‘Most unfortunate, your meeting Apse like that.’ Forbes-James sounded matter-of-fact. ‘I’m very sorry, my dear, but I suppose it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. What did he say?’
‘Just that he’d thought he could trust me,’ said Diana. ‘And he looked so bleak.’
‘Did he say anything else?’ asked F-J.
‘Not really, sir,’ lied Diana.
‘He didn’t threaten you in any way?’
Diana shook her head. ‘I think he might have done, sir, but Dr Pyke came along and rescued me.’
‘Did he indeed? What happened?’
‘Nothing, really. They just sort of stared at each other. I didn’t know Dr Pyke knew Apse, sir.’
‘No reason why you should … But living in the same place, especially hugger-mugger like this, it’s hardly surprising.’
‘I suppose not, sir. But the way they were … It’s probably nothing, sir, but you did say to tell you everything – it made me think that Dr Pyke might know something about it.’
‘About what?’
‘About Apse, sir.’
‘What about him?’
‘Well … the whole business.’
‘Did he say anything to indicate that?’
‘No, sir. But I just thought – well, you know him, sir, and perhaps …’ Diana tailed off, then tried again. ‘I know it sounds foolish, sir, but …’
‘Yes,’ said F-J, ‘it does. I’ve warned you about getting yourself so worked up that you imagine the whole world to be one vast conspiracy, but that really isn’t the case. It’s a bad state of mind to
be in. Dangerous. This meeting with Apse has obviously rattled you more than I thought it would, but you’re stronger than that, Diana. Now, stop being a silly girl and we’ll say no more about it.’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Diana.
‘But,’ F-J continued, ‘while we’re on the subject of being silly, I understand you’ve been seeing Ventriss again.’
‘I—’
‘Don’t bother,’ said F-J. ‘I overheard some conversation between Lally and Margot. I doubt very much if they were making it up.’
‘It was a chance meeting, sir, at the 400 Club. Nothing more.’
F-J made a dismissive gesture. ‘I’ve warned you once, Diana.’
Diana stared down at her lap, Apse’s words, If you’re lucky, you’ll get a warning … echoing in her mind. ‘I know, sir.’
‘I’m disappointed in you, Diana. Please see that it doesn’t happen again.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Right. Now we’ve cleared that up, I’d better fill you in on what’s been happening before Inspector Stratton gets here.’