Some thirty-five minutes later Madden produced his mobile phone and dialled a number he had never called before.
A man’s voice answered.
Madden’s expression did not change. He said, ‘I am ringing in connection with the murder you committed on the morning of 23rd June.’
‘Sorry?’
‘I saw you.’
‘Is that some sort of a joke?’
‘I saw you kill Sir Seymour Tradescant. He was in his bath. You drowned him.’
There was a pause. ‘Who are you?’
‘One of the stewards at Mayholme Manor. At the time of the murder I happened to be in Sir Seymour Tradescant’s room. I had concealed myself behind the window curtains.’ Madden spoke slowly. ‘You came out of the bathroom. Your gloves were dripping with water. You were wearing a steward’s habit. The front of the habit was wet too. It was ten minutes past eight.’
‘Sorry—you must have got the wrong number.’
It was at this point, Madden reflected, that the man should have rung off if he was innocent, if he really believed he was the victim of a hoax. Only he didn’t ring off.
A little smile hovered round the edges of Madden’s lips. ‘You walked across the room fast and went out. You were seen by another steward downstairs. He didn’t see your face, but I did.’
‘How did you get my phone number?’
‘That’s not important. I know your name. I also know your address.’
‘What do you want?’
‘An arrangement?’
‘What kind of an arrangement.’
‘Money.’
‘How boring. How much?’
‘Five thousand pounds. No, seven.’
‘I haven’t got so much.’
‘Your girlfriend has money.’
‘All right. Where?’
‘Claridge’s—at three?’
‘Claridge’s?’
‘It’s in Brook Street,’ Madden said. ‘Off New Bond Street.’
‘I know where Claridge’s is. Won’t it be better if we meet somewhere outside? In some park?’
‘No. Claridge’s. I will wait five minutes and if you are not there, I will call the police and tell them what I saw,’ Madden said.
‘No need to take that line. Very well. Where will you be? How will I recognize you?’
‘In the foyer. Don’t worry about recognizing me. I know what you look like. Make sure you have the money. Cash. Hope your scar has healed. Can’t stand blood,’ Madden added as an afterthought.