Page 79 of The Chapel of Bones

‘That’s right.’ Lanson looked as though something had suddenly dawned on him. ‘I heard about Dr Donnal’s body being found. It came as a terrible shock. You never expect anything like that to happen to someone you’ve known, do you? Is that what this is about?’

‘We’re investigating his death, certainly.’

‘Honestly, I haven’t seen him since my student days. He was a nice old boy – the absent-minded professor type, totally dedicated to his research. I liked him. I had no reason to harm him. I was in his tutorial group in my first year, but that’s all.’

‘What can you tell us about him?’

‘He’d been carrying out research in France before coming to Morbay and I think he was working on a paper about medieval bestiaries with a view to writing a book on the subject. I remember him saying that he still liked to give a few lectures and tutorials; pass on his passion was how he put it. I just can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt him.’ Lanson looked from one policeman to the other with pleading eyes, and his words sounded so sincere that Wesley was inclined to believe him.

‘Do you know someone called Sue Potter?’

The man’s eyes widened. ‘Isn’t that the woman who was murdered recently? It was in the news.’

‘You haven’t answered the question.’

‘No, I’d never heard of her until . . .’

‘Did you ever live in a house near Neston called St Julian’s?’

‘No.’

‘You didn’t live in that house as a student?’

‘No. I was in hall for my first year, then after that I shared a house with a couple of mates in Morbay. I can give you their details if you like. We’re still in touch. Meet for a drink once a month.’

‘Thank you. That would be helpful,’ said Wesley, who was becoming increasingly convinced that they were barking up thewrong tree. He watched as Lanson scribbled down his friends’ details. ‘So the name Jim Baker means nothing to you?’

‘No.’

‘Dale Gadson?’

Lanson shook his head.

‘What about Betsy and Barnaby Chalmers – aka Aphrodite and Apollo?’

‘Again, no.’

‘Ethelred Bingley? A woman named Fiorenza? Or Tim Fontescue-Burns?’

A flicker of recognition appeared in Lanson’s eyes. ‘I know the name Fontescue. They’re a local family. There was a medieval festival at Fontescue Hall last weekend. I wanted to go, but my wife was on a course – creative writing – so I had to look after the kids.’

This was getting them nowhere. Lanson’s story would have to be checked out, but with each passing moment, Wesley was more and more convinced that he wasn’t their man.

‘Mr Lanson, was there anybody on the course with you who was interested in medieval imagery? You mentioned that Dr Donnal was conducting research into depictions of animals in the Middle Ages.’

Lanson closed his eyes as though he was trying to recall some elusive fact. After a few moments, he opened them. ‘Now you mention it, there was one student who shared his interest. He was a bit strange. Obsessive, if you know what I mean. He used to hang round after lectures to speak to Doc Donnal when the rest of us had sloped off to the pub. I think his name was John. I don’t think I ever knew his surname. I really didn’t have much to do with him.’

Wesley had an idea. He opened the folder in front of him and scanned the new list Trish had given him. Ever since they’d seen Charles Lanson’s name on the initial list, they’d been sure theywere on the right track. But now he spotted a name that set his heart racing.

He slid the sheet of paper across the table. ‘What can you tell me about him?’ He tapped it with his finger. ‘Jon Gadson. Dropped out after his first year.’

‘Jon. Yes. That could be him.’ Lanson frowned and shook his head. There was a short silence, then his eyes lit up. ‘I’ve just remembered something. I’m sure someone said his dad had something to do with animals.’

‘Ever heard of Gadson’s Zoo?’

‘The name seems vaguely familiar.’ He paused. ‘I think my wife suggested going there once, but then she heard that the animals were in cages and small enclosures, so she didn’t fancy it. She’s very into animal welfare,’ he added fondly. ‘Did this Jon Gadson’s dad run that zoo? Was it something to do with his family?’

Wesley didn’t answer the question. ‘Do you know what became of him?’