Chapter 21 Chapter nine

Stephen Farley's externally forced composure entered Scotland Yard cringing inwardly.His spirit bears an unbearable burden.Things seemed to be going well in the morning.Why did Inspector Kemp ask him to come here so softly?What does he know or suspect?Probably just vague suspicions.The way to deal with him is to keep your head clear and admit nothing. Without Shantila by his side, he felt strangely alone and lost.As if the two of them faced danger together, they could eliminate half of the fear.Together, they have power, strength, and courage.Alone, he was nothing, worse than that.Does Sandra feel the same way?Was she sitting at Kidderminster House now, silent, calm and proud, yet feeling terribly vulnerable inside?

Inspector Kemp received him in a friendly but serious manner.A man in uniform sits at a table with a pencil and a notebook.After telling Stephen to sit down, Inspector Kemp began to speak in a strongly official manner. "I am going, Mr. Farreddy, to make a copy of your record. After this record is recorded, you will be asked to read it and sign your name before you leave. At the same time, I am obliged to tell you that you can refuse to do this. A transcript, and you have the right to have your lawyer come if you want to." Stephen flinched, but didn't show it.He forced a smile and said, "That sounds very scary, Inspector."

"We like to figure it out first, Mr. Farreddy." "Anything I say could be used against me, right?" "I don't use the word 'unfavorable'. Anything you say can be used as testimony." Stephen said calmly: "I understand, but I can't figure it out, Inspector, why do you want any of my notes? You've heard everything I can tell you this morning." "That's a little informal--use it for reference only. And there are certain things, Mr. Farrelly, that I think you'd rather discuss with me here. Anything that's not relevant to the case, we'll try to Discern, and be just. I dare say you understand what I mean."

"I'm afraid I don't understand." Detective Kemp sighed. "Listen. You used to be very close to the dead Mrs. Rosemary Barton—" Stephen interrupted him. "Who said this?" Kemp leaned forward and produced a typed document from his desk. "This is a copy of a letter found in Mrs Barton's clothes. The original letter was given to us by Miss Iris Marr, who recognized the handwriting of her sister, and is now on file with us. Tube." Stephen watched. "Dear Leopard—" He felt as if he was seriously ill.Rosemary's voice... speaking--pleading...isn't all that was ever dead--never buried? "

He regained his composure and watched Kemp. "You may be right in thinking that this letter was written by Mrs. Barton—but there is no indication anywhere that it was addressed to me." "Do you dare deny that you have rented Room 21, Maran Building, Earl's Lane?" So they know!He wondered if they had known all along. He shrugged. "You seem to be very well-informed. May I ask why my private life should be dug up?" "Unless it is proven to be involved in the death of George Patton, it will not." "I see. You're implying that I fucked his wife first and then murdered him."

"I will tell you frankly, Mr. Farreddy. You and Mrs. Barton are very close friends - you parted on your own terms, not hers, and she intended, as this letter shows, to cause trouble." .As a result, she died completely." "She committed suicide. I admit that I may not be able to get rid of some moral ties. I deeply blame myself, but this has nothing to do with the law." "It might have been a suicide—it might not have been. George Patton didn't think so. He started an investigation and it turned out he was dead too. There's something suggestive about it."

"I don't understand why you—er, picked me." "You admit that Mrs. Barton's death came at the best time for you? Mr. Farrelly, the leak of the scandal is very detrimental to your career prospects." "There will be no scandal. Mrs. Barton is very sensible." "Then I doubt it! Does your wife know about it, Mr. Farreddy?" "Of course I don't know." "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'm sure of it. My wife has no idea that there is anything more than friendship between me and Mrs. Barton. I hope she never does." "Is your wife a jealous woman, Mr. Farley."

"Not at all. As long as it is related to me, she is never jealous. She knows the general situation." The inspector made no comment.He said: "Did you have any potassium cyanide in your possession at any time in the last year, Mr. Farreddy?" "No." "But you always have potassium cyanide in your country house?" "The gardener might have. I don't know." "You never go to the drugstore to buy it yourself? For photography, say?" "I don't know anything about photography, and I'll say it again: I've never bought potassium cyanide."

Kemp pressed him a little further before finally having to let him go. After he left, he said thoughtfully to his subordinates: "Why did he deny so quickly that his wife knew about him and Mrs. Barton? I doubt it." "Perhaps he was afraid in case she did know, sir." "That's possible, but I think he should have thought that if his wife didn't know, and if he knew it would put his career in jeopardy, then he would have three more motives to kill Rosemary Barton. If he wants to avoid the crime, his statement should be that his wife knows more or less, but he is willing to pretend not to know."

"I think he may not have thought of that, sir." Camp shook his head.Stephen Farley is not a fool, he has a sober and astute mind.He was so smart that he wanted to leave an impression in the inspector's mind that Shantila didn't know anything about it. "Well," Kemp said, "Race seems to be pleased with the leads he's unearthed, and he's right, and the Farretts are cleared. We should be happy if they're cleared." , I like this kid. And I personally don't think he's a murderer." Pushing open the door of the living room, Stephen yelled, "Cinderella!"

She walked through the dark, and suddenly put her hands on his shoulders. "Sendira? Why are you hiding in a dark place?" "I can't stand the light. Tell me quickly." He said: "They know." "About Rosemary?" "yes." "Then what do they think?"_ "Of course they know I have motives... Oh, my dear, look how I've dragged you down. It's all my fault. If I set you free after Rosemary's dead - far away —then at least you won't be involved in this dreadful business." "No, don't...don't ever leave me...don't ever leave me." She fell on his chest and cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.He felt her trembling. "You are my life, Steven, my everything - never leave me..." "Do you care about me so much, Sandra? I never knew..." "I didn't want you to know. But now..." "Yes, for now...we're both bound, Sandra...we'll stand together and face it...whatever it will be, together!" The two are together, their powers reborn, embracing in the dark. Sandra resolutely said: "It won't destroy us! Can't, can't!"