Chapter 14

So the news Henry had for Vera was good, but she was in no fit state to appreciate it. When Henry returned to the gathering on the steps, the young paramedic had just decided it was getting out of hand, conferred briefly with a doctor over the phone and prepared an injection of a sedative. As she was swiping Vera's upper arm with an antiseptic, Vera suddenly spoke clearly and coherently. "No, I don't want that. And I don't want to go back in that house. And I am not coming home with you Jennie. I want Cedric."

"Who is Cedric?" Henry asked. Jennie, George and the paramedic has asked the same question several times and gotten no sensible answer, but for Henry it worked.

"Cedric - Major Cedric Harman - is Mrs. Willard's brother," Vera said. "We spent the weekend together. He drove me home last night. I didn't invite him in because we feared Harold might still be there." Then she added so quietly they could barely hear it "Well, he was too."

"Do you have his number Mum?" Jennie asked. Her emotions were mixed. She was glad her mother was taking an interest in this Major Harman, whoever he was, but concerned he would be impossible to find and uninterested or unavailable if they did find him.

Vera shook her head, but George was unfazed. "There can't be too many Major Cedric Harmans - of course we can find him."

"Indeed," Henry said - I'll get my secretary on to it straight away. If that fails I'll try Mr. Willard again." He dialled a number. "Deidre my dear, I need the number of one Major Cedric Harman and I need it now."

"Not a problem Henry," his devoted secretary said. "I'll send the contact to your Blackberry."

"You mean you know him?" Henry said. He was used to Deidre being efficient, but this took the cake.

"Sure I do," Deidre replied. "He is one of old Joe's clients."

"Well, I never!" Henry said. "Thanks heaps - the contact info just arrived. You are a marvel."

"Always happy to assist," Deidre laughed. "As long as you don't try to poach old Joe's clients?"

"Nothing of the sort," Henry said. "This is personal."

"Fine," Deidre said. "Speaking of personal, Annie rang and asked after you. Said your cell phone kept being engaged."

"It was too," Henry said. "Mad afternoon. Will you be a dear and ring her to say I might be late? Oh, and do find me the number for one of those companies that clean up houses where someone has died."

"Shall do," Deidre said. "I am sure I don't want to know the details though. Ugh." And she ended the call.

Henry gave the thumbs up and dialled Major Harman's number without really having any idea of what to say. It turned out to be remarkably easy though. "Harman," a gruff voice answered on the second ring.

"Good afternoon Major Harman," Henry started. "This is Henry Whitman, partner in Sir Joseph Blackburn's chambers."

"How do you do Mr. Whitman," the Major said, still in his gruff military voice. "What can I do for you?"

Relieved that this introduction had worked, Henry when straight to the matter at hand. "I believe you are an acquaintance of one of my clients, a Mrs. Vera Banks?"

"Indeed I am," the Major said - his voice notably softer. "I trust Mrs. Banks is well?"

"No Major Harman, she is not," Henry said bluntly. "Mrs. Banks found her estranged husband dead this afternoon. He has hanged himself in their house."

"Bloody coward," the Major observed. "How shocking for the poor woman. Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes there is," Henry said - now certain that directness was the right way of dealing with Major Harman. "That is why I am calling. Mrs. Banks is severely affected by the shock. Her daughter and her daughter's fiancé are here and have offered to take her home with them as she does not want to re-enter the house, but Mrs. Banks asks after you."

"Tell Vera I shall be right over," Major Harman said without hesitation. "Of course she should not go back in the house. Ask her daughter to pack clothes and what not for at least a week."

"I shall tell her that Major Harman," Henry said - highly relived it has gone so well. "How far away do you live? I mean, when can we expect you?"

"I live in Wimbledon. It could take up to an hour with traffic the way it is," the Major said.

"Not a problem Major Harman," Henry said cheerfully. "We'll just wait in the garden. It's a lovely day."

Henry returned. "OK Mrs. Banks. I got good news, better news and fabulous news."

This highly unorthodox opening from a lawyer made Vera - not to mention George, Jennie and the paramedic - look up. Basking in the attention of his 'audience', Henry proceeded to make good the statement. "For starters, Harold had a life-insurance that provides a lump sum and pays out the mortgage in the house. Secondly you are entitled to a widow's pension from Harold's company and should thus be fairly financially comfortable. And best of all, Major Harman is on his way. He will be here within the hour and take you away from the house. He asked that Jennie pack a suitcase for you."

The change in Vera was remarkable. From looking haggard and drawn, she changed completely. 'She looks positively glowing!' Jennie thought. 'Whoever this Cedric is, he seems to be just what Mum needs'.

The paramedic had reached a similar conclusion and got up. "No more need for me here," she said cheerfully. "I'll get a lift with the policeman back to the station."

After the removal of Harold's body, the crowd had dispersed and the policeman was ready to drive off. "Well goodbye Mrs. Banks," the paramedic said. "I hope you will get everything sorted out."