Page 67 of Garden of Lies

“Oh.” Otford lost interest and selected another sandwich. “No one of note then.”

Slater turned back to Ursula. “I talked to the police. The detective in charge of the case was kind enough to give me some information.”

“Well, of course the police would pay attention to you,” Ursula said grimly. “You’re Slater Roxton.”

Slater pretended not to hear that. “I’m told Rosemont’s death looks like the work of a professional assassin. Stiletto in the back of the neck.”

She blinked and then a speculative look appeared in her eyes. She was not the only one paying attention. Otford actually stopped munching again.

“What’s this about a professional assassin?” Otford gulped down a bite of sandwich and wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. He whipped out a small notebook and a pencil. “Stiletto, you say? Makes all the difference if there’s a professional villain involved, you see, not your average run-of-the-mill member of the criminal class. My editor might be interested. I can see the headline now,Assassin Stalks London Streets.”

Slater held up a hand. “You are not going to your editor, Otford, not yet at any rate. There is an even bigger story here and you can have an exclusive report if you do what I tell you.”

Otford stopped writing. “A bigger story? Any chance of a whiff of scandal? Readers prefer thrilling news, you see.”

“You cater to such a discerning audience, Mr. Otford.” Ursula gave him a chilly smile. “You must be very proud.”

Otford glared. “I have a responsibility to the public, madam.”

“What about a responsibility to the truth, Mr. Otford?”

“Now, see here, that little incident in the cemetery does not make me a villain, madam.”

“I disagree,” Ursula snapped.

Slater decided to step in before the situation deteriorated further.

“Let’s try to stay on topic,” he said. “I think there is a strong probability that the assassin will attempt to murder someone else and quite soon.”

“Indeed?” Otford brightened.

“Mr. Otford, I think I can safely promise you a story that will help you launch a career as a publisher of one of the most popular weekly crime-reporting magazines in London.” Slater paused a beat before adding softly, “What is more, if you assist us in this investigation, I will help you finance your project.”

Otford looked dazzled. “You would back me financially, sir?”

“Yes, because I think you can be helpful to us.”

“I will do my best, sir. Count on me, Mr. Roxton.”

Ursula raised her eyes to the ceiling and drank some tea.

“In exchange for your assistance in the investigation that Mrs. Kern and I are conducting,” Slater continued, “I will pay your rent this week and provide you with some visible means of support until you are ready to publish your first penny dreadful. But I must have your solemn promise that you will keep your mouth shut until I give you permission to print the story.”

“Absolutely, sir. You have my word as a man of honor.”

Ursula sniffed. “You’re an extortionist, Mr. Otford. That rather undercuts your claim to being a man of honor, don’t you think?”

He contrived to look hurt. “My life has become quite complicated lately, Mrs. Grant.”

“The name is now Mrs. Kern, thanks in large measure to you and your nasty reporting of the Picton divorce trial. And for your information, my life has become complicated, as well.”

Slater held up one hand. “Enough. I think it is time that we all agree to set some priorities and move forward in an effective, efficient manner. First things first. Otford, how did you discover Mrs. Kern’s identity?”

Otford cast an uneasy glance at Ursula and cleared his throat. “As to that, sir, I’m afraid I cannot say.”

“I understand that your journalistic ethics may be of more importance to you than your desire to cooperate in this investigation,” Slater said. “However, if that is the case, I’m afraid our financial arrangements must be canceled.”

Otford was panic-stricken. He waved both hands wildly. “No, no, you misunderstood, sir. I didn’t mean Iwon’ttell you who informed me—I meant that I can’t tell you. I don’t know the identity of the person who gave me the information.”

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