Chapter 16 Chapter Four

The two parted ways.Reese hailed a taxi and went to George's office in town.Detective Kemp made a plan and took a bus to the Kidderminster mansion not far away. When the inspector stepped up the steps of Kidd's mansion and rang the doorbell, his face was a little ugly.He knew he was going to face difficulties.Kidderminster's political power is very strong, and its influence spreads all over the country.But he believed in the impartiality of the laws of Great Britain.If Stephen or Alexander Farley had anything to do with the death of Rosemary Patton or George Patton, no force could help them escape the law.But if they are innocent, or if the evidence is insufficient, then the investigating police officer has to be extra careful, or face punishment from his superiors.In this environment, it is no wonder that the inspector is worried and struggling.In his opinion, the Kidderminster family is likely to give him a hard nail.

However, Kemp soon discovered that his reasoning was a bit naive.Sir Kidderminster was too experienced to be rude. Having explained his purpose, Inspector Kemp was immediately led into a room lined with books, where he found Sir Kidderminster, his daughter, and her son-in-law waiting for him. Sir Kidderminster came forward, shook hands with him, and said softly: "You were very punctual, Inspector. Thank you for coming here yourself, rather than sending my daughter and son-in-law to Scotland Yard, which they would gladly go if necessary, of course. They really appreciate your help." kindness."

Sandra calmly said: "Really, Inspector." She was dressed in maroon silk, sitting against the light in front of the long narrow window, and Camp was reminded of a flawless statue he had once seen in a foreign church.They told him it was some saint or something--but Mrs. Alexander Farredy wasn't a saint--far from it.However, from his point of view, some of those ancient saints are ridiculous. They are not ordinary Christians who are merciful and tolerant, but are intolerant of themselves and others, fanatics, blind obedience, and cruel characters. Stephen Farley stood beside his wife, expressionless.He seemed serious and normal, an appointed enforcer who kept his ego secret.But the inspector can still see through the original him.

Sir Kidderminster spoke, and brought the matter to the fore with great skill. "To tell you the truth, Inspector, this is a painful and unpleasant event for all of us. This is the second time our daughter and son-in-law have been involved in the sudden death of a public place - two people from the same restaurant and same family This kind of thing is always harmful to a person who is in the limelight. Of course, the rendering of the media is inevitable. We all understand that. The little girl and Mr. Farreddy are eager to help you as much as possible. Hope soon Clarify the matter quickly to eliminate public curiosity and suspicion."

"Thank you, Sir Kidderminster. I appreciate your attitude. It makes things much easier." Cinderella Farley says: "Please feel free to ask us, Inspector." "Thank you, Madame Alexander." "I have one point to make, Inspector," said Sir Kidderminster. "Of course, you have your own sources, but I have heard from my friend the Commissioner that the death of this man named Barton was Thinking that homicide is more likely than suicide, although on the surface, suicide seems to be a more likely explanation to the public, you think it is suicide, don't you, Sandra?"

She nodded slightly.Carefully say: "That seemed obvious to me last night. We were in the same restaurant, in fact at opposite ends of the same table where poor Rosemary Barton took poison to kill herself last year. We found Mr. Barton during the summer in the country Something's wrong, he's really weird - not like the original him - and we all think his wife's death hit him hard. You know, he liked her a lot, and I don't think he can get over excessive grief. So the idea of ​​suicide seems at least possible, if not correct—otherwise I really can't imagine anyone trying to murder George Patton."

Stephen Farley said quickly: "I can't figure it out either. Barton is a good man. I'm sure he doesn't have any enemies in this world." Inspector Kemp watched the three faces turn to him inquiringly, and thought for a moment before speaking. "Better let them think so," he decided to himself. "You're quite right, I believe, Madame Alexander. But, you know, there are a few things you probably don't know." Sir Kidderminster interrupted quickly: "We should not influence the inspector. What kind of case he wants to announce to the public is entirely up to him."

"Thank you, sir, but there is no reason why I should not explain things a little more clearly. I will say briefly. George Barton, before his death, expressed to two persons that he believed his wife was not as outsiders said He committed suicide, but was poisoned to death by an unknown person. At the same time, he believed that he was tracking down the murderer, and the banquet last night, on the surface, was to celebrate Miss Maer's birthday, but in fact he was trying to uncover the murder of her. One of the plans arranged for the true face of my wife's murderer." There was a silence—in this silence, Inspector Kemp, who was impassive on the outside but sensitive on the inside, felt a panic that didn't show on any of his faces, but he swore it was there.

Sir Kidderminster was the first to recover.He said: "But of course—and that just points to the fact that poor Barton isn't quite—er—normal? The loss of his wife may have knocked him a little out of his wits." "You are quite right, ser, but at least it shows that he himself is not completely devoid of suicidal thoughts." "Yes—yes, I agree with you." Then there was another silence.Then Stephen Farley said suddenly: "But why did Barton have such an idea? After all, Mrs. Barton did commit suicide." Inspector Kemp gave him a quiet look. "Mr. Button doesn't think so."

Kidderminster broke in and said: "But aren't the police very satisfied with the statement of suicide? At that time, there was no other hint other than suicide, right?" Inspector Kemp said quietly: "The facts at the time were consistent with a suicide. There was no evidence of any homicide." He knew that for a man as remarkable as Kiddermint, it was necessary to grasp the exact meaning of this sentence. Kemp began to say, a little formally, "More if you can. I'd like to ask a few questions now, Madame Alexander?" "Of course." She turned her face slightly towards him.

"You have no doubt at all that Mrs. Barton's death may have been a homicide rather than a suicide?" "Of course not, I'm pretty sure it was suicide." She added, "It's still the same." Kemp skipped the question.He said: "Have you received any anonymous letters in the last year, Madame Alexander?" Her calm demeanor seemed broken by shock. "Anonymous letter? Oh, no." "Are you sure? Letters of this kind are very unpleasant things, and people tend to prefer to ignore them, but in this case they may be of particular importance, which is why I stress that if you ever receive any such letters , better let me know." "I understand what you mean. But I can only assure you, Inspector, that I have never received anything like this." "Very good. Then you said that Mr. Button's actions this summer were weird. What kind of weird way?" She thought about it for a while. "Well, he seemed nervous and restless. He seemed to have a hard time paying attention to what was being said to him." She turned to her husband. "Is that how you feel, Stephen?" "Yes, I should say that's a good description. He looks physically sick too, and has lost a lot of weight." "Did you notice any difference in his attitude towards you and your husband? Like, any unfriendliness?" "No. Quite the opposite. He bought a house, you know, very close to ours, and he seemed to appreciate what we did for him—I mean local stuff and all. Of course We are more than happy to help him in that, both for him and for Iris Marr, who is a lovely and charming girl." "Is Mrs. Barton your best friend, Mrs. Alexander?" "No, we're not very close." She chuckled. "She was actually a friend of Stephen's. She became interested in politics and he helped - er, taught her - and I'm sure he enjoyed it. She was a beautiful, charming girl, you know.". "And you're a smart woman," Campuzano thought to himself. "I'm wondering how much you know about the two of them—much, I shouldn't doubt." He continued: "Mr. Button never expressed to you the opinion that his wife did not commit suicide?" "No, really. That's why I was so surprised." "Where's Miss Mal? Didn't she mention her sister's death?" "No." "Do you know what prompted George Button to buy a house in the country? Did you or your husband suggest it to him?" "No. That surprised us quite a bit." "He's always been kind to you?" "Really friendly." "Then what do you know about Anthony Browne, Madame Alexander?" "I don't really know anything. I just run into him now and then, that's all." "What about you, Mr. Farrelday?" "I think maybe less than my wife. She dances with him at least. He seems like a nice guy—American, I think." "Are you objectively speaking, were he and Mrs. Barton particularly close at the time?" "I don't know that at all, Inspector." "I was just asking for your impression, Mr. Farrelly." Stephen frowned. "They're friendly with each other - that's all I can say." "And you? Madame Alexander." "Is it purely my personal impression, Inspector?" "Purely your personal impression." Whether it is true or not, then, I have the impression that they know each other well and are quite close.I got the impression purely from the way they looked at each other.You see -- I don't have concrete proof. " "Ladies often have good judgment about this kind of thing," Kemp said.If Colonel Race had been there, he would have been amused by the smirk on his face when he said that. "And about Miss Lessing, Madame Alexander?" "The Lessing group, I know, is Barton's secretary. I first met her the night Mrs. Barton died. After that, I met her once when she was living in the country, and last night." "If I could ask you another informal question, I would like to ask, do you have the impression that she is in love with Mr. Button?" "I really don't know anything about that." "Then let's talk about last night." He asked Stephen and his wife briefly some questions about the tragic night, and he didn't hold out much hope for that, all he got was what he already knew, just reconfirmation.All the statements coincided on important points-Barton suggested toasting Iris, and immediately got up and danced after the toast.They left the table together at the same time, George and Iris returning to their seats first, neither of them able to think of any other explanation for the empty chair, except that George Patton said he was waiting for a friend named Colonel Race, who Will be late to get that chair—a statement that, as far as the Inspector knows, can't be true, Cinderella Farley said George had watched with a special expression when the lights came back after the prank The empty chair, and seemed so absent-minded for a moment that he didn't even hear anyone speaking to him—then he recovered himself and offered a toast to Iris.Her husband agreed with her statement. The only additional information the Inspector had was Cinderella's mention of her conversation with George at Safe Haven - and his request that she and her husband be sure to attend the banquet he was throwing for Iris's sake . It's a plausible excuse.Thought the Inspector, though not really.He wrote down a few secret texts in a notepad, closed the notebook, and stood up. "Thank you, Sir, and Mr. Farrelly and Mrs. Alexander for your help and cooperation." "Does my daughter need to attend the interrogation meeting?" "It was a purely formal procedure. The testimony and the medical certificate had to be prepared first, so the interrogation will be postponed for a week. Until then," said the Inspector, his tone changing slightly, "I will Hopefully, we will make progress." He turned to Stephen Farrelly: "Oh, by the way, Mr. Farreddy, I think you can help me with one or two small questions without Mrs. Alexander. If you can call me at the police station, we can arrange a time that suits you. I You know, you're a busy man." This sentence is very pleasant to say, with a chatty tone, but the meaning is very clear to the ears of the three people. Stephen pretended to be friendly and cooperative: "No problem, Inspector." Then, looking at his watch, he whispered, "I have to go to the House." After Stephen had hurried off, and the Inspector gone, Sir Kidderminster turned to his daughter with a straight question. "Has Stephen been with that woman all the time?" His daughter paused before answering. "Of course not. If there was, I'd know, and anyway, Stephen isn't that kind of guy." "Listen to me, my dear, it's useless to hide. This kind of thing will come to light sooner or later. We must first understand our situation." "Rosemary Barton was a friend of that Anthony Browne, and they went everywhere together." "Well," said Sir Kidderminster slowly, "you ought to know better." He didn't believe what her daughter said.When he walked out of the study slowly, his face was heavy and confused.He went upstairs to his wife's living room.He forbade his wife to go to the study, for he knew very well that her haughty tactics would only arouse the enmity of the inspector, with whom he felt at this juncture to be in harmony. "How is it?" said Mrs. Kidderminster. "How is it going?" "On the surface it looks very well," said Sir Kidderminster slowly. "Kemp is courteous, kind, and tactful—a little too tactful, it seems to me." "Then, is the situation serious?" "Yes, seriously. We really shouldn't have Sandra marrying that kid, Vicky." "I'll just say it." "Yes—yes—" he accepted her complaint, "You were right and I was wrong. But, no matter what you do, she will still marry him. Once Shantila made up her mind, did you There is no way to change her. It was a misfortune that she met Farley—someone whose family background we know nothing about. How do we know how a man like him will react when the crisis comes?" "I see," said Mrs. Kidderminster. "You think we've brought a murderer into the house?" "I don't know. I don't know. I don't want to judge privately, but the police think so, and they're pretty shrewd. He's had a hand with Barton's woman—it's obvious. If it wasn't for her because of him And suicide, that's—well, whatever it was, Barton got wind of it, and was desperate to expose the scandal. I think Stephen couldn't hold his breath—and—" "Poisoned him." "yes." Lady Kidderminster shook her head. "I disagree with you." "I hope you're right. But someone poisoned him." "If you ask me," said Mrs. Kidderminster, "I dare say Stephen would never have had the guts to do that." "He's so fanatical about his future, he's got good results, you know, and everything about being a political speaker. It's hard to say what a guy does when he's cornered." His wife still shook her head. "I still don't think he has the guts. Professional gamblers can't be reckless. I'm afraid, William, I'm terribly afraid." He stared at her. "You mean Cinderella—Cendilla—" "I hate to think about it, but it's no use daring to face the possibility. She's crazy about him, always has been, and Shantila has a quirk. I've never really gotten to know her , but I've always been terrified for her. She'll risk anything for Stephen—anything, anything. If she's really crazy and evil enough to do something like this, we have to protect her." "Protection? What do you mean - protection?" "It's up to you to protect. We have to do something for our own daughter, don't we? You can use all kinds of relationships." Sir Kidderminster stared at her.Though he thought he knew his wife's personality, he was struck by the strength and courage of her realism—her failure to evade unpleasant facts—and her thoughtlessness. "You mean. If my daughter is a murderer, I should use my position to exonerate her?" "Of course," said Lady Kidderminster. "My dear Vicky! You don't understand at all! How could you do that. That's - very disreputable." "Nonsense!" said Mrs. Kidderminster. They stared at each other, their opinions diverged, and they could not communicate.Just like Agamán and his wife Critanistra in the Greek tragedy, staring at each other. "You can put pressure on the police, then the case can be closed by suicide. You've done it before, stop being a saint there." "That's different. It's a policy application, for the benefit of the country, but it's a personal matter. I doubt I can do it." "If you want to, you can do it." Sir Kidderminster flushed with anger. "If I could do it, I wouldn't do it! That would be an abuse of my position." "If Shantila was arrested and charged, wouldn't you hire the best experts and do everything possible to get her out of the crime, no matter how serious her crimes are?" "Of course, of course. That's totally different. You women will never understand the difference." Mrs. Kidderminster fell silent, paying no attention to his retort.Among his children, Shantila is the one who doesn't love her the most.However, at this time she is playing the role of a mother, and any mother will always try her best to protect her children by all means, no matter it is honorable or dishonorable means, she will fight for Sandy La to the end . "Anyway," said Sir Kidderminster, "Cendilla will not prosecute unless the evidence is clear. And I do not believe my daughter could be a murderer. I am shocked by the idea of ​​you." His wife said nothing.Sir Kidderminster walked out in displeasure, thinking that Vicky, who was closest to him and had known him for so many years, was so disturbed!