Mrs. Jeffries and the Alms of the Angel by Emily Brightwell

Author:Emily Brightwell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2019-09-23T16:00:00+00:00

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“We’ve a lot to do today, sir.” Barnes pulled open the door of the Upper Richmond Road Police Station and waited till Witherspoon had stepped inside. “Let’s hope this doesn’t take long.”

“It shouldn’t.” Witherspoon smiled as he approached the desk. “Good morning. Is Inspector Nivens available? I’d like to speak with him.”

“Of course, sir.” Wylie pointed to the hall. “He’s in the duty inspector’s office.”

“Thank you.” Witherspoon headed in that direction.

“I’ll wait here, sir,” Barnes called after him.

Witherspoon knocked on the door and then stepped inside when he heard a muffled “Enter.” “Good morning, Inspector Nivens.”

Nivens was at the desk. He looked up from the open file he’d been reading. “Morning, Witherspoon. I suppose you’re here for the PM report? Well, I was just thinking that before we go over that, I’d like to know how the case is progressing. It is, after all, in my district.”

Taken aback, Witherspoon stared at him for a brief moment. “Actually, Inspector Nivens, I’ve already seen the postmortem report. I’m here to ask for some additional men. Two should do nicely. I was hoping I could have them this morning, and from what it looks like here, the station isn’t terribly busy.”

Nivens looked surprised. “What do you mean, you’ve seen the PM report?” He jabbed his index finger at the open file. “You couldn’t have. It’s right here.”

“But I did see it and I’m wondering why you still have the report on your desk. It was done two days ago, and since that time I’ve been here several times. It should have been passed to me immediately.”

“Are you implying that I deliberately withheld it?” Nivens voice was low, guttural, and meant to be intimidating.

“Yes.”

“How dare you!” He shot to his feet.

“I dare because it’s true. You deliberately withheld pertinent information in the investigation of a homicide. What’s more, you’ve absented yourself from this station during those times when you knew I’d be here to request additional constables to assist in the house-to-house interviews and general police work.”

An ugly red flush spread over Nivens’ face as he balled his hands into fists. “That’s absurd,” he snapped, his voice rising. “I did no such thing, and what’s more, if you dare to imply I behaved in such a manner, you’ll be sorry.” He banged his fist against the desk.

“Do you really think your threats frighten me?” Witherspoon smiled slightly. “You may do as you like. However, for now, I suggest you give me two of your constables, as I have a murder to solve. Furthermore, I’ve already sent a report about your behavior to Chief Superintendent Barrows—” He broke off as someone pounded on the door, and a second later it flew open to reveal Constable Barnes, Sergeant Wylie, and two other constables.

“We heard yelling.” Barnes looked at Witherspoon. “All well, sir?”

“Get out, Witherspoon!” Nivens yelled before turning his fury to the crowd in his doorway. “All of you, close that damned door and get out of my sight!”

Witherspoon didn’t move. “Not

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