I was wrong about her going down the passage. I didnât listen particularly.â
âDo you know that I found this glove beside Mr. Bechcombeâs writing-table when I went into the room?â questioned the inspector.
Spencer shivered.
âNo. I didnât see it.â
âNevertheless it was there,â said the inspector. âMr. Spencer, I think you will have to try to remember why that ladyâs face was familiar to you. Had you ever seen her here before?â
âNo, I donât think so. I seem toââ Spencer was beginning when there was an interruption, a loud knock at the door. Spencer turned to it eagerly. âMr. Thompson has come back, I expect.â
The inspector was before him, but it was not Amos Thompson who stood outside, or any messenger; it was a tall, thin clergyman with a white, shocked faceâthe rector of Wexbridge to wit. He stepped aside.
âI must apologize for interrupting you, Mr. Inspector. But I represent my sister-in-law, Mrs. Luke Bechcombe. I had just called and was present when the sad news was broken to her. I came here to make inquiries and also to arrange for the removal of the body. And here I was met by these terrible tidings. Is itâcan it be really true that my unfortunate brother-in-law has been murdered?â
âQuite true,â the inspector confirmed in a matter-of-fact fashion in contrast with the clergymanâs agitated tone.
âBut how and by whom?â Mr. Collyer demanded.
âMr. Bechcombe appears to have been attacked, possibly chloroformed, deliberately, and strangled. His body was found in his private office.â
The rector subsided into the nearest chair.
âI cannot believe it. Poor Luke had not an enemy in the world. What could have been the motive for so horrible a crime?â
âThat I am endeavouring to find out,â the inspector said quietly.
âI canât understand it,â the clergyman said, raising his hand to his head. âNobody would wilfully have hurt poor Luke, I am sure.â
âIt is tolerably evident that somebody did,â the inspector commented dryly.
Mr. Collyer was silent for a minute; putting his elbow on the table, he rested his aching head upon his hand.
âBut who could have done it?â he questioned brokenly at last.
The inspector coughed.
âThat also I am trying to discover, sir. When did you see Mr. Bechcombe last, Mr. Collyer?â
âLast night. I dined with him at his house in Carlsford Square. Just a few hours ago, and poor Luke seemed so well and happy with us all, making jokes. And nowâI canât believe it.â
He blew his nose vigorously.
âWas your son one of the dinner party?â the inspector questioned.
Mr. Collyer looked surprised.
âOh, erâyes, of course Tony was there. He is a favourite with his uncle and aunt.â
âDid you know that he was here this morning?â
Mr. Collyerâs astonishment appeared to increase.
âCertainly I did not. I do not think he has been. I fancy you are making a mistake.â
âI think not,â the inspector said firmly. âYour son was here this morning just before twelve oâclock. He appears to have caused quite a commotion, demanding to see his uncle and announcing his intention of going to the private door and knocking at it himself.â
Mr. Collyer dropped his arm upon the table.
âButâGoodâgood heavens! Did he go?â
âHe did. He also saw his uncle,â said the inspector. âAnd now I am rather anxious to hear your sonâs account of that interview, Mr. Collyer.â
CHAPTER V
âIt is the aftermath of the War,â said Aubrey Todmarsh, shaking his head. âYou take a man away from his usual occupation and for four years you let him do nothing but kill other men and try to kill other men, and then you are surprised when he comes home and still goes on
Karina Cooper
Victoria Winters
Nikki Pink
Bethany-Kris
Marion Dane Bauer
Jerry Brotton
Jennifer Cox
Jordan Ford
Anne Holt
Ashley Nixon