Webley wants to roll her eyes. She has heard statements like this so many times. Never gets said to her, though, even though she’s slightly younger than Cody.
Cody clears his throat. ‘How did he seem?’
‘Who?’
‘Mr Selby.’
‘Oh, the usual. You know.’
‘Actually,’ Webley says, ‘we don’t know. What does the usual mean?’
‘Well, I suppose the best way to describe him is business-like. He’s very into his work. I suppose that’s why he’s so successful.’
‘What makes you think he’s successful?’
The question seems to flummox Leah. She waves her arms to indicate the shop. ‘Well, look at this place. I often wonder how much all the stuff in here would add up to. Then there’s his car – that fancy Jaguar of his. Oh, and his house…’
‘Have you been to his house?’
‘Not inside, no. But I’ve driven past it. Makes where I live look like a shed.’
There’s another rumble of thunder as the two uniforms come back downstairs and into the shop. One of them shakes his head at Cody.
‘Thanks, lads,’ Cody says. ‘You might as well head off.’
The officers exit the shop. Through the glass partition, Webley sees the two jewellers resuming their work.
‘Those two policemen are big blokes, aren’t they?’ Leah says. ‘I wouldn’t argue with them. Do you ever have to get aggressive with people, Mr Cody?’
‘I try to avoid it.’
‘Yes, but I’ll bet you can look after yourself when you need to.’
‘Well…’
‘Does this shop do good business, then?’ Webley asks.
Leah tears her eyes away from Cody. Doe eyes, Webley thinks. Or cow eyes. Yes, definitely more like a cow.
‘Not bad. Jewellery never goes out of fashion, does it? Birthdays, engagements, weddings, christenings – there’s always something. And if we can’t get hold of an item directly, Oliver can make pretty much anything you want. He’s very talented. He made a gorgeous pair of matching necklaces for him and his wife.’
Webley thinks about the necklace she saw on Alexa. The intertwined A and O – Alexa and Oliver.
‘What does he do when he’s here?’ Cody asks. He gestures to the partition. ‘Does he spend all his time in the workshop?’
Leah is all smiles again. ‘Not all his time. Often, he’ll come out to talk to a customer. He complains sometimes that he can’t get enough done in the workshop, so he’ll do it at home. I think he works very long hours.’
‘He works from home?’
‘Yes. Either making stuff or running his online business.’
‘His online business?’
‘Yes. He imports and exports gems. To be honest, I think that’s where he makes most of his money.’ She gives Cody a cheeky grin. ‘It’s always good to have a bit on the side, don’t you think?’
‘Have you met his wife?’ Webley asks.
Leah straightens up. Still looking at Cody, she says, ‘Oh, you’re married?’
‘Not him,’ Webley says. ‘Mr Selby.’
‘You mean Alexa? Yes, I’ve met her lots of times. She’s gorgeous. Have you seen her? She could be a model.’
Not any longer, Webley thinks.
‘When’s the last time you saw her?’
‘Oh, I don’t think she’s been in here for at least a couple of weeks. Why, has she gone missing as well?’
‘How did she seem when you saw her?’
‘I’m not sure what you mean.’
‘Well, was she acting like she always does? Was there anything strange about her behaviour?’
Leah shakes her head slowly. ‘No, I can’t say there was. She’s always very bubbly and lively.’ She lowers her voice. ‘I think sometimes she’s a bit too friendly for Oliver’s liking.’
‘In what way?’
