A Deadly Venetian Affair: A 1920s Mystery (Henry Fleming Investigates Book 4) by Jay Gill

Author:Jay Gill [Gill, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Visit www.jaygill.net
Published: 2022-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

Dr Ingrey examined the typed summary of the police report. It had just arrived, hand delivered by a fresh-faced constable. Despite Fleming’s misgivings, Inspector Trotta had lived up to his word and been more cooperative than he had thought. The report was surprisingly thorough and informative. Fleming had read it twice through already.

‘You’re quite right, Fleming,’ said Dr Ingrey. ‘The medication Signor Durante took was for a heart condition. It’s very similar to something I myself would prescribe. It’s usually taken at the same time each day.’

‘Durante told me he took his medication every morning. I know I’ve said it before but I struggle to believe he placed a glass of water beside his bed and put his medication out for the morning then proceeded to end his life with his revolver. Also, using a cushion to muffle the sound so as not to disturb the other guests. A cushion, I might add, which has subsequently vanished. It’s a preposterous notion!’

‘When you put it like that I have to agree.’

‘I will waste no more time considering his death was suicide. Any doubts I might have had have evaporated completely. I’m now convinced his death can only have been the result of a murderous act staged to look like suicide.’ Fleming was saying the words out loud for his own benefit as much as for Dr Ingrey’s. ‘The report from Inspector Trotta serves only to underline my earlier assertions.’

‘What next?’ asked the doctor.

‘We determine who among the guests had motive enough to want Durante dead.’

‘I’ve chatted to all the guests and I hardly think any one of them capable of murder. To my mind it seems out of the question.’

Fleming gave a curious smile. ‘We shall see whether you’re right.’

‘Would I be correct in thinking you have suspicions already?’ The doctor adjusted his shirt collar; he could see the answer on Fleming’s face. ‘I suppose what I’m really asking is whether you’ve already ruled me out as a suspect?’

Fleming thought about his answer for a moment. ‘It’s been claimed in newspapers around the world that Henry Fleming is one of Britain’s greatest living detectives. I’ll admit I find such proclamations uncomfortable. Having read several of these articles, it’s true to say that most of what is written is fanciful. In amongst the outlandish claims of my heroic exploits, there are a few interesting observations, one of which is that I have an excellent track record in solving the unsolvable…’

Dr Ingrey regarded Fleming fondly. He enjoyed his company and, having previously only observed a man who for the most part was serious and clearly relished feeling in control, he found it interesting to glimpse the great detective’s discomfort at dealing with his celebrity. It made him a little bit more human. Even, perhaps, a little vulnerable.

Fleming continued. ‘…however, let me ask you. Would it be wise for such a great detective to rule out at this early stage a man such as yourself? A person with an intimate knowledge of the human body, and medicine.

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