Page 59 of Death of a Courtesan
‘I am sure she did, but she wasn’t willing to tell me. Besides, I’d prefer to hear it from her husband.’ Riley finished his meal and pushed his empty plate aside. ‘Go back to that tavern, The Lamb close to Billingsgate tomorrow lunchtime, Stout. I’m certain that Ray will be in there. It’s his regular haunt once the market closes.’
‘Do you want me to befriend him or simply keep my ears open?’
‘Use your initiative. Strike up casual conversations and discover what people are saying about him.’
‘Very well.’ Stout stood to clear the table. ‘Shall you be going out again this evening?’
Riley was sorely tempted to call and see Amelia but decided against it. He still hadn’t untangled his feelings regarding that lady and knew it would be dangerous to make a habit of leaning upon her.
‘No, Stout, I think not.’ Riley lifted his arms above his head and yawned. ‘It’s an early night for me.’
Riley felt revived the following morning. He took it as an encouraging sign that the rain had finally cleared and he was greeted by a crisp autumn morning. Multi-coloured leaves blew around his garden, agitated by a strong breeze as a weak sun attempted to break through a bank of cloud. He arrived at Scotland Yard at an early hour and was told by Sergeant Baron that Michael Clement was waiting to see him.
‘He said you was expecting him.’
‘I was indeed, only not quite this early. Is Sergeant Salter here yet?’
Barton shrugged. ‘I ain’t seen him.’
Riley thanked Barton, his relationship with whom had improved but was still dependent upon the sergeant’s moods, and made his way to his office. He’d not been there for five minutes before Salter put his head round the door.
‘Come on in, Jack, and close the door. There have been developments.’
He told Jack about his visit to Celeste the previous evening, playing down Henry’s role in the proceedings.
‘Blimey, sir,’ Salter replied, scratching his head. ‘I thought you was up to something.’
‘I couldn’t take you with me because the lady insisted that I attend alone. I wasn’t sure what she would have to say to me and whether it would be pertinent to the case. Since it was, and given that her husband has returned from France and is waiting to see us now, I felt it expedient to bring you up to date.’
‘Obliged, I’m sure.’ Salter rubbed his chin. ‘Iffing this Celeste specialised in the same line of work as Adelaide, does that mean your brother…’
Salter’s words trailed off in response to Riley’s admonishing look. ‘My brother’s involvement in any of this does not leave this room, Salter. Are we clear?’
‘As crystal, sir. It can’t have been easy for him to come to you, I would imagine.’
‘Very likely not.’ He went on to explain the conclusions he and Stout had reached. ‘Stout is going to the Lamb at lunchtime today to see what he can find out about Ray Clement.’ Riley stood. ‘In the meantime, I shall be most interested to hear what Michael has to tell us. Are you ready, sergeant?’
‘And willing, sir,’ Salter replied crisply, standing and opening the door for Riley to precede him through it.
Riley entered the austere room into which Michael Clement had been shown, wondering what sort of man had secured the fragrant Celeste’s affections. If he expected a mirror image of his brother, one glance was enough to disillusion him of that preconception. The man who stood up when Riley entered was tall and exceedingly handsome. Intelligent grey eyes assessed Riley and Salter, but concentrated upon the former. Despite the fact that he had presumably docked in London early that morning, Clement was impeccably attired in the fashion of a gentleman, and the moment he opened his mouth it quickly became apparent that he had the manners to match.
‘I apologise for keeping you waiting,’ Riley said, accepting the proffered hand that took his in a firm, cool grasp. ‘I am Inspector Rochester. This is Sergeant Salter. I imagine you are only just returned from France. It’s good of you to make this your first call.’
‘I went to Battersea first thing. Celeste told me of the developments during my absence.’ Clement resumed his seat and ran a hand through his thick hair. ‘I am devastated by what has happened to Adelaide. It is a tragedy and I shall do everything in my power to help you find the perpetrator of this violent crime. Upon that you have my firm assurance.’
‘Thank you.’ Riley’s initial impression was that the man was honest and sincere in his desire to help. ‘Perhaps you would care to start by explaining the nature of your relationship with Adelaide. I understand you were on the point of doing business together.’
‘My wife introduced us.’ Clement cleared his throat and gave Riley a direct look. ‘You have met Celeste and understand the nature of her previous profession.’
‘Previous?’ Salter raised a brow. ‘She told the inspector that she still sees some of her regular clients. Frankly, we wondered about that.’
‘You wonder how I could marry the lady and then permit her to continue plying her trade, I dare say.’ Clement shook his head. ‘Don’t imagine I am happy about it, but if we are to be free to live as husband and wife, openly and honestly, Celeste considers there is little choice. I don’t necessarily agree. It will take a longer for me to…however, to speak frankly, none of the men whom Celeste entertains are permitted to touch her. She is in complete control and her word is law.’
‘She is in charge of the exchanges, which her clients want and expect?’ Riley suggested.
‘Now, yes. But it wasn’t always that way.’
‘How can you be so sure that it is now?’
