I Spy by Natalie Sumner Lincoln

Author:Natalie Sumner Lincoln
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2013-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVI.

At the Morgue

Shortly before three o’clock on that same afternoon in which Heinrich had confided in Miller, dashing turnouts and limousines, their smartly liveried coachmen and chauffeurs asking now and then the direction from street-crossing policeman, trotted and tooted their way down busy Seventh Street toward the wharves, their destination a modest two-storied stuccoed building bearing the words, “D. C. Morgue.” The inquest on Sinclair Spencer was to be held there at three o’clock.

Spencer’s tragic death twenty-four hours before had indeed created a sensation in the nation’s Capital. The wildest rumors were afloat. Was it deliberate murder or suicide? The press, ever keen to scent sensational news, had devoted much space to the little known facts and hinted at even more startling developments; all of which but whetted the curiosity of the public. The social prominence of the Whitneys had precipitated them still further into the limelight; not often did the smart set have so choice a titbit to discuss, and gossip ran riot. It had few facts to thrive upon, as both the coroner and the police refused to give out the slightest detail.

“Good gracious!” ejaculated Miss Kiametia, as the touring car in which she and Senator Foster were riding threaded its tooting way through the many vehicles. “This street resembles Connecticut Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Where is the morgue?”

“Right here,” and Foster sprang out of the car with alacrity as it drew up to the curb. He had been, for his cheery temperament, singularly morose, and Miss Kiametia’s attempt to make conversation during their ride had failed. The spinster’s talkativeness was a sure indication that her nerves were on edge; she usually kept guard upon her tongue.

“Do you suppose the Whitneys are here?” she asked, adjusting her veil with nervous fingers as she crossed the uneven sidewalk.

“Probably; I imagine we are late. Look out for that swing door.” Foster put out a steadying hand. “This way,” turning to the left of the entrance.

“One moment, sir,” and Detective Mitchell, who with several others from the Central Office had been unobtrusively keeping tab on each new arrival, joined them. “Miss Grey, being a witness, must stay with the others in this room. The inquest is being held in that inner room, Mr. Senator. Will you sit over here, Miss Grey.…”

But the spinster hesitated; she relied upon Foster more than she was willing to admit, and the promise of his presence had reconciled her to the prospect of a trying afternoon.

“I prefer to go with you,” she objected, turning appealingly to him.

“But, Kiametia, you can’t,” interposed Foster hurriedly. “The law forbids it. I will be in the next room should you need me.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, then glanced hastily about the room. In one corner the Whitney servants, their inward perturbance showing in their white scared faces, sat huddled together, but there was no sign of Mr. and Mrs. Whitney and Kathleen. Apparently he and Miss Kiametia were earlier than he had at first thought. Turning from Miss Kiametia, he addressed Detective Mitchell in a low tone.

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