Page 62 of Death of a Courtesan
‘How we gonna do that, sir?’
‘I wonder what happens to Adelaide’s money,’ Riley mused, opening his eyes again and staring directly at Salter. ‘Clement told us she’d amassed a goodly sum. Where is it? Did she make a will, and if so who benefits from her death?’
‘Perhaps Mrs Sinclair will know if a particular solicitor took care of the girls’ interests.’
‘We shall have someone ask her.’ Riley looked up when someone knocked at the door. ‘Come in. Ah, Carter, there you are. How have you and Soames fared with the task I set you?’
‘Inconclusively, sir.’
‘When is anything ever conclusive in our line of work?’ Salter asked no one in particular.
‘We’ve spoken to the clerk who keeps the books at Huxton’s warehouse. He showed us the receipts that Derek Huxton produced to support his trip to France. He entertained lavishly and travelled first class.’
‘What’s inconclusive about that?’ Salter growled. ‘Unfortunately it confirms that he was where he said he was.’
‘But for the fact that the boat train he caught to return to London from Dover left the port at first light. He was probably hoping that we wouldn’t look that closely at his ticket stub because it confirms that he was back in the city by late morning, sir.’
‘Was he indeed!’ Salter turned gleaming eyes upon Riley. ‘And yet he tells us he only reached Ware at ten that evening. Where was he for all the rest of the time?’
‘We shall ask him in due time,’ Riley replied. ‘But I dare say he will have an explanation. Besides, if his sister supports his alibi, which she undoubtedly will, we are no further forward. But still, it’s the first real breakthrough we have achieved thus far and certainly focuses suspicion on Derek Huxton.’
‘Would you like me to bring him in, sir?’ Salter asked, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
‘Not immediately,’ Riley replied, stroking his chin. ‘He’ll keep. I can’t help thinking that we’re missing something. Just because we want the uncle to be guilty, doesn’t mean that he necessarily is. Go and see Mrs Sinclair, Carter, and ask her if a particular solicitor looked after all the girls’ legal requirements. I still want to know if anyone benefits directly from Adelaide’s death.’
Carter nodded and left the room.
‘Let’s carrying on delving into backgrounds for the rest of the day, Jack. I want to know everything there is to know about the girls who work in that house, including the servants.’ He paused. ‘Especially them.’
Salter nodded briskly and left the room, shouting orders to the detectives waiting to do his bidding.
