The Novel Art of Murder by V. M. Burns

Author:V. M. Burns [Burns, V. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-09-11T00:00:00+00:00

James, Lord William, and Mrs. Churchill were already in the parlor when Daphne and Lady Elizabeth entered. Lady Elizabeth took a quick look around and then rang the buzzer she knew would summon Thompkins.

James was seated on the sofa and moved over to make room for Daphne, but she sat in one of the chairs near the window. A look of disappointment flashed across his face briefly but was quickly concealed.

Thompkins opened the door to the parlor, stepped in, and coughed discretely. “M’lady?”

Lady Elizabeth hurried to her seat on the sofa. “Thompkins, come in and close the door. We may not have much time.”

The butler obeyed and stood quietly near the fireplace.

“What’s this all about, Elizabeth?” Mrs. Churchill asked.

“We’ve got to get some things arranged before that young sergeant’s return.” She turned to James. “Did you ring Scotland Yard and arrange for Detective Inspector Covington to come out?”

James nodded.

She turned to Mrs. Churchill. “I hope that’s okay, Clemmie. We’ve worked with him before and I trust him.”

Mrs. Churchill looked dazed. “Yes, of course. Whatever you think best.”

James nodded. “I have a small job I need to tend to in London, so I’ll pick him up and bring him down.”

“Perfect.”

“Thompkins, we’re going to need your help on this one.”

“Of course, m’lady.”

“You know the servants better than any of us, except perhaps Clemmie.” She smiled at Mrs. Churchill. “No offense, dear, but you’ve not investigated a murder before and it might be faster and easier if Thompkins does it.”

Mrs. Churchill’s eyes got larger, but she nodded.

“Thompkins, find out if anyone heard or saw anything that might help figure out who killed that girl.”

He bowed. “Yes, m’lady.”

“James, I’ll need you to work on Randolph. He’ll be one of the top suspects, and I think you may be better suited to his . . . disposition than any of us.”

“Of course.”

“Find out how long he’s known her. Where did they meet? Any background information you can get will help.”

James nodded.

“Randolph isn’t the only person the police will suspect.” Daphne’s face was flushed as she picked at an invisible piece of lint on her tweed skirt.

Everyone reassured her, but she held up a hand. “You don’t have to sugarcoat it. Randolph and I will be top suspects for the police.”

“You’re probably right, dear,” Lady Elizabeth spoke quietly but with confidence. “That’s another reason why we need to work quickly to find the real killer.”

Daphne appeared to take courage from Lady Elizabeth’s words and sat straighter and nodded.

“Now, Daphne, do you think you could talk to Mr. Blunt and Mr. Burgess? Find out what they were doing last night and early this morning?”

Daphne nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“William, I’m going to need you to distract Winston and Leo. The last thing I need is Winston putting in his oar. He may be a brilliant man, but subtle he is not. I think Leo Amery may be useful in keeping Winston distracted but also find out if he had any contact with the girl. I know it’s a long shot, but he has a son who .

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