Billoughby: The Long Shadows

By D.M. Roberts

Connie stared into the flames of the fire, she was thankful the Pratts had lit it, she felt cold and scared, in her short young life she had never witnessed anything so macabre as the sight she had stumbled on this morning.
“Now Connie, I know this will be difficult for you but, I think it best we get this done as soon as we can while things are fresh in your mind. It's been a long and disturbing evening for you I can see, a few questions and you can get off to your bed for some rest” Connie nodded
“I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight, Sir”
Billoughby had been used to a quiet village life. That was, until a dark and sombre tale reared its ugly head. The Inspector was soon to discover the secrets of a war long since forgotten, a private war that still burnt deep into this small community. The year is 1910. The quiet rural village in Kent, England is rocked by the murder of Craven Stanhope. Discovered in the graveyard of the local parish church. Could it be that the Reverend just might hold the biggest clue to unravel this mystery? They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, its true to say they weren't one man's best friend. Family histories entwined over years are brought to light in the race to catch a killer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.M. Roberts
• Release date: Jul 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005089078

Book preview

Billoughby

The Long Shadows

Copyright 2021 D M Roberts

Published by D M Roberts at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Table of Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Epilogue

Historical Events of 1910

The sun hit it, sending bursts of the most incredible prisms of colours unimaginable to the young soldier's eyes. He inched a little closer to take a look, not daring to lift his gaze should it disappear or even worse be a mirage of some sort. The heat had been getting to young Private Cryer and he could no longer trust his eyes or his mind in this dusty baking land. Pushing away the rock and the dirt, he barely took his eyes off the mesmerising sight before him. It was hard to believe that in just over a week it would be Christmas, the year was 1880 but could well have been 880 for anyone here knew. His young wife had begged him not to volunteer, they had barely been married a month when he heard of the shortage of soldiers thus deciding that not only was this a chance to see some of the world and a chance to make some money for his Elsbeth. The time will pass quickly and when I return, we will have enough to buy the farm It was all they had dreamt of a small holding in the greenest most beautiful part of Kent.

One

Inspector Billoughby unwrapped another Uncle Joe's, slowly twisting the wrapper into a thin taught shape as he moved the toffee around his mouth, he carefully eyed the people in the small Inn one by one. The Bell public house was today, far from jolly. The normally cheerful serving girl was sobbing quietly onto the shoulder of her employer's plump wife. It was true to say the mood of the villagers was sombre. Even the rabble of persistently noisy farmers sat whispering amongst themselves, glancing only occasionally around the room. The Inspectors ponderings were broken might I sit and have a word? looking up to the well-spoken voice of the Rector, nodding at the request the rector dragged back a chair and sat placing his mug on the table. Such a frightful business, and them only here 3 weeks... I performed their wedding myself as you know, frightful, utterly frightful. Of course, everyone will be looking to you for answers dear boy The Inspector nodded back with a half groan expect so Reverend Moore Billoughby didn't feel the need to get pulled into ifs and what s with the Reverend at this point, He was a lone thinker which had stood him in good stead thus far in his career, still, as had been pointed out by the clergyman it was a very frightful case indeed! Grace, his patient wife had settled quickly into the small rural home, a warm and calm woman that always knew what to say and when to say it,

Billoughby thought himself indeed blessed to have her as his counterpoint and mother to their two young boys. Straight out of the services with a good mind for puzzles young Milton joined the police force, having spent time overseas he felt the call to put down roots with his beloved Grace. It was felt the dark and dirty streets of London were not the place to raise a family -should they be fortunate - and with that in mind, Billoughby accepted a new posting and promotion and took his young bride home. It was no surprise to Billoughby that she would love the green fields coupled with the sea air, it wouldn't take long at all before she called this home.

A long time seemed to have passed since he last saw the waves break on the quiet beaches in the garden of England, so many things had happened, some too awful to think about, some wondrous and magical. Leaving at a young age was not such a wrench as his only living link had passed away, his mother was never a well-woman, some said it was having lost his father at such a young age that left her heartbroken not only in mind but the body, the service was a small one after which he quietly closed up the house and set off on his path for adventure. Billoughby craved excitement at that young age, far too long had he led a solitary life, doing chores, reading to his mother in the hopes it would lift her out of her despair but to no avail. Yes, it was the right thing to do.

No time for reminiscing, back to the matter at hand the Inspector rose from his seat if I could have your attention, I will need to speak privately with some of you, in due course I will call upon those I feel important to this case, I would be obliged if you could all make yourselves available during the next few days in particular There was a unified mumbling of acceptance from around the room. The first thing to do was speak with the shaken serving girl for it had been her that had found the body of the newly wed chap. Albert Pratt had made a room available to Billoughby in the back of the Inn, a decent no-nonsense man that served the small community well alongside Molly his hard-working wife. Albert gave a nod to Molly who in turn ushered Connie, the still distraught serving girl, into the back room. Entering the warm well-lit room Billoughby smiled his thanks to Molly, I'll fetch you both a nice cup of tea she closed the door behind her not waiting for a reply. Connie stared into the flames of the fire, she was thankful the Pratts had lit it, she felt cold and scared, in her short young life she had never witnessed anything so macabre as the sight she had stumbled on this morning. Now Connie, I know this will be difficult for you but, I think it best we get this done as soon as we can while things are fresh in your mind. It's been a long and disturbing evening for you I can see, a few questions and you can get off to your bed for some rest Connie nodded I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight Sir You said you were placing flowers at your Grandpas grave? Do you normally go at the same time? Yes Sir, He did love the twilight time, when I was a little one, he would take me for walks along the lanes, Grandpa was always talking about the colours in the sky, how quick they turned to dark and how still it was what with everyone home resting having had supper, its why I visit at that time, so I can tell him what it looks like today...silly I know but that's what I do Not silly at all Connie. Can you tell me what happened this evening? Well Sir, I was chatting away about how orange the sky was, next I see a long shadow out of the corner of my eye, I was a bit scared, it seemed to go off into the trees so I told Grandpa I had to go as I didn't want to be hanging around when there was something nearby, I could hear footsteps on the leaves, quick they were. I got up and brushed off my aprons, started walking to the road, that's when I saw it, oh it was terrible Sir, I will never forget it. It was a man I think, he was laid out on one of the graves, his face was missing just a mess of blood as too were his hands, there but not there Sir, I screamed and screamed but nobody came so I started running, that's when I got here Sir

Billoughby closed his notepad, he could see the young girl was shaking and thought it of no use to keep her any longer this evening, he had what he needed for now. Thank you, Connie, I may need to speak with you again in the coming days but for now you have been very brave and helpful Connie gave a weak smile through her reddened eyes tiny drops of tears still spilt I don't think I was helpful much Sir, I didn't look to see who it was in the trees for fear they might see me Ah but you did see that someone was there and that helps a great deal Connie left the Inspector in the back room and headed into the now crowded bar area, the room went quiet as she made her way through How are you feeling now dear? enquired Molly placing a motherly arm around the young girl's shoulder. I'm a bit worn out Ma'am, worried that who was out there might come back for me again Connie let out a tired sob, Molly could see she would be better sending the girl upstairs for a rest rather than leave her to the inevitable questionings of the customers you get off up to your room, I can manage down here tonight, I'll pop up soon to check on you so none of your worrying Reverend Moore made his way toward Connie if I may accompany you perhaps, I can offer some words of comfort from the good book?

Molly thanked the reverend but politely declined on Connie's behalf all the girl needs, for now, is a good night sleep and less talking

Could you come this way Reverend Moore, a few questions if you don't mind? Molly thought the Inspector timing couldn't have been better and nodded her silent thanks. Not sure what I can tell you old boy, still if you think it necessary Reverend Moore sat before the fire, it was a cold night despite the day having been a clear and sunny one. This won't take long, a little background information if you like. I'd like to get an idea of the deceased, as you pointed out they hadn't been here long? Well, that's not strictly true Inspector, they hadn't been here long, this time, I believe from my conversations with the couple that they both came from the area, and in point of fact, were acquainted with each other- on a friendly basis of course- many years ago. Indeed, Mr Stanhope was a dear friend of his new wife's childhood sweetheart. Lost in the war you know, sad business all round The reverend paused, stretching his hands out to the flickering red flames It is definite that the body is that of Mr Stanhope? We are assuming that at the moment, his wife has confirmed his clothing, wedding ring, Height and other personal particulars so no reason to think otherwise unless the police medical examiner tells me different. The fact that Mr Stanhope went out for an early evening stroll, failed to return leaves us with little doubt for now Yes, yes, any help I can give you I will Tell me Reverend, you're from these parts, are you? Your accent certainly wouldn't suggest you are and yet you use the dialect of a local, of course, these things rub off after a time spent in a place, I also see that you know your parishioners quite well as you do the area, family ties perhaps? The Reverend laughed, it is true, most of my young adult days spent in the big city, as one gets older one feels the call of one's roots, my own being here as you rightly suggest. You are indeed a clever chap. Mine is a simple tale Inspector, born not a stone's throw away from here, my parents-mostly Father tired of travelling to and from London for work moved us there when I was no more than 12 years. Yes, I spent many a time as a boy running around the fields, climbing trees, and sitting looking out to sea, it was only a matter of time before I returned. You would have been acquainted with Mr Stanhope as a boy? Oh no, as I said earlier, I gained knowledge of how they were once locals only during our talks recently. I much liked my own company as a boy, Mother schooled me at home as was her will. We were a religious family Inspector; it was never acceptable to Mother and Father that I joined the groups that played together for fear I would be lured into devilish ways. Inspector Billoughby smiled at this, he could well remember elders as a boy gossiping about this family or that family being unchristian in their ways, often talk of witchcraft and such like.

The thought then struck him, how the deceased body was mutilated and laid carefully on the grave would have had elders in his younger days calling for a witch hunt! Funny how things change so quickly over the years. You have been very helpful Reverend; I will try to keep it brief. Did the couple make mention of any problems, quarrels they may have incurred on their return? Elsbeth -Mrs Stanhope, - made mention several times of feeling that she had abandoned her lost soldier, both Mr Stanhope and I assured her that God would not hold this against her, she had led a lonely life in the vain hope he would return, she had forsaken the chance to be happy and loved, even have children, she loves children hence the fact she became a school mistress, sadly she had to conclude that young private Cryer was indeed gone. She found a good match in Mr Stanhope, or so it seemed, poor, poor woman, what must she think of life that it could be so cruel, twice no other problems that you know of? None that come to mind, although I hear she will be well looked after, financially I mean, not sure how the fella made his wealth but make it he surely did! Quite a well-off widow by all accounts. I must stress this was quickly established shortly after they came back here and has not been the subject of gossip within the few hours since his death Billoughby nodded in understanding.

Getting up from his chair he pulled open the door Thank you, Reverend Moore, I know where to find you should I need to speak to you again, Good evening

Following the Reverend out Billoughby made his way to the front of the bar area, Thank you for your patience, as the hour is getting late, I feel it would be a good idea to resume my questions tomorrow, you are free to go about your business. If I need to speak to anyone, I will call on them Albert leant over the bar, One for the road Inspector? On the house My Grace will be wondering where I am Albert, best be off home, G'night, night Molly with that the inspector nodded to the huddled groups and made for home. The comforting smell of pie crust wafted up Billoughby's nostrils from the lane, he was famished! It had been a long old day and all he wanted was some food in his belly and the comfort of his ever-loving Grace. Their boys were grown men now, Tom, the younger son at 20 was still at home, he worked at the farm a short distance away and like his mother was a gentle and warm soul, his brother Adam; 22, was hungry for adventure, not unlike his father at that age. He had secured a job with a ship building company in Belfast of the name Harland and Wolff, letters home told of an exciting luxury liner that would change passenger travel forever. Grace was concerned at the distance of which her elder son had travelled, she missed him terribly as did Billoughby quietly, Billoughby reassured his wife that like them, Adam would be drawn home when he had made his mark in the world.

Something smells good, I could smell supper right back down the lane. How are you, my love? You needn't have waited up but I'm glad you did Grace took Milton's overcoat and hat, gently kissing him on his cold cheek I've been worried about you dear when I heard from Mr Nash the grocer what had happened, I expected you to be late, he passed by earlier on his round, he said young Connie was in terrible shock Fetching the overladen plate of meat pie, potatoes and veg Grace continued to talk Such a quiet place here and then this, I dare say there isn't a soul that isn't shaken from the roots by it all. It is a worry to me, what with you investigating it and young Tom working the fields by himself there, there my love, try not to work yourself up, it will all come out and then we can get back to our quiet lives. This will not touch the sides, a nice drop of something to wash it down with would be welcome, have one yourself my love, steady the nerves Grace poured them both a small mug of Brandy, it had been a gift from Adam on his last visit home and only used on special occasions or, as today, times of shocking news. Sitting opposite, Grace watched her husband devour his supper, His dark shock of hair neatly dropped to frame his face, making those warm green eyes sparkle in the firelight, small strands of white appearing here and there as the years rolled on. She loved that he had such a hearty appetite, his stature hid this well. A fit and active man for his age, a thing Grace was in awe of at times, it was fair to say she had, although not too much, filled out in her figure a little over the years, still, Milton told her often it was more of her to love. Grace smiled to herself at this thought, what a lucky woman I am. The pair retired to bed, both now quiet in their thoughts, each, in turn, pausing to look upon their youngest son, sleeping as though still a baby.

You can't run forever, for forever will wear you down. When the long shadow of the day finds you, that is where the running must cease Reverend Moore awoke with a start, his body drenched in sweat, he couldn't quite remember what he had dreamt but it had been a frightening dream, of that he was certain. The Reverend was not the only person to have awoken in a state that night, Molly woke to the sound of young Connie's screams she sat stroking the young girl's forehead for some time as she drifted back into a deep sleep. Elsbeth did not sleep, she wandered the big empty house not knowing if this was a nightmare she couldn't wake from or even worse still, was this real? Things like this didn't happen to good people surely. Not twice. Was this punishment?" Most said she had waited long enough 5 years after, she always had hope yet sadly the loneliness began to outweigh the hope, with a mixture of happiness and the sadness of a chapter ending Elsbeth gave in to the charm of Craven. There was another that would wake that night, in a different world to that of the green leafy crispness of the Kent countryside.

Billoughby woke to the smell of freshly baked bread, Grace must have been up early as the morning darkness indicated the sun had not yet risen. At that moment she entered the room quietly, two steaming hot mugs in her hands get that down you dear, it's a cold one today The silhouette of his still beautiful wife seemed to float effortlessly across the floor, in his half-awake, half-asleep eyes, stopping to rest on the bed beside him. Grace placed the mugs on the small table beside her husband, she gently stroked a stray strand of hair from his face Trouble sleeping? Grace nodded, A little, Tom had an early start, I took the opportunity to sit with him a while, he's been so busy these last few months that we rarely get a chance to keep each other's company. It was nice, he said to tell you hello and to be careful while all this business is going on He's a good lad, they're both good lads, we have been blessed and no mistake As Grace tried to rise Milton pulled her back toward him, they had a good marriage in every sense of the word shame to waste an empty house he grinned enveloping his Grace as if for the first time what about your tea! she was laughing now sod the bloody tea woman, you can warm me up

The medical examiner was scribbling in his pad when Inspector Billoughby entered the stark white room, Joseph Ah Milton do come in, how are you old chap and the family? All well? We must make time to have a social get together dear friend, Beryl was only saying not more than a week ago how much she has missed the company of Grace. Shocking business this, I've not seen anything like it since our time overseas. Dr Lyon