“That should be interesting. Naturally I’ll be delighted to conduct an interview with Mr. Tremayne, provided he understands that everything will be on the record.”
“I’ll make sure he knows that before he meets with you.” Claudia paused. “You do realize that Mr. Tremayne was nowhere near the spa last night at the time of Miss Maitland’s death.”
Irene caught her breath but managed to maintain what she thought was a serviceable air of unconcern.
“Is that so?” she said.
“He was at the Paradise Club,” Claudia said. “It’s a popular nightspot here in Burning Cove. He was seen by any number of people. The police will be able to confirm that if they feel it necessary to do so.”
Damn, Irene thought. That was not good news.
“In that case, there is no reason for Mr. Tremayne to be concerned about an investigation into the death of Miss Maitland, is there?” she said.
“I hope you will try to understand his situation,” Claudia said. “Mr. Tremayne has no reason to be concerned about an appearance of guilt. But he and Miss Maitland were . . . acquainted.”
“Well acquainted, apparently. Can you confirm that they had a romantic liaison?”
“No, nothing like that. Mr. Tremayne considered Miss Maitland to be a friend, that’s all. And because of that friendship, he doesn’t want to see her reputation impugned.”
“Miss Maitland is dead. She is no longer concerned about her reputation.”
“I would hope you would consider her family’s feelings in this matter.”
“She has no close family,” Irene said. “I checked.”
Claudia leaped to her feet. She was thoroughly flustered now. “I think it would be best if Mr. Tremayne, himself, explained the nature of his association with Miss Maitland.”
“I agree. I’ll look forward to the interview. When and where?”
“Mr. Tremayne asked me to invite you to meet with him in his villa at the Burning Cove Hotel.”
Irene almost smiled. “I don’t think that would be a very good idea under the circumstances. Appearances, you know.”
Claudia froze. It was clear that she had not expected the invitation to be refused.
“You don’t want the interview?” she asked.
“I want the interview but I would prefer to conduct it somewhere other than Nick Tremayne’s private hotel suite.”
Claudia looked stricken. “I don’t understand. Surely you aren’t afraid of Mr. Tremayne?”
“Let’s just say that I would be more comfortable if the interview were conducted out in the open. I’d prefer a location where there will be other people around. That way if Mr. Tremayne tries to threaten me or offer a bribe, I can round up a couple of witnesses.”
Claudia was torn between shock and outrage. “That’s ridiculous. Mr. Tremayne just wants to tell you his side of the story.”
“Which I will be only too happy to hear. I suggest we meet for coffee at one of the local cafés.”
“I’m afraid that would be difficult to arrange. Mr. Tremayne is famous. He can’t just walk into a café and expect to go unrecognized. He would soon be surrounded by a crowd of people wanting his autograph. The reason he stays at the Burning Cove Hotel is precisely because he knows he can expect that his privacy will be respected.”
Irene shrugged. “All right. I’ll meet with him at the hotel but not in his villa. I want a more public location. And keep in mind that it might not be easy to arrange for me to get through the front gate of the Burning Cove. I understand management has a strict policy when it comes to members of the press. Evidently journalists are not allowed on the premises.”
“I’m sure the hotel management will make an exception for Mr. Tremayne,” Claudia said. “Would this afternoon be convenient for you?”
“Certainly.”
“I suggest three o’clock. You and Mr. Tremayne could meet for tea in the Garden Room at the Burning Cove Hotel.”
“I’ll be there at three. If you don’t see me, it will be because I couldn’t get past the guards at the gate.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of that end of things. Thank you, Miss Glasson. You won’t regret this, I promise you.”
Irene gave her a cool smile. “I’m sure you didn’t expect me to turn down an interview with Nick Tremayne.”
Claudia looked pathetically grateful. “To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Miss Maitland’s death has been so upsetting for everyone, especially Mr. Tremayne. Three o’clock.”
Claudia turned and fled back into the lobby.