Read Online Mrs. Jeffries Forges Ahead by Emily Brightwell - Free Book Online Page B

to speak, but I had to have a rest. It feels as if I’ve been on my feet for days. I imagine you’re just as tired as I am.”
    “That I am, sir,” he admitted. “But I was able to sit down while I interviewed Mrs. Geraldine Banfield and, truth to tell, I had a bit of a breather while the constables did another search of the terrace and ballroom. Speaking of the lads, they were a bit worried.” He handed the stack of statements to Witherspoon.
    “Worried?” He shoved his glasses back into place, folded the documents in half, and stuffed them into the long inner pocket of his jacket. “Gracious, what about?”
    “Well, sir, they heard you earlier this evening when you were in the butler’s pantry. Some of them were concerned you raised your voice because you thought they’d been derelict in their duty,” Barnes replied. Despite what he’d told Constable Long, he knew that the inspector wouldn’t lose his temper because he was “tired.” He was concerned himself and this was a good excuse for finding out what was wrong. He could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times the inspector had lost control of himself. “They wanted me to assure you that they’d followed both established procedures and your ‘methods’ in gathering statements and evidence and searching the house.”
    “Of course I don’t think anything of the sort. They all appeared to be doing their jobs quite admirably, especially under what was less than ideal circumstances,” he replied. “Why on earth are they so concerned? Except for tonight, none of them are under my command. With the exception of Constable Griffiths, they’re all from the local precinct.”
    “They know you by reputation.” Barnes smiled wanly. “And I imagine they were rather hoping to impress you or, at the very least, ensure you didn’t think ill of them. I don’t think you understand just how much the rank-and-file lads respect you, sir.” He was speaking the truth.
    The inspector wasn’t just famous on the force because he’d solved so many murders, he was greatly admired because he had a habit of giving credit where credit was due. Unlike many high-ranking officers, when Witherspoon wrote his reports, he included the name of every constable who’d contributed to the solution of the crime. If the constables were from another district, as was often the case, he took extra care to make sure their superiors were aware of how much the men had contributed. If someone had done something outstanding or if they’d put themselves in harm’s way, Witherspoon would put their names in for a commendation.
    “Oh dear, please tell everyone that my lack of civility had nothing to do with any of them. Generally, I’ve far more self-discipline than I exhibited this evening.”
    Barnes crossed his arms over his chest and regarded him steadily. “What’s wrong, sir? We’ve worked many a late night and I’ve never heard you start shoutin’ like you did.”
    Witherspoon said nothing for a moment and then sighed heavily. “I’m worried. Really, really worried.”
    “About what, sir? The case has just started and I know the powers that be expect you to solve it quickly; they always do. But even the Home Secretary himself knows he’s got to give you time to investigate properly.”
    “That’s not why.” The inspector shook his head. “Don’t you see, Constable, I don’t know what to do about Lady Cannonberry.”
    “Constable Griffiths took her statement, sir,” Barnes pointed out. “You followed proper procedure.”
    “That’s not the point. Lady Cannonberry was sitting right next to Arlette Banfield when she was poisoned. That makes her a suspect,” Witherspoon cried. “Yet we’ve a close relationship.” He blushed and looked away. “And I’m wondering if the honorable thing to do would be to excuse myself from this case.”
    “You can’t possibly think she had anything to do with the murder.” Barnes couldn’t believe his