The Sound of Murder by John Bonett

Author:John Bonett [Bonett, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Published: 2016-11-22T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Bertie had been enjoying a rest when the bell rang, and he went to open the door. The newspaper in his hand was folded open at the sports page and there was more than a trace of whisky on his breath. A potato peeling lodged in the turn-up of his trousers provided evidence of an earlier occupation. He stiffened slightly when the Inspector introduced himself, but his voice was casual as he said, “Better come inside. ‘Fraid the place is in a bit of a mess.” He stood back with an expansive gesture.

The Inspector squeezed by a crowded hall-stand and a tall cylinder of beaten brass containing a rolled umbrella, a shooting-stick, two walking-sticks, and what appeared to be the top joint of a chimney-sweep’s brush, and came into the sitting-room. Bertie, following, picked up a copy of Horse and Hound from one of the two armchairs, waved the Inspector towards it, and sat down heavily. “Well, what’s the matter this time?” he inquired. “Thought I’d seen the last of you chaps at the inquest. Nasty business that, very nasty. Don’t suppose we shall ever know how the poor devil came to fall.”

“Perhaps not.” The Inspector paused. “I’m afraid I’ve come with rather unpleasant news, Colonel Summersby. It has been suggested that your brother-in-law’s death may not have been an accident.”

“Not an accident?” Bertie sat up. “But the inquest…”

“The verdict was on the known facts. In the light of fresh information I regret I have to make further inquiries.”

“But, my dear fellow.” Bertie was startled into forgetfulness of the fact that he was speaking to a policeman. “If it wasn’t an accident and suicide’s been ruled out, that leaves—” He gagged on the word and shook his head slowly. “No, I can’t believe that.”

“No one believes in murder until it has taken place,” the Inspector said. “No one except the murderer knows why and how.” The soft eyes rested on his listener’s face. “He will be found if the evidence is brought to light. It is my duty to find it if it is there. But I do not wish to alarm you. We do not yet know for certain that it was not an accident – and, of course, I have not mentioned any other possibility to Mrs Corsair.”

“I should think not. Poor little thing. Can’t have her worried more than she is.” His voice tailed away as if his thoughts were on another matter. Frowning, he said, “But if someone pushed Halberd out of the window – take it that’s what’s in your mind – he must have got into the flat and out without Netta knowing.” He cleared his throat. “Suppose that’s possible. Remember reading t’other day about some burglars cleaning out a place while the family were playing some game or other. See what you’re after. Chap’s snooping about the flat. Halberd catches him at it and gets chucked out before he knows what’s happening. Looks like an accident until you come across something that makes you think again.

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