Day for Dying by Dorothy Simpson

Author:Dorothy Simpson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scribner

THIRTEEN

Gerald Argent was the type you’d pass in the street without a second glance, thought Thanet as they followed him through a hall so tiny that there was barely room for more than two people to stand in it. Argent was neither short nor tall, fat nor thin, dark nor fair, and had, on first impressions, no peculiarities of physiognomy to make him stand out from the crowd. It was all the more intriguing, therefore, to enter his living room and be confronted by two shelves of cups and trophies and a number of framed photographs which clearly commemorated the occasions upon which they had been won. Apart from this touch of individuality it was a room which would, Thanet thought, be indistinguishable from hundreds of thousands of others in modern houses up and down the country, simply but adequately furnished with a sofa, two matching armchairs, some adjustable bookshelves, a television set and a CD player. At one end there was a small round modern dining table and four chairs.

Hartley Jeopard unfolded his long frame from an armchair as they came in. ‘Good evening, Inspector, Sergeant. I’ll be off, then, Gerald.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Hart. I don’t mind you staying, not in the least.’ Argent cocked an interrogatory eyebrow at Thanet.

‘It’s entirely up to you,’ said Thanet.

Hartley shuffled his feet. ‘No, I think it would be best if I went. Tell you what, I’ll go and pick up something to eat. D’you fancy Chinese?’

‘Fine by me.’

‘OK. Anything special?’

‘Up to you.’

The display of photographs was drawing Thanet like a magnet and during this exchange he edged closer to them. The images took on definition, became recognisable. The distinctive silhouettes of ballroom dancers have become universally familiar via the medium of television. Perhaps Argent wasn’t quite your Mr Average after all, he thought. Distinction in any field can only be achieved by patience, dedication, perseverance and sheer hard work. He turned to find Argent watching him, and waved a hand at the trophies. ‘You must be very good at it.’

Argent shrugged. ‘A lot depends on finding the right partner.’

‘You obviously have.’

‘We’ve been dancing together for a number of years now.’

‘I imagine it’s a pretty time-consuming hobby.’

‘It does take a fair amount of time, yes. Do sit down.’

‘How do boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives feel about that?’

‘Much as they would about any other hobby, I suppose.’

‘And Miss Sylvester?’

Argent was immediately wary. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I was wondering how she felt about your spending so much time with another woman, when you were engaged.’

‘June isn’t “another woman”, as you put it, Inspector. She’s my dancing partner and nothing more. As a matter of fact she’s engaged herself and getting married in the autumn. Anyway, the question is irrelevant. My engagement was recently broken off as you’re obviously aware. And in any case, I frankly don’t see that it’s any of your business.’

‘Oh but it is, Mr Argent, as I’m sure you’ll realise if you put your mind to it. In fact, you must

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