Murdered On the 13th by Malcolm Archibald

Author:Malcolm Archibald [Archibald, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Next Chapter
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“We're going in circles here,” Watters said. “We now know that Mrs Dewar hired the Mincer or James Campbell. We are now unsure if he's the murderer, and that leaves us back to square one. We have two ugly murders and a new suspect in this Glasgow man, Smith.”

“What do you intend to do now?” Scuddamore said.

“Put out the word that I wish to speak to Campbell,” Watters said. “Tell him I no longer think he is the murderer and hope he turns up. We'll keep quiet about Smith just now and tell all the beat constables to keep their ears open. Somebody will say something eventually, and we'll crack this case.”

“How about the County police?” Duff asked. “Can they not help with the prize fighting? They might know something.”

“I've passed the word,” Watters said. “But each County policeman has a huge area to cover.”

“I've never known a murder case with such a lack of motive,” Scuddamore said. “The only person to benefit is Gladstone, and he's the most reluctant bank manager I have ever seen.”

“We have an idea of the motive,” Watters said. “They are scaring Mrs Dewar.”

“Why?” Duff asked.

“We don't know why,” Watters said. “I am sure Mrs Dewar knows more than she is saying.”

“This case has nothing but questions,” Duff said. “And now Mr Gladstone is being difficult at the bank.”

“Difficult? How?”

“I need access to all the account information, and when I asked him to open a safe where he keeps the files, he said that personal information was none of my business.”

“I'll have a word with Mr Mackay,” Watters said. “He'll soon tell Gladstone to co-operate.” He puffed at his pipe. “I think I may question Gladstone as well.”

“I can't see him as a murderer,” Duff said. “He's so nervous he can hardly hold a cup of tea without spilling the contents.”

“You must make him like that,” Watters said.

“Me?” Duff shook his head. “I'm the most amiable of men, Sergeant. I wouldn't bother a mouse, let alone a banker.”

Watters looked away. “Of course you are, Duff.” He puffed smoke into the already blue-shrouded room. “I think these murders represent an attempt to put Mrs Dewar out of business, although for the life of me, I can't think why.”

“Maybe she is too successful?” Scuddamore said. “She has three thriving brothels plus a splendid house.”

“Jealousy, you mean?” Watters spoke around the stem of his pipe. “That may be so, but according to Mrs Dewar, the main Madames in Dundee jog along fairly well. Ma Ramsay is the most prone to violence of the three, and I cannot see her attacking Mrs Dewar. Her Couttie's Wynd establishment is never short of business.”

“Perhaps it's not another prostitute then,” Scuddamore said.

“I still think it's something to do with money,” Duff said. “That Gladstone fellow is as timid as a three-legged mouse, yet stubborn with his safe.”

Watters removed the pipe from his mouth. “What kind of safe is it?”

“A Chubb,” Duff said with a grin. “I did consider trying to pick it, Sergeant, but I haven't the skill.

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