A Spying Eye by Michelle Cox

Author:Michelle Cox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press

Chapter 15

“How perfectly awful!” Claudette exclaimed after Clive and Henrietta had relayed, over dinner, the story of poor Monsieur Bonnet’s murder. “But, then again, I suppose you are used to such things, being detectives.”

Henrietta was tempted to say that she had not as yet witnessed an actual dead body—besides Neptune, that is—but she did not. In truth, the sight of M. Bonnet lying in a pool of his own blood had sickened her, but she dared not tell Clive this lest he fret unnecessarily and urge her to return to bed, as if that would help.

“What did the police say?” Valentin asked, taking a bite of beef.

“Not much. No leads or clear motive. They believe we were not too far behind the killer. There was a broken window in the back where they assume he got in.”

“Must have been a robbery. Shops like that are easy targets.”

“Yes, Inspector Neuville thought the same, but it will take some time to determine what, if anything, has been taken unless they can find an inventory list. Which seems unlikely.”

“Why unlikely?” Claudette asked.

“Because the shop is rather a disorganized mess. Doubtless, Monsieur Bonnet had a system, but the devil if anyone else can make heads or tails of it. The police made a rather thorough search, but no inventory of any sort was found. Maybe something will turn up later.”

“It did seem quite dusty and shabby inside. I am not surprised.” Valentin set his knife down next to his plate. “In fact, it is peculiar that you wanted to return.” His eyes narrowed. “Especially as you already made one purchase. A book, was it not?”

Valentin’s voice was oddly chilling, and Henrietta felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. “Yes,” she said quickly. “I … I had spotted a broach the other day. I thought my mother might like it. So we went back.”

Valentin did not respond, but took a drink of his wine, his eyes fixed on Clive now. “Ah, yes. You are leaving soon. When is this, exactly? Tomorrow, I think?”

“Valentin!” Claudette exclaimed from the other end of the table.

“Oh, but I am not being rude. You are very welcome to stay as long as you like.” He inclined his head. “I only inquire because I leave for Munich soon. For some time.”

“Must you go, Valentin?” Claudette asked, her tone oddly pleading now.

“Yes, my dear. I must. Urgent business.” He wiped the corner of his mouth with his thick white napkin.

“Father will be disappointed.”

“All the same.” He tossed the napkin onto the table.

“Where is the baron?” Clive asked casually, studying his wine glass as he swirled it. “I haven’t seen him all day.”

“He went into town earlier today,” Claudette answered. “Some business he said, though that’s preposterous. He hasn’t had any business dealings in his whole life. Still. We cannot exactly stop him.”

“But are you not afraid to let him go when he’s in one of his … well, when he’s not quite himself?” Henrietta asked. “What if he got lost?”

Claudette gave a little laugh.

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