.I. Case Story

Dearest, Darling… Dead.

The Third Murray Barber P.I.

Case Story

By

Julie Burns-Sweeney

Published by

Lulu.com

CHAPTER ONE

In a quiet corner of the Crown, Murray sat himself down and took a long sip from his pint of bitter. He then turned and looked at Mrs Annette Castle. She was a tall, smartly dressed woman who held an air of authority. He put her in her early fifties, though he could be wrong?

So how can I help you Mrs Castle? He asked placing his glass down onto the table.

Basically I just want you to watch my house. Murray waited for her to elaborate. This will sound strange but I think someone, I know who, is trying to make me believe I've gone mad. But I'm not Mr Barber. I'm most definitely not.

Ok. He'd heard stranger things. Watch your house, why?

Everyday things are moving in my house. Stupid things, chairs, pans, clothes. Music playing. I think my late husband's business partner is trying to make me hand over control of my half of the company to him. He's trying to make me believe my late husband is haunting me.

Murray looked at the woman sat in front of him. 'Why me?' he thought. Out loud he said.

Bit extreme isn't it?

Since my husband, Jason, died last year, I think Tom, his partner, has developed this idea that he could take over the whole business. But I'm not playing his game. I may have lost my husband but I haven't lost my mind and I'm certainly not losing my rightful share of my late husband's business. Again Murray studied this woman. She looked sane even if she didn't sound it.

So you want me to catch him messing about in your house?

Yes.

Should be simple enough. If you want hard evidence, I can set up some hidden cameras. Film him in the act?

That sounds exactly like what I want. I want this whole pathetic business stopped in it's tracks.

Where do you live?

Reading.

Reading? That's miles away! What made you come all the way down here to find me?

Mr Barber, Tom and my late husband had a lot of business contacts. I don't want any word of this getting back to anyone it shouldn't. I certainly don't want Tom to know what I'm up to before he's been caught red-handed.

I see. Murray took another mouthful of his drink. Well, as long as you realize I'll have more expenses with the extra travelling?

Of course. Money isn't a problem. Just get the wretched man off my back. Well now this was sounding more like the sort of case Murray liked best. That was, until he heard a voice from just behind him.

Good luck mate! She has no idea but it really is me haunting her!

Murray sat there and stared at his drink. He then glanced around him. No, there was no-one there. His stomach had that sinking feeling, why did he have to have such a 'gift'? If that was Mrs Castle's late husband, Jason, that he had just heard then this case just became very complicated....?

You'll have to give me your address and details of how I can get access to set up the equipment, and we need to agree a date.

That's fine. Here's my address. If you can come at the weekend, I'll be home for you to get in and set up? Something happens everyday so it shouldn't take long to catch him...

You won't catch Tom because it isn't him! It's me darling!

Murray took a deep breath, finished his pint and took the lady's details. He didn't want to even consider why this man might be haunting his wife, he could only hope it was just down to a bad marriage and nothing else.....?

With the case still turning over in his mind, Murray opened his front door and walked into his flat. Sitting on the settee with her head in her hands was Jenny, still with her three-tone blonde hair but with tears in her eyes.

What's the matter honey? You should be at work, what you doing here?...You're not...?

No!...No I'm not. I've been suspended.

Eh? Murray was relieved but confused.

Barry's been arrested for embezzlement. Apparently he had a couple of fake clients set up and he's been filling the accounts with the firm's money.

But you haven't...I mean, it's nothing to do with you what your boss gets up to? He sat down beside her and wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulder. Why have you been suspended?

They don't know if I was in on it. They'll complete their investigation before they decide what'll happen to me. I didn't know what he was up to, I had no idea! Never even suspected..

Of course you didn't! As honest as the day is long, you! Mind you, what'll become of your position? I mean, if Barry is sacked, or worse, where's that leave your job?

I guess I won't have one? Oh Murray, what am I going to do?

Don't worry for a start. You're a very bright, beautiful young woman. The world is your oyster as they say! I'll help with your rent if you need it, or you can stay here?

"No, no. I've got savings, not