The Birdcage Murders: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates by Karen Baugh Menuhin

Author:Karen Baugh Menuhin [Menuhin, Karen Baugh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little Dog Publishing Ltd
Published: 2022-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

‘We can’t interview Lillian Lamb without permission,’ Swift insisted as we crossed back into Piccadilly, heading for Old Bond Street. ‘The police have already searched Phillips’ studio, they’ll know about the connection.’

‘Hm.’ I didn’t argue. ‘The portrait was interesting though.’

‘Yes,’ he agreed. He was walking with his head down. ‘It could be relevant, but I don’t see…’

‘Where do ladies purchase cosmetics?’

That flummoxed him. ‘What?’

‘Gloria Thornton was wearing shimmering eyeshadow, so was Estelle Clifton. Persi mentioned diamond dust was used in cosmetics by the Egyptians, and that ancient Egypt is becoming fashionable again.’

‘Does Billings know about these cosmetics?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

‘Lillian Lamb’s make-up was quite dark,’ he commented.

‘It was only a painting.’

‘Florence wears a touch of lipstick when we go to the mainland.’ He stopped walking. ‘I’ve never heard of shops that only sell make-up…’

‘They must exist. We could try the Royal Arcade, there are dozens of shops in there,’ I suggested. ‘Come on.’

We set off along Old Bond Street and came to the richly decorated portal proclaiming itself to be The Royal Arcade, and slowed our pace. It was the sort of place to strike terror into the heart of the average husband. Huge bow windows formed a curved entrance, cleverly constructed to entice the unsuspecting browser to step inside. Glossy marbled pillars supported a galleried glass roof, which protected a broad parade of exquisitely designed shopfronts. We stopped to stare in a window glittering with gold and gems.

‘We could ask a jeweller about diamond dust.’ I nodded toward the glazed door where a smart doorman stood to attention.

‘Lennox, wait, I thought we were supposed to be looking for cosmetics…’ Swift began, but he was too late. The door had been swung open by the chap guarding it, and I crossed the threshold as though drawn by an irresistible force.

We were met with disdain.

‘We do not create jewellery, sir, we provide unique objets d’art to discerning clientele.’ A snooty chap in a sleek suit attempted to look down his nose at us – he might have succeeded if he’d been a foot taller.

We were standing in front of a polished counter of highly varnished rosewood. Around us were shelves displaying necklaces, tiaras, earrings, and bracelets sparkling with gold and precious gems. The very air felt thick with opulence, and I had a sudden longing for green fields and the soft Cotswolds countryside.

‘Are you saying you don’t know how diamonds are cut?’ Swift goaded him.

‘Of course not. I am perfectly familiar with the process, but as I have said, we do not cut stones ourselves—’ The oily salesman’s explanation was interrupted by the appearance of an elderly man in a dark suit.

‘Rueben, Rueben…is this how we talk to our customers?’ The old chap, bent and wizened by time, admonished the assistant. ‘You must not say such talk to them. Now go do your work; leave this to me.’

‘Uncle Moshe, I was merely trying to…’ Rueben hissed.

‘Go, go. I talk with them.’ The old man waved a gnarled hand until Rueben slid off in retreat.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.