Page 84 of Murder on Harley Street
“As I said, I’m persuasive.”
“You discovered he frequented the Café Royal, where he had liaisons with men, and you used that as leverage to force him to pay.”
Floyd’s eyes widened. “How doyouknow about that?”
“Haven’t you learned you can’t keep anything from me? What I don’t know is how you found out. Did someone tell you or did you see him?”
“I received an anonymous note. I wasn’t entirely sure I could trust it, but it served its purpose. Lombardi settled his account when I asked if it was true. I didn’t need to resort to blackmail, so you can stop casting a censorious glare at me, Cleo.”
“You may not have used the term blackmail, but it was implied.”
It seemed Mr. Chapman had realized I might not use the information he’d given me, and found a way to make sure someone else did. He’d gone to the right person. While Uncle Ronald was ruthless, he had a gentlemanly manner in his business dealings. He wouldn’t use blackmail.
Floyd confirmed my suspicion by asking me not to tell his father.
“Very well,” I said. “But you have to do something for me in return.”
“That depends on what it is.”
“I’m going to propose the family’s celebratory luncheon be moved to a different time. You’re going to go along with me.”
“Moved to when?”
I didn’t get a chance to answer him. Uncle Ronald handed each of us a newspaper. My heart did a little flip of joy when I found the article about the Nerve Elixir on the front page ofThe Daily Telegraph. I quickly scanned it and was pleased to see that Dr. Iverson had held up his end of the bargain.
“Here it is!” Flossy showed me a similar article inThe Daily Mail.
The others also found reports on the negative effects of the high level of cocaine in the Nerve Elixir and other products manufactured by the Bella Vita Company inThe Daily News,The Morning Post, andThe Times. All quoted Dr. Iverson. Although the mentions were buried in articles covering the arrest of Sister Dearden for the murder of his patient, I was glad to see it appearing in all five of the dailies, and on the front pages, too. I doubted they’d have been as interested in his medical opinion if it wasn’t for the sensational nature of the murder. I didn’t care why they’d quoted him, just that they had.
I was equally pleased to see that D.S. Forrester was noted as the investigating officer whose doggedness had led to the arrest of the murderess. Harry’s final request to the doctor had been to ensure the journalists gave glowing accounts of the detective sergeant. Hopefully it would give Forrester’s confidence a boost after the bruising it had received from my rejection. Harry’s agency was also noted as assisting Scotland Yard. He’d get yet more work from the publicity. He might even get a pat on the back from Uncle Ronald. It was a point in Harry’s favor to bank for when it came time to announce our relationship to my family.
The lift door opened and Mr. Lombardi exited carrying two suitcases. The night porter went to assist him. Mr. Lombardi’s steps slowed when he saw us, standing side by side. I wasn’t sure if it was the show of unity that unnerved him, or the fact we were all smiling, but he looked unsettled. He tried to hurry past us, but Uncle Ronald blocked him.
He handed Mr. Lombardi his copy ofThe Times, folded to display the article about the murder. “You may be interested in this. I believe the doctor involved has given glowing testimonials about your Nerve Elixir in the past. Seems he’s no longer a supporter.”
Mr. Lombardi read the article, drawing in a sharp gasp when he got to the mention of his tonic. He said something in Italian that I couldn’t translate, but its nature was clear from the guttural tone.
I held out my copy ofThe Daily Telegraph. “You may also want to read this one.”
“And this,” Floyd said, adding his copy ofThe Morning Post.
Flossy stepped up and stabbed her finger on the article in her copy ofThe Daily Mail. “This reporter writes so eloquently that the editor gave it two columns. What makes it particularly ironic is the appearance just below of an advertisement for one of your rivals’ tonics.”
Mr. Lombardi’s shirt collar suddenly seemed much too tight as the veins on his neck bulged in anger. The wicked side of me thought it would be fitting for Flossy to point out that his neck had become too fat.
Aunt Lilian peered sympathetically at Mr. Lombardi. “You poor man. You don’t look at all well. Shall we get you something to revive you for your journey home? I would have suggested some of your tonic to get you through the ordeal of the travel ahead, but after reading these articles, I’m not sure that would be safe.” She added her copy ofThe Daily Newsto the other newspapers he held. “Some more reading to help while away the hours on your journey.”
Mr. Lombardi’s nostrils flared, and for one dreadful moment I thought he was going to berate her. Then Uncle Ronald grabbed one of Lombardi’s arms and Floyd took the other. Between them, they escorted him from the hotel, the night porter trailing behind with a somewhat confused expression on his face.
Flossy put an arm around her mother’s waist. “You were marvelous.”
“I was, wasn’t I?”
I put my arm around her waist, too. “Aunt Lilian, you are delightfully wicked. I love it, and I love you.”
“Thank you,” she said. “Both of you. I couldn’t ask for a lovelier and braver pair of girls.”
Floyd and Uncle Ronald rejoined us, the former dusting his hands off as if he’d just thrown out the rubbish. “Right then,” Floyd said. “I’m off to bed.”
