CHAPTER 13

Hadley arrived back at The Yard and went straight to his office, before reporting to the chief, in the vague hope that his colleagues had found Nancy Miller. He was not surprised at their failure, however, but he was pleased that Blatchford had been brought in, for further questioning. Hanson briefed him on what the impresario had told the detectives.

‘I’ll talk to him, after I’ve reported to the chief,’ said Hadley, Hanson nodded and replied, ‘right, Jim… I’ll get George organised, to take notes.’

‘Thanks.’

Bell was pacing up and down, on his threadbare carpet, when Hadley entered the office. The chief stopped, immediately, and asked, ‘so, what happened at the Coroner’s hearing?’

‘It all went well, sir… Doctor Evans gave his post mortem report, and I followed with my statement… the Coroner directed the jury, to return a verdict of unlawful murder, by person or persons unknown, and they did… so, he released the body for burial.’

‘Good… were the Russians there?’

‘Yes, they were, sir… after the hearing, Chovenski said they would find the killer and deal with him… I told him not to take the law into their own hands.’

‘Well done, Hadley… these troublesome foreigners must learn to obey our laws, otherwise they will face very serious consequences!’

‘Indeed, sir… of course, the press were also there, asking questions…’

‘Damned Fleet Street mongrels… in medieval times we had the rack… now we’ve got the bloody press!’ interrupted Bell.

‘I’m afraid so, sir.’

‘Well, no matter…now we have another development… I received a telephone call from the Foreign Office, informing me that a young man called, at lunchtime, asking to see Barrington.’

‘Did he give his name, sir?’

‘No he didn’t… and, when he was told of the murder, he refused to give any details and ran out into Whitehall… where he was seen boarding a cab,’ replied the chief.

‘Have we a description, sir?’

‘Only a vague one, I’m afraid… medium height and build… clean-shaven, except for a moustache… and, wearing a Bowler hat.’

‘I wonder if it was Miller, sir.’

‘What makes you say that, Hadley?’

‘Hanson has just told me, that Blatchford claims, he and Miller spent the night together, at his lodgings….’

‘All these theatricals are disgusting and immoral creatures!’ interrupted the chief.

‘Indeed, sir… Miller also told Blatchford, that she was going to see a friend, after she left him, this morning.’

‘Well, if it was Miller, at the Foreign Office… she obviously didn’t know about Barrington’s murder… then, it is unlikely that she is the killer.’

‘That may be true, sir… but, there is another possibility…’

‘And, what is that?’

‘She is the killer and pretended to be shocked, at the news of his death, to throw us off the inquiry, and drop her from our list of suspects,’ replied Hadley.

‘That is far too clever, for a woman to have devised, Hadley.’

‘Sir, some women, who murder, are very clever indeed… they plan their terrible deeds, in a way, that we fail to understand… and, that is why so many women kill and escape justice.’

‘Do you really believe that?’

‘Indeed I do, sir… women are known to use poison, to despatch unfaithful husbands, deceitful lovers and elderly relatives, to the next world,’ replied Hadley.

‘Well, I am sure, that if we suspect any foul play, then the perpetrator will face justice and hang.’

‘That maybe so, in many cases, sir… but, with rat poison, containing arsenic, easily purchased from any shop, the possibility of many murders going un-investigated, is a certainty.’

‘Hmm… as if we haven’t got enough to deal with, at present.’

‘Quite so, sir.’

‘What are your plans for the rest of the day, Hadley?’

‘I’m going to question Blatchford now, and find out what more he knows about Miller, sir… then, follow any leads that come from that.’

‘Good… well… keep me briefed.’

‘Of course, sir.’

‘It is imperative that we find this Miller woman.’

Hadley collected George from the office, with his writing implements, on the way to interview Blatchford. Despite intense questioning, the impresario added little to what was already known, so he was allowed to leave and return to The Gaiety, after promising to telephone Hadley, the moment Nancy Miller appeared.

Isobel Green was now a widow, living a quiet life, at 32 Lanchester Road, in Highgate: she was surprised when her niece suddenly appeared at the door, and rang the bell.

‘Nancy… what a pleasant surprise, my dear… do come in.’

‘Hello, Auntie… thank you,’ replied Nancy, as she stepped into the hallway.

‘So, what brings you here today?’ asked Isobel, as she led the way into the comfortable drawing room.

‘Well, it’s a long story… and, I need some time to think, before I tell you, Auntie.’

‘Of course, my dear… I can see you are troubled, so take your time, while I make some tea,’ replied Isobel, as she waved Nancy to sit. While her aunt was busy in the kitchen, Nancy composed herself and decided to tell Isobel everything, and ask for her advice.

Over several cups of tea and biscuits, Nancy relayed everything to Isobel, who remained placid throughout; only after Nancy had finished telling her tale, did she speak.

‘Well, Nancy dear… I think you have done the right thing, by coming here and explaining everything to me.’

‘Yes I’m sure of that Auntie.’

‘The first thing is that you must stay here, until we can think this through, and keep you out of trouble.’

‘But, I’m due to be at The Gaiety by six, this evening, for the first performance.’

‘I’m afraid that you will have miss tonight’s performance, my dear.’

‘But if I do, Mr Blatchford will cancel my contract…’

‘No he won’t… you’re the star of his music hall… he’ll never let you go while you’re bringing in the audiences, and lining his pockets.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

‘I’m sure I am… he will find a temporary replacement for you, mark my words… and, we need a couple of days to plan what to do…’

‘A couple of days?’ interrupted Nancy, in alarm.

‘Yes, dear… now its Thursday, so write a short note to Mr Blatchford, saying you have a sore throat, have lost your voice and are staying with your auntie to rest. Tell him, the doctor says you’ll have fully recovered by Saturday, so you will be back at The Gaiety, to sing and dance as usual,’ said Isobel.

‘Auntie Isobel… you are very deceitful!’

‘Ah, one must do what is necessary, when the devil drives… now, write the note and I will post it… it will arrive by last delivery, this afternoon… and, write it on blank paper, so Mr Blatchford doesn’t know where you are staying.’

‘Do you think he will come and try to find me?’

‘It’s possible… or more likely, the police will come after you… to ask questions about Mr Barrington and his gentlemen friends.’

‘…And that could be very awkward for me.’

‘Indeed, Nancy, dear.’

‘Oh, why was I so foolish, to get involved?’

‘We all do silly things, that we later regret, my dear.’

Nancy nodded and whispered, ‘that’s so true, Auntie.’

‘Now, write that note and I will post it for you, while you have a rest and try to think what we should do,’ said Isobel, with a smile.

Big Ben had just finished striking five o’clock, when the Russians arrived at Scotland Yard, demanding to see the commissioner. They were asked to wait, while the great one telephoned the chief and told him of their unexpected arrival.

‘Dear God… they are really are a pain, we could do without, at the moment, sir.’

‘Indeed, Chief Inspector… now what has Hadley to report?’

‘The Coroner has released the body, after he directed the jury to reach a verdict of unlawful killing, by an unknown person or persons, sir,’ replied Bell.

‘Good… that should placate the Russians for a moment.’

‘Yes, it should, sir… but, Hadley told me, that their security men say, they will find the killer and deal with him accordingly… so, Hadley told them, in no uncertain terms, not to take the law into their own hands.’

‘That was well done, and it’s good to let them know where they stand, in all this.’

‘Quite so, sir… I expect the purpose of their visit, is to find out what progress we have made, in the investigation.’

‘Hmm… get Hadley and bring him to my office now, Chief Inspector.’

‘Very well, sir.’

Hadley joined Bell in the commissioner’s office, ten minutes later, and he gave a succinct account of what had transpired. After he had finished speaking, the commissioner said, ‘we can expect a robust interview, with our Russian friends… I think you both should remain silent, unless I ask you a direct question… is that clear?’

‘Indeed it is, sir, ‘replied the chief, and Hadley murmured, ‘sir.’

‘I need to be very diplomatic in my replies, otherwise we’ll have an unpleasant incident… and Sir Bentley will not thank me for that.’

‘Quite so, sir,’ replied the chief, as the commissioner rang down to reception, asking that the Russians be escorted up to his office.

Chovenski and Lavenovich were ushered in, announced by a sergeant and the commissioner wished them ‘good afternoon,’ before waving them to sit in front of him. Hadley and Bell remained standing, on either side of the great one, who remained seated, cleared his throat and said, ‘I understand that you wish to speak to me, gentlemen.’

‘You cannot be under any misunderstanding, what it is about, Commissioner,’ said Chovenski.

‘Well, for clarity, sir… just state why you are here, demanding to see me, without a prior appointment.’

The Russian looked angry, as he replied, ‘I am Mikhail Chovenski, secretary to the Ambassador and I…’

‘We know who you are, sir… but, what do you want?’ interrupted the commissioner.

‘You damned British are so disrespectful… it is no wonder that you are hated all around the world!’ exclaimed Chovenski, angrily. A deathly silence followed, for a few moments, before the commissioner said calmly, ‘I do not believe you came here to discuss our relationship with the rest of the world, sir… so, kindly, state your business or leave my office.’

The Russian drew a deep breath and replied, ‘on the strict orders of our Ambassador, I have come to discover what you and your officers know about the murder of Dimitri Viralovski, sir.’

‘Then, I will inform you of our progress, in the investigation, sir,’ replied the commissioner, with a smile.

‘Thank you.’

‘We have established a number of interesting leads… and, we have reason to believe, that a woman may be responsible for the murders of Charles Barrington and Dimitri Viralovski…’

‘But, we know a man named Roger Freeman is the suspect,’ interrupted Chovenski.

‘We think that this person is in fact a woman, disguised as a man.’

‘Surely, this cannot be true?’

‘I assure you it is, sir.’

‘Then, why aren’t your officers out looking for this murderer?’ demanded the Russian, angrily, as he glanced at Hadley and the chief.

‘Because they were reporting to me, on the latest developments, in the case, when you arrived unexpectedly and interrupted our meeting, sir!’

Chovenski was taken aback for a moment, then said, ‘well, our Ambassador will want to know what these developments are, Commissioner.’

‘His Excellency will be fully informed, through the usual channels, sir.’

‘And, what are they, in this instance?’

‘I will report to the Home Secretary… he will pass the relevant formation to Sir Bentley Trench… who will then inform your Ambassador, in due course.’

‘Then, we will wait for ever, Commissioner!’

‘I doubt that, sir.’

‘Let me be clearly understood, Commissioner… on the strict orders of his Excellency… our security men will follow your officers, in every move they make!’

‘This is a free country, sir, under the gracious majesty of our Queen… so, you may do as you wish…but, I warn you and your men, not to interfere with our investigations, otherwise you will be pronounced as a diplomatic persona non grata. In that event, you will no longer be acceptable to the Government, so you will all be back in Moscow, quicker than you can possibly imagine!’

‘That we will see in due course, Commissioner… but it is more likely that you will have to resign, over your mishandling of such an important investigation!’

The great one ignored the petty remark, and said, ‘I understand that the Coroner’s Court has returned a verdict of unlawful killing, by person or persons unknown, and has released the body of Viralovski, so it may be returned for burial, in Moscow.’

‘Yes, that is so, Commissioner.’

‘Then, I suggest, that we both have important and pressing duties to perform… so good day, gentlemen… my clerk will see you out,’ said the commissioner, as he rang for Brackley.

The Russians glared at the commissioner, then the detectives in turn, and made no reply, before they stood up, as Brackley appeared, and opened the door for them to leave the office.

After they had left, the commissioner gave a sigh, shook his head and said, ‘gentlemen, you can see the predicament we face, so please go about your duties, as quickly as possible, and find this damned woman!’

Hadley returned to his office, to find Constable Moore talking to Cooper.

‘Ah, Constable, you’ve arrived,’ said Hadley, as he sat at his desk.

‘Yes, and I’m ready to assist you, sir.’

‘Good… I have requested you to help in a special undercover arrest.’

‘Oh thank you, sir… it’s always a privilege to serve with you.’

‘Possibly… now, on Saturday you will be in a coachman’s livery, accompanying the driver, to a rendezvous, with a person who is attempting to blackmail a prominent gentleman.’

‘Right, sir.’

‘Sergeant Cooper and I will be in a plain coach, following yours and we will make the arrest, when the blackguard attempts to take a case, from the gentleman… I want you to be very close, to assist us, if the man becomes violent or attempts to run for it.’

‘Very good, sir.’

‘Now, I will inform the gentleman, that you will be coming with us, in our coach, on Saturday, after he has telephoned me with the details of the rendezvous.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘So, make sure you’re here first thing, Constable.’

‘I will, sir,’ replied Moore, with a confident smile.

‘Good man,’ said Hadley, with a nod, as his telephone rang and Moore left the office.

‘Inspector Hadley speaking.’

‘Hello Inspector… it’s Horace Blatchford here.’

‘Ah, Mr Blatchford… what news?’

‘I’ve just received a short note from Nancy Miller…’

‘Have you by God?’ interrupted Hadley, in excited anticipation.

‘Yes, sir… she says she has a sore throat and has lost her voice, so she will not be able to appear at The Gaiety, until Saturday night.’

‘Where is she now, Mr Blatchford?’

‘She says she’s staying with her aunt, but there’s no address,’ replied the impresario.

‘Where was it posted?’

‘Ah, just a minute, while I look at the envelope… ah, here it is… it was posted at Highgate Post Office, and caught the last collection, at four o’clock, this afternoon, Inspector.’

‘Have you any idea of her aunt’s name?’

‘No, Inspector … but I could ask my chorus girls if they know.’

‘Then, please do that, immediately, Mr Blatchford… and, telephone me with any information.’

‘Very good, Inspector.’

‘I will be waiting for your call.’

‘Right, sir.’

Hadley replaced the earpiece and said, ‘that was Blatchford… Miller has sent him a note, saying she has lost her voice and is staying with her aunt, until Saturday… when she’ll appear at The Gaiety.’

‘Do you believe that, Jim?’ asked Hanson.

‘I’m not sure… but time will tell… the note was posted in Highgate, at four, this afternoon… so, the aunt must live somewhere close by.’

‘Shall we carry out a house-to-house search, sir?’ asked Cooper.

‘I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Sergeant, as we’re very short of officers, at the moment,’ replied Hadley.

‘So, what do you plan, Jim?’

‘Blatchford is going to ask his chorus girls if they know the name of the aunt, and will telephone me back, with any information.’

‘Well, that might be the breakthrough, Jim.’

‘Possibly… otherwise we’ll have to wait until Miller turns up, at The Gaiety, on Saturday, to arrest her.’

‘Well, Saturday looks like a very busy day, sir,’ said Cooper.

‘Indeed it does… but, we’re used to busy days, Sergeant.’

The detectives discussed the investigation, until they were interrupted by the telephone ringing.

‘Inspector Hadley speaking’

‘It’s Horace Blatchford here, Inspector… I’m afraid that none of my girls knows anything about Nancy Miller’s aunt, or where she lives.’

‘Hmm… I’m not really surprised, Mr Blatchford… now, what time does Miss Miller usually arrive at The Gaiety?’

‘She’s always here by six o’clock, Inspector.’

‘Thank you, sir… we’ll be waiting for her… and please let me know, immediately, if she is in touch with you again, before Saturday.’

‘Yes, yes, of course I will, Inspector.’

‘Thank you, sir… good bye.’

After Hadley replaced the earpiece, he said, ‘none of the chorus girls knows anything… so we’ll just have to wait until Saturday, in the hope that she turns up, at The Gaiety.’

‘But, if she’s done a runner, Jim, she could be miles away by Saturday,’ said Hanson.

Hadley sighed and replied, ‘that’s a bridge we’ll have to cross, when we get to it, Bob… I’ll just let the chief know, before we call it a day.’

On his journey home, in a cab, Hadley mulled over the events of the day, knowing that Saturday would be a defining moment, in the investigation. He felt a little irritated, that the chief had given him the blackmail case to investigate, when he had so much else to cope with, at present. A smile crossed his lips, however, as he thought about seeing the Countess, at Claridges, tomorrow evening: that event would be a very pleasant end to the day, before Saturday dawned.