Woman Last Seen(78)

“I should have said something the moment I made the connection,” admits Fiona apologetically. The regret and pain in her voice loud and clear, even though she’s mumbling.

“And when was that?”

“When your colleague—Tanner, is it?—and I were in Mark’s kitchen. He mentioned Daan’s name. You had already said that Leigh was going under the name Kai Janssen but I wasn’t looking for the connection. It didn’t click. I wasn’t even certain you’d said Janssen, I thought most likely Johnson. There was so much to take in. But in the kitchen Officer Tanner said Daan’s name. I didn’t want to believe it. I wanted to think it was a horrible, strange coincidence; after all, everything about this is off-the-scale strange, isn’t it? I wanted to think that there might be more than one Daan Janssen.” Clements is all too aware of people’s willingness to kid themselves. “But Mark and I did some digging. We googled. It quickly became apparent that there aren’t many people with the same name, fewer still living in the UK. There was only one contender to be Leigh’s Daan Janssen. It’s not like he’s called John Smith—” She breaks off. “I didn’t want to believe it. But now I’m sure. I have to face facts.”

“And when did you last see Mr. Janssen?” Clements asks.

Fiona hesitates and sighs. “This morning.” Clements allows the pause. Gives it power and space. “I wanted to check it was definitely him and to see how he was doing, I suppose. I certainly wasn’t looking for a hookup. I—I—” Fiona stumbles. Clements waits patiently. “Obviously, I now realize I hardly know the man. I mean, I thought he would be devastated since his wife has gone missing. I thought maybe he’d talk to me about it and I’d glean something because he doesn’t know that I know he’s married, let alone that I’m his wife’s best friend.”

“And was he?”

“Was he what?”

“Devastated.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Fiona admits. The silence sits between them again, this time scratching, burrowing at what needs to be said. “I mean, he seemed pleased to see me.”

“And did you?”

“Did I what? Glean anything?”

“Did you hook up?”

“Is that really a police matter?” Fiona asks indignantly.

“You don’t have to answer. You called me. I’m just trying to understand the man. I want to help your friend. That’s what you care about, right?”

“Of course it is. That’s why I’m calling.”

“You are, I suppose, saying that you don’t trust him now you realize he was not faithful? Is not faithful?”

“I’m not saying anything about anyone. I’m just giving you the facts,” Fiona snaps.

“I’m sorry if this is awkward for you, Fiona, and I’m not taking a formal statement—anything you say is completely voluntary but if you can answer the question it might help me. Did you have sexual relations with Daan Janssen when you last encountered him?”

“Yes,” Fiona whispers. “I went to his place, I stopped over. I know that makes me sound pathetic, or heartless, or just plain stupid, but I did, yes.”

“And yet you are ringing me now to say you don’t trust him?”

“I am.”

“Why? What went wrong?”

“Nothing went wrong as such. I’m just trying to be honest. I’d had a glass or two of wine last night; it’s been a very trying time. I wasn’t thinking straight but now, in the cold light of day, I’m trying to do the right thing. I assume you do meet some people who are still keen to do the right thing, Officer?”

“A few.”

“Well, I’m one of them. Daan and I were—well, it was a casual thing. We had a few dates in London. He once came to my cottage on the coast for a weekend, but I’ve known Leigh for twenty-three years. I love her. I’m furious with her for lying to me but at the same time I’m really sad that she had no one she thought she could confide in. I could have helped her. Or at least comforted her. We’re best friends. I’m scared for her. Why didn’t she turn to me?” Clements doesn’t have an answer to that either. Fiona adds, “I asked Daan if he is married.”

“And what did he say?”

“He said he was. Past tense. And, it’s just, well, that building. It’s so quiet and empty, right? Big parts of it are deserted. Someone could be hidden in it relatively easily, don’t you think?”

“We’d need a warrant to search it.”

“Well, get a warrant.” Fiona sounds frustrated, indignant.

She probably thinks the police are working too slowly on the case. It’s a common misconception of the general public that the police can always be doing more and doing it faster. The truth is investigation is a laborious business, all about perspiration and perseverance. Even the rare bright spots of inspiration need to be backed up with evidence which is inevitably slow to surface.

“We need evidence to place Mr. Janssen under suspicion and to justify a search warrant.”

Fiona sighs. “Well, get evidence then.” She hangs up.

Clements relays the call to Tanner; he looks jubilant. Clements reins him in. “Fiona’s information does not place Daan in the frame for Kylie’s disappearance.”