Chapter Fifteen
LES STERLING WAS OUT when they called at his home, but his wife was in. Mrs Sterling was a small, thin woman who wore a harassed expression. But then, with the shiftless Les for a husband and two unruly sons, she had a lot to look harassed about.
'Where is your husband, Mrs Sterling?' Rafferty asked as she held on to the door as if for support.
'He's gone up the bookies.'
'Do you mind if we come in and wait for him? It's important.'
She let go of the supportive door frame with a defeated air and stood back. She was more hospitable than her husband and offered them tea while they waited.
Rafferty nodded and smiled his thanks. At least the tea would help the time pass till Les Sterling deigned to put in an appearance.
It was clear Mrs Sterling was a browbeaten woman wi
