Chapter 2 2

2. Inspector Neal sat behind the maple desk in Mr. Fortescue's office. A subordinate sat politely in a corner near the door with a notepad in his hand. Inspector Neil has a dashing appearance and military demeanor, with short brown hair falling back from his low forehead.When he said "it's just routine," the people who responded to the interview always thought nastyly, "You probably can only do routine!" How wrong they were.Inspector Neil doesn't seem to have much imagination, but he is actually an imaginative thinker. He often thinks of weird criminal theories when he asks questions, and tries them on the other party. This is one of his investigation methods.

He had sat here for the investigation, and with a good eye, he saw at once that Miss Griffiths was the most succinct account of what had happened, and she had walked out the door, having explained the events of this morning.Inspector Neil thought of three brilliant reasons for the veteran clerk in the typing room to poison her employer's teacup, but he gave up when he thought it was impossible. He deduced that Miss Griffith (1) was not the kind of person who used drugs, (2) was not in love with her employer, (3) was not mentally disturbed, and (4) was not a vengeful woman.In this way, Miss Griffith has been checked and can be used as a correct source of information.

Inspector Neil looked at the phone, expecting a call from St. Yode's at any moment. Of course Mr. Fortescue's sudden onset could have been of natural origin, but neither Dr. Isaacs of Bethna Green nor Sir Edwin Sandman of Harley Street thought otherwise. Inspector Neal rang a bell at hand and called for Mr. Fortescue's private secretary to come in and see him. Miss Grosvenor regained her composure a little, but not quite.She entered the room with a face full of fear, her movements were no longer as smooth as a swan, and she justified herself as soon as she entered the door: "I didn't do it!"

Inspector Neil responded in a low voice, "Isn't it?" He pointed to a chair where Miss Grosvenor usually sat with a pad in hand, taking notes from Mr. Fortescue.Now she reluctantly sat down and peeked at Inspector Neil in awe.Inspector Neil secretly imagined "seduction?" "blackmail?" "Blonde in court?" and other topics, his appearance is reassuring, and he looks stupid. Miss Grosvenor said: "There's nothing wrong with the tea. There can't be any." Inspector Neil said: "I understand. Name and address, please?" "Grosforno—Irene Grosforno."

"How to spell it?" "Oh, same as (Grossforno) Square." "What's your address?" "Fourteen Ruthmore Road, Muswell Hill." Inspector Neil nodded in satisfaction. He thought to himself, "It's not seduction. It's not a little nest of love. It's living in a noble home with parents. It's not blackmail." Another set of empty theories has also been washed away. He said happily, "Did you make the tea?" "Well, I've got to make it. I mean, I always make it." Inspector Neal took his time and asked her to describe Mr. Fortescue's morning tea ceremony.

The cups, saucers and teapots have been packed and sent to the proper premises for analysis.Now Inspector Neil learned that only Irene Grosforno had touched the cup, saucer and teapot.The water in the large kettle was first poured to make the communal tea in the office, and Miss Grosvenor refilled the water from the tap in the cloakroom to boil. "Where's the tea?" "It's Mr. Fortescue's own tea, special Chinese tea. It's on a shelf in my room next door." Inspector Neil nodded. He asked about sugar and learned that Mr. Fortescue hadn't added it. The phone rang.Inspector Neil picked up the receiver, his face changed slightly.

"St. Yode's Hospital?" He nodded and told Miss Grosvenor to go out. "That's all for now, thank you, Miss Grosvenor." Miss Grosvenor hurried out of the room. Inspector Neil listened carefully to the thin, emotionless voice of St. Yode's. As the other party spoke, he used a pencil to draw a few mysterious symbols on the corner of the blotting paper in front of him. "Did you say five minutes ago?" he asked, looking at his watch.Twelve forty-three, he wrote on blotting paper. The dead voice said that Dr. Bernsdorf would speak to Inspector Neil himself.

Inspector Neil said, "Okay, take it." There was a bit of respect in his official tone when he spoke, and his majesty was greatly reduced. Then clicks, buzzes, and distant voices.Inspector Neil sat and waited patiently. Suddenly there was a low growl from the other end, and he had to move the receiver away from his ear for a moment or two. "Hey, Neil, you old vulture, are you disposing of corpses again?" Inspector Neil and Professor Bernsdorf of St. Jude's Hospital had been friends since they had collaborated on a poisoning case more than a year ago. "Doctor, I heard that the person we sent died."

"Yes. When he got here there was nothing we could do." "What's the cause of death?" "An autopsy, of course. Interesting case, really interesting. I'm glad I was a part of it." Bernsdorf expressed professional interest in his hearty tone, and Inspector Neil at least got a hint of it. He said flatly, "I guess you don't think it's a natural death." Dr. Bernsdorf said firmly: "Absolutely impossible." After finishing speaking, he added cautiously: "Of course I am speaking informally." "Of course, of course, I understand. Was he poisoned?"

"Yeah, and—you know, it's informal—don't tell anyone—I'll bet what it is." "real?" "Tarsine, man, it's Tassine." "Tasiin? Never heard of it." "I know. Very unusual, very unusual! I wouldn't have seen it myself if I hadn't just had a case three or four weeks ago. Two little boys playing house wine--picked berries from the yew-tree. Tea." "That thing? Yew fruit?" "It could be either the fruit or the leaves. Very toxic. Taciine is an alkaloid, of course. I haven't heard of a case of deliberate use. It's really interesting and unusual...Neil, you don't know what we do about weeding What a tiresome thing it is to potions and stuff. Tacien is brilliant. Of course, I could be wrong--don't quote me--but I don't think so. Guess you find it funny too. Change it Change the routine rules!"

"You think everyone will be happy? Only the victim." "Yes, yes, poor fellow. He's out of luck." Dr. Bernsdorf said perfunctorily. "Did he say anything before he died?" "Oh, one of your men sits next to him with a notepad. He'll report the details. He murmured about tea—that his office tea had been refilled—but that's bullshit." Inspector Neil imagined the charming Miss Grosvenor adding yew nuts to her tea, and felt that something was wrong, and suddenly asked, "Why is it nonsense?" "Because that kind of thing can't work so quickly. I heard that the symptoms appeared as soon as he drank the tea?" "That's what they said." "Except for cyanide, few poisons take effect so quickly—pure Nicotine might perhaps—" "Are you sure it's not cyanide or nicotine?" "Dude, then he's going to die before the ambulance arrives. Oh no, it can't be that stuff. I suspected it was strychnine, but cramping isn't a typical symptom. I'm speaking informally, of course. , but I bet my reputation, it must be Tacien." "How long does it take for something like this to work?" "Not necessarily. An hour, maybe two or three hours. The dead man seems to have a good appetite. If he had a big breakfast, the effect would be slower." Inspector Neil said thoughtfully: "Breakfast. Yes, it looks like there's something wrong with breakfast." Dr. Bernsdorf said with a smile: "Breakfast in a rich family. Brother, you have to check." "Thank you, doctor. Don't hang up, I want to talk to the inspector." From the other end of the line came the sound of rattling and chattering...and strange human voices in the distance.In the end, there was a burst of heavy breathing, which must have been a prelude before Sergeant Haiyi spoke. He said hastily, "Sir, sir." "I'm Neil. Did the deceased say anything I should know?" "There's something wrong with the tea—the tea he drank in the office. But the doctor said it wasn't..." "Yes, I know that. Nothing else?" "No, sir. There's something odd about it though. The suit he's wearing—checked the pockets. Mostly ordinary—handkerchief, keys, change, wallet—but there's one thing in particular. The right side of the coat The pocket... has grain in it." "cereals?" "Yes, sir." "What do you mean by grain? Do you mean breakfast food? 'Farmlight' or 'Wheat Blossom' or something? Or corn or barley—" "Yes, sir, just grains of corn. Rye, I think. Plenty." "I see...strange...perhaps a sample—something to do with a sale." "Yes, sir—but I think I should mention it." "Well done, Hay." Inspector Neil put down the receiver and sat staring blankly ahead for several minutes. His well-organized mind shifted from "Investigation Phase 1" to "Investigation Phase 2"—from the stage of suspected poisoning to the stage of confirmed poisoning.Professor Bernsdorf's report may not be formal, but Professor Bernsdorf's beliefs are never wrong.Rex Fortescu was poisoned, probably from one to three hours before his onset.It appears that the staff in the office can be cleared of suspicion. Neil stood up and walked to the outer office.Someone was working haphazardly, but the typist was not typing at full strength. "Miss Griffith? Can I speak to you a few more words?" "Of course, Mr. Neal. Would the ladies go out to lunch? Their usual meal time is long past. Or would you rather have something brought in for us?" "No, they can go out to lunch, but they must come back after the meal." "certainly." Miss Griffith followed Neil back to the private office.She sat down as usual, calm and efficient. Inspector Neil said without preamble: "I have received word from St. Jude's that Mr. Fortescue died at twelve forty-three." Miss Griffith was not surprised to hear the news, but just shook her head. "I'm afraid he's very ill," she said. Neil found that she wasn't sad at all. "Can you tell me the details of his family and relations?" "Of course. I've tried to contact Mrs. Fortescue, but she seems to be out golfing. She's not coming home for lunch. Can't tell which course she's playing at." Then she explained, "You know , they live in Baytown Heath, right in the middle of three famous golf courses." Inspector Neil nodded.Baytown Heath is almost exclusively populated by wealthy industrialists.The commute by train is very convenient, and it is only twenty miles from London, and it is quite convenient to drive to and from in the morning and evening when the traffic is the busiest. "What about the detailed address and phone number?" "3400 Baytown Heath. The name of the house is Yew House." Inspector Neil couldn't help asking: "What? You said 'Yew Xiaozhu'?" "yes." Miss Griffith looked a little curious, but Inspector Neil regained his composure. "Can you describe the circumstances of his house?" "Mrs. Fortescue was his second wife, many years his junior. They were married about two years ago. The previous Mrs. Fortescue died many years ago. His ex-wife left behind two sons and a daughter.The daughter lives at home, as does the eldest son, who is a shareholder in the company.He happened to be on a business trip to the north of England today and is expected to come back tomorrow. " "When did he leave?" "The day before yesterday." "Have you managed to get in touch with him?" "Yes. After Mr. Fortescue was admitted, I rang up the Centaline Hotel in Manchester, thinking he was there, but he left early this morning. I believe he is going to Sheffield and Leicester, too. But I'm not sure. I might as well give you the names of certain firms in cities where he might go." The inspector thought to himself: What a capable woman, if she murdered someone, she might be very capable.But he threw away these speculations and concentrated on asking about the current situation of the Fortescu family. "You said you have a second son?" "Yes. But he has a falling out with his father and lives abroad." "Both sons are married?" "Yes. The eldest son, Mr. Percival, has been married for three years. They occupy a separate suite on the first floor of the 'Yew House', but they will soon move to their own residence in Baytown Heath." "You called this morning and couldn't reach Mrs. Percival Fortescuder?" Miss Griffith went on: "She's gone to London today. The second son, Mr. Lance, was married less than a year. To Lord Frederick Anstice's widow. I think you've seen her picture." .in Gossip magazine—the one with the horses, you know. And the cross-country news.” Miss Griffith seemed a little out of breath, her cheeks a little flushed.Neil, who has a knack for capturing the human mood, knows that this marriage evokes both snobbery and romance in Miss Griffith.In Miss Griffith's mind, an aristocrat is an aristocrat. The late Lord Frederick Anstice had a bad reputation in the horse racing circle, and she must not know it.Frederick Anstice shot himself when the supervisors wanted to investigate the appearance of one of his horses.Neil vaguely remembered some information about his wife.The daughter of an Irish nobleman, she had previously been married to an Air Force pilot who had been killed in the Battle of Britain. Now she appears to be married to the unworthy son of the Fortescue family.Miss Griffiths said they were at odds, and Neil guessed Lance Fortescue had done something dishonorable in his life to make it happen. Lance Fortescue!What a special name!Where was the other son—Persival?I don't know what kind of person the former Mrs. Fortescue was?She has a peculiar habit of picking names... He pulled the phone closer, dialed Tortoy, and called 3400 Baytown Heath. Soon a man said: "This is 3400 Baytown Heath." "I want Mrs. Fortescue or Miss Fortescue." "Sorry, they're not home, neither of them." Inspector Neil heard the other party's voice and felt that he was slightly drunk. "Are you the head waiter?" "Exactly." "Mr. Fortescue is very ill." "I know. They called. But there's nothing I can do. (Percy) Master Val went north and Mrs. Fortescue went out to play golf. Miss Val is going to London, but she will be back for supper.Miss Allan took the Girl Scouts out. " "Is there no one in the room to listen to my report on Mr. Fortescue? It's important." "Oh—I don't know." The other party seemed puzzled. "There's a Miss Lambsburton—but she never answers the phone. And Miss Douf—she's a so-called housekeeper." "I'll talk to Miss Douf, please." "I'm going to find her." His footsteps gradually drifted away on the phone.Inspector Neil heard no approaching footsteps, but after a minute or two a woman spoke. "I'm Miss Doufu." The voice is deep and calm, with a clear accent.Inspector Neil imagined that Miss Douf must have been very pleasant in appearance. "Miss Douf, I am very sorry that Mr. Fortescue has just passed away at St. Yode's Hospital. He suddenly fell ill in his office. I am anxious to get in touch with his relatives—" "Of course. I don't know—" She stopped suddenly, her tone was not excited, but a little surprised.She continued: "It's really unfortunate. You should contact Master Percival Fortescue. All necessary matters will be arranged by him. You can call the Central Plains Hotel in Manchester or the luxury hotel in Leicester. Might be able to find him. Otherwise you could try Sheila Securities in Leicester. We don't know which firm he'll be visiting and they'll probably tell you where he's been. Mrs. Fortescue will be back for dinner. , might come back for tea. It must have been a shock to her. Was it sudden? Mr. Fortescue was all right when he went out this morning." "Did you see him before he went out?" "Oh, yes. What's wrong? Heart?" "Does he have a heart attack?" "No--no--I don't think so--but it happened so suddenly that I thought--" She broke off abruptly. "Are you calling from St. Yode's? Are you a doctor?" "No, Miss Douf, I'm not a doctor. I'm calling from Mr. Fortescue's downtown office. I'm Detective Inspector Neil from the Crime Detection Division. I'll be over there as soon as possible to see you." "Detective Inspector? You mean—what do you mean?" "Miss Dou Fu, this is a sudden death incident; every time someone dies suddenly, we will be called to the scene, not to mention that the deceased has not seen a doctor recently-I guess so?" He spoke only slightly inquiringly, but the young housekeeper answered. "I know. Percival made two appointments for him, but he refused to go to the doctor. He's being unreasonable—they're all worried—" She stopped and resumed her original confident tone: "What do you want me to tell Mrs. Fortescue if you haven't come?" Inspector Neil thought to himself: They're all so sophisticated. "Just say that this is a sudden death, we have to investigate and investigate. Routine investigation." He hung up the phone.