Portrait with Death by M.A. Lee

Author:M.A. Lee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 1920s mystery, murder mystery, British public school mystery, artist as amateur sleuth
Publisher: M.A. Lee
Published: 2021-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Monday

“And Mr. Sherborne’s sister?”

“Miss Felicity Sherborne,” the magistrate said. Even expecting the name, Michael felt like he dropped a hundred feet. “A professional photographer, she informs me.” Sir Robert’s tone made evident that he didn’t quite believe her claim. “We shall see when she provides us photo prints of the murder scene.”

Fate had definitely set its Sisyphean ball rolling. Michael again encountered Felicity Sherborne, this time with murder between them. He preferred a dance floor and Alan Rettleston’s antagonism as obstacles. That bottomless feeling let him know trouble was coming. God help him. First, Isabella Tarrant, involved closely in another murder, and now Felicity Sherborne.

At least Callaway didn’t know about his boss’s interest in Miss Sherborne.

Then Michael heard what Sir Robert had said. “Photo prints of the murder scene? I understand that you needed to remove the body, but you brought this Miss Sherborne in to take photographs of the scene?”

“I did not. She took it upon herself while waiting for her brother’s return from notifying us.” His words had become clipped, almost curt. Sir Robert didn’t approve. “While Mrs. Tarrant held up the blanket, Miss Sherborne took photographs. They tell me that they thought it necessary to record the scene. I do not think either lady had a high expectation for an investigation in a rural area run by a young constable and a magistrate who normally deal with drunks and poachers. Miss Sherborne informed me that she would develop and enlarge the photographs before your arrival then turn the prints and the negatives over to you. They said they were eager to help.”

Sir Robert hadn’t wanted their help but needed it. Having to accept what he didn’t want must be like drinking bitters for the magistrate. Michael understood that feeling. It burned his throat and bothered him for days.

“Yet her brother was eager to return to his rooms,” he commented. “Quite a difference.”

Before Sir Robert replied, the door opened. The butler didn’t quite step into the room. “Sir, Constable Amsley waits in the morning room. Because of his tardiness, sir, he says he should not delay you.”

“Excellent.” Sir Robert stood, and Michael and Callaway did also. “If you need anything, Detective Inspector, the constable will answer your questions. You will wish to examine the case in detail, I know. Make use of the morning room. I will be absent for several hours. Chesterton will provide what you need. If you have an emergency, he will contact me. Chesterton.”

“The automobile is waiting, sir.”

“My wife?”

“James has informed her of your imminent departure. Inspector, sergeant, come with me, please.”

In the morning room the constable was sorting papers on a round piecrust table. The flowered bowl that must have decorated the table had been placed on a low table before a settee. When Michael entered, the man straightened and stood at attention.. He looked young, but Callaway’s information said he’d served in Liverpool before coming to the Wellsford district. His appearance should belie his experience. From the bulky folder in his hand and the number of papers on the table beside him, he wanted to impress.

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