Chapter 15 Chapter fifteen

After taking a hot bath, letting the steam swirl around his toes, and calming himself down with hypnotism for the wanted criminal, Grant returned to Scotland Yard to meet his officer.As soon as he appeared in front of his immediate boss, Balck congratulated him. "Congratulations, Grant!" he said. "Great job this time." He asked about the process of Grant's arrest-of course, it is impossible for Grant to include these details in the official report-Grant will come in three days. Reported to him every detail of his experiences in Carnich.The Chief Inspector was overjoyed.

"Well done!" he said. "It's all your fault. I couldn't be charging through the mud, and you're the right man for a time like this, Grant." "Yes," Grant responded blankly. "You don't let emotion get you, do you?" Balck said, a smile breaking across his serious face. "It's just luck. Also, I have bad news." "what news? " "I found out that Sorrell was really going to America—at least, he had booked a cabin—and I forgot his luggage was still somewhere, waiting for us to search." "I don't see how much of a mistake this is. You already know who this man is and who his friends are anyway. Do you want to find more evidence to convict Ramon?"

"It's nothing to do with Ramon. It's because I was so busy chasing Ramon that I forgot about the luggage. I want to know more about Sorrell. Let's be honest," He went on to add, "I'm not optimistic about the case." Balk's jaw almost dropped. "What happened?" he said. "Isn't this the cleanest case Scotland Yard has had in recent years?" "Yes, but only on the surface. If you press further, you will see more details." "What do you mean? There is more than one murderer in this case?" "No, I mean, there's a slight chance we got the wrong guy."

After a long silence, Balk finally spoke, "Grant, I've never seen you so indecisive before. You need to take a vacation.I don't think running around in the wilderness is good for you, maybe running makes you dizzy. Your nitpicking talent won't work this time. " Grant was speechless for a moment. "Here is the statement he gave last night," and he handed it to Balck.While Balck was reading, Grant went to the window and gazed at the river and the green lawn in the sun, hoping that it would turn out that he had actually accomplished the task, but he was fooling around with it.Fooled by himself or not, when his boss reads the report, he's going to make a trip to Waterloo himself to see what he can bring back.

Balck slammed the transcript on the table with a bang, and Grant turned hastily to see Balck's reaction. "Then," Balck said cautiously, "I want to see this Mr. Ramon even more." "Why?", Grant asked. "Because I want to meet this fellow who has given our Detective Inspector Grant a headache, and put him on his side. Our righteous Grant!" "You're taken aback, aren't you?" said Grant despondently. "You don't believe a word of it, do you?" "I don't believe it at all," Balck said cheerfully. "I've heard this kind of weak evidence story countless times in the past. However, I believe it will be a bit tricky to find other evidence to convict this man. He has enough Give it a go - that's all I can say."

"Looking at his statement from another angle, can you think of a reasonable explanation for Ramon killing Sorrell?" "Tsk, tsk, Grant, I don't know how many years you've been at Scotland Yard, and you're still looking for the final step in this well-documented murder. You really should take a vacation, buddy.Ramon killed Sorrell maybe because Sorrell pissed him off.Also, there is nothing in our police department that studies the psychological state of criminals, provides motives for crimes, or anything like that.So, don't always think that your brain is short-circuited.Convicting him with this unassailable evidence and sending him to jail is all we have to worry about now. "Grant, without a word, packed up his report and was going to leave alone for Waterloo Station.

"Listen," Balck broke the silence, "it's just talk—do you believe that Ramon didn't kill someone?" "I haven't found a reason why he didn't do it," Grant said. "The evidence is there. I can't say why I can't let go of it, but I can't change the fact." "Is this your proud intuition again?" Balck said, echoing his earlier attitude. Grant hadn't been more serious this morning than he was now. "You can't say that. Only, I met Ramon, I talked to him when he told his story, and you didn't. ""This goes back to what I said at the beginning," Balck reminded him, "Ramon wants to use his story to win your sympathy, and after he achieves his goal...to brainwash you, Grant, until you catch him His pigtails, confirming his guilt.Intuition is certainly to be admired, and I don't deny that you have solved a case or two with your amazing intuition, but that more or less fits with the previous evidence.This case is different from the past. "

"That's what worries me the most. It's over, why am I not happy that the case is over? What would relieve me? There must be. I'm going crazy unless I can figure out why . I feel like there must be something wrong somewhere.The thing I'm desperate to find out will either lock up the evidence against Ramon or prove his innocence. "Well, well," Balck encouraged with a broad smile, "let it go and do it."You've done well so far, give yourself a few more days to play.This evidence must be enough for us to prosecute him in the magistrates' court - or any other court for that matter. "

Grant walked through the genial sunshine to Waterloo Station, followed by a small cloud of desolation.He stepped on the warm asphalt road all the way to the station with the most beautiful and elegant cool-toned vaulted roof in London-its special name has the meaning of ending and separation-standing like a sullen ominous omen in front of him.He had to get permission from the authorities before he could open any luggage that Sorrell might have left behind, and he went to the luggage room on the left, and a very interested clerk said, "Yes, sir, I know about those luggage. Been here for two weeks and that's it. "He took Grant to see the luggage in question.

Two large well-worn suitcases.Grant noticed that there was no "Rotterdam-Manhattan" shipping company label on it. If Sorrell was going to Southampton to take a ship abroad, it should be specially marked on the luggage.On the original labels of the suitcases, each one had Sorrell's handwriting saying, "A. Sorrell," and that was all.With a hint of anxiety, he opened the luggage with the key.The first thing he saw was Sorrell's passport and boat tickets tucked under a jacket.Why did Sorrell leave these things here? Why didn't he put them in his wallet? Next to the passport and the ticket were the tags that the steamship company used to mark the luggage of passengers.There may be other reasons, Sorrell will also open the suitcase before boarding the train that matches the ship schedule, and he is going to attach the tag when he is ready.Leaving your ticket and passport here will be much safer than queuing in your wallet.

Grant continued to check.There was no other indication that Sorrell was not planning to go abroad as originally planned.The clean and tidy clothes show that he will use these clothes in the future.Organized, everything is in order.The things that may be needed can be easily obtained, and the items that are not needed are placed on the bottom.It's not easy. From the way he organizes his luggage, Sorrell obviously doesn't plan to take out the items in his luggage recently.There were no documents, letters, or photos inside.There was only one striking item in the luggage that caught Grant's eye—the person who was going abroad had no souvenirs on him.So he remembered, and tucked between the bottom two shoes—a small packet of snapshots.In their haste, they were only bound without knots, and Grant picked them up to look at them.More than half of them are Jowad.Ramon's photos, alone or with Sorrell, and others are photos of him and the army in the past.The women in these photos, with the exception of Mrs. Everett, were all volunteer ambulance members who accompanied the army at the time.Grant nearly wailed in disappointment--he had untied the string with such anticipation--he retied the snapshots and slipped them into his pocket.Although the volunteer ambulance team is a team, individually, each one is a woman, which must not be overlooked. That's all! These things he found in the luggage, which have been lingering in his mind for a long time.Annoyed and disappointed, he began to put them back one by one in the order he found them.As he was about to fold his coat, something fell out of his pocket and rolled onto the floor of the luggage room. It was a small blue velvet box, the kind that jewelry stores use to hold the precious trinkets they sell. No hound's movement could catch the box that was spinning slowly in place as quickly as Grant's, and no girl's heart beat faster than Grant's when the velvet box was opened.He pressed it with his thumb, and the lid popped open.On the dark blue lining was a brooch which women usually fasten to their hats.A brooch inlaid with small pearls, simple and elegant in style, very beautiful. "M.R." Grant said aloud.Margaret Lockleigh. Before his thoughts had time to gather the facts together, his brain had already spoken out.He stared at the brooch for a moment, then put it back in its velvet case, closed the lid, and put it back in its place.Is this a clue? Did the initials of this name intentionally point to this woman who frequently intervened in this case? When Sorrell was killed, this woman was behind him in line: the one who booked the same boat as Sorrell to the same state class, also This woman; now even the most valuable brooch found in his luggage bears her initials.He reexamined the brooch.It didn't look like something that was sold in bulk, and the brand on the box wasn't something poor boys like young bookmakers could afford to frequent.It was a reputable boutique on Bond Street, and the accessories were quite expensive.From the whole thing, he thought, he'd better stop by Mathers Galileo & Sting's at once.He locked the trunk, pocketed the brooch and snapshot, and left Waterloo Station.As he climbed the steps of the bus, he remembered that Ramon had said that the money Sorrell gave him was wrapped in white jewelry wrapping paper.Ramon scored another point.But if Sorrell was going to travel abroad with Margaret Lockleigh, why would he give all the money to Ramon? Margaret Lockleigh had her own money, Simpson said in his report, but No man wants to live off the partner he elopes with, let alone a friend who is hard on him when he leaves. Mathers.Galileo and Sting's was a small, dark shop on Old Bond Street, and Grant found that there was only one clerk in it.Grant opened the blue box as quickly as possible, and the clerk recognized the brooch.It was he who sold the brooch to a customer.No, they are out of stock right now.Mr Sorrell was booked at the time, a fair-haired young man.The brooch was worth forty-five pounds each, paid in full—he checked the transaction—Tuesday, the 6th. Sorrell called that day and said he would come get it, pay the money, and just take the brooch.No, the clerk had never seen him before.He only described the style he wanted to the clerk, and had no objection to the price. Grant was still thinking when he left, but there was no further answer.From Sorrell's point of view, he was willing to pay forty-five pounds for a trinket to express the deepest love in his heart.He has yet to give the gift of his passion as he departs, meaning he won't be able to give it until after he leaves the UK.It was hidden in the bottom of his suitcase.It is well known that he has no friends in America.And yet—Margaret Locklear was about to be in the same boat as him.This woman! She can't get away with it! Her intervention will only make a mess of what was originally logical.In the confusion, Grant now believed it was true. It was almost lunchtime, and he had to go back to Scotland Yard first, because he was waiting to hear from the post office. A telegram was sent from the Blessington post office on the morning of the 14th to Albert Sorrell aboard the Arabian Queen under voyage, "Unfortunately - Joe." The telegram should have arrived , which is exactly what Ramon said, but it may not be the case. The telegram may still be in the sack waiting to be sent, and if it is not specifically stated, it may also be sent to the wrong place. "Stop it!" Grant yelled.Williams was present, so he had to respond, "Yes, sir." What now? He wanted to see Mrs. Lockley, but he didn't know if she had come home at all.If he rings the door and asks, she will notice that he has other plans for her.Or send Simpson again.Mrs. Lockley's affairs must be put on hold, and he should see Mrs. Everey first.He gave Simpson orders to go to Fulham Street immediately after lunch. When Mrs. Everey opened the door and saw him, she showed no sign of fear or embarrassment.From the look in her eyes, strong hostility outweighed other emotions.Where should he start talking to her? The well-trained policeman on weekdays is torn between insinuating or directing the two. No wonder the deceased called her Lady Macbeth.For the time being, let's forget about the fact that she led Ramon's escape but failed.Flattery and flattery will only arouse her resentment.The only way to get her to cooperate, he thought, was to tell her the truth. After she let him in, he said straight to the point: "Mrs. Everett, we have arrested Joward Ramon, because some of the evidence in the case did not convince me, so I did not take Ramon's words as Lie about the facts. The condition for bringing this case back to life is that what Ramon said is true. However, the jury won't be convinced.His story is too weak to be brought up against him in court.I believe that just a few more clues would be enough to turn the situation upside down—either to confirm Ramon's guilt is questionable, or to acquit him, so I'm here to see you.If he is innocent, I will take this opportunity to gather more information to prove it instead of forcing him to be convicted.Also, I would like to ask you for some details. "She looked at him without saying a word, trying to understand his purpose through the mystery of his words. "I have told you the truth," he said, "believe it or not. I assure you that I have never been particularly kind to Ramon in order to come here. It is a matter of my personal dignity. If there is any possibility of mistakes, I will definitely pursue them until I am sure that I have not arrested the wrong person." "What do you want to know?" she said, sounding like a flag of surrender. At least she's willing to compromise. "First, what kind of letters does Sorrell usually get, and where do they come from?" "He doesn't usually have letters. He doesn't have many friends in this circle." "Have you ever seen a woman write to him with her own hand?" "Yes, occasionally." "Where did these letters come from?" "London, I suppose." "How is the handwriting?" "The characters are round, neat and a bit big." "Do you know the lady who wrote you?" "do not know." "How long ago did he start receiving these letters?" "Well, many years ago! I can't remember how long." "So you didn't know who he was corresponding with all these years?" "have no idea." "Has a woman ever come here for him?" "No." "Are there often such letters?" "Well, not often! Once every six weeks at most, or a little more often." "Is it true that Ramon said Sorrell was secretive about this kind of thing?" "No, not to hide it, but because he cherishes it. I mean he cherishes the things he likes quite a bit. When he cares deeply about something - he clings to it.You should know what I mean. " "Will he look a little different than usual when he gets these letters—happy or something." "No, he doesn't always show himself. He's a very reserved man, you know." "Tell me," said Grant, taking out the velvet box, "have you ever seen this?" He opened it before her eyes. "M.R.," she said slowly, just as Grant had reacted when he saw it. "No, I've never seen that. What does it have to do with Albert?" "It was found in the coat pocket of Sorrell's suitcase." With a gnarled hand she took the brooch out of the case, stared at it curiously, and returned it to Grant. "Can you think of any reason why Sorrell would have attempted suicide?" "No, I can't help it. But I can tell you that a week before he left--from here--someone sent him a small package. He didn't open it until he came back in the evening. Get home early." "You mean a package the size of this box?" "It's not the same, it's a little bigger than this one, and it's wrapped in paper." But Mathers.The clerk at Galileo & Sting said Sorrell took the brooch straight away, "Do you remember what day it was?" "I can't guarantee it, but I think it was the Thursday before he was going to go." On Tuesday, Sorrell took a small package from the jewelry store, and on Thursday night, someone sent a small package to Sorrell's residence. It was clear that the woman refused to accept Sorrell's wishes. "How does the writing on the package look?" "The mailing address is a label, typed." "How did Sorrell react when he opened the package?" "I wasn't there when he opened it." "So, after that?" "No, I don't think he's going to react. He's so withdrawn. But he's been pretty quiet since then." "I see. When did Ramon come and tell you something happened to him?" "Saturday." "Did you already know that the man in the party was Sorrell?" "I don't know. Before Thursday, the description of the dead in the newspapers was not very detailed. On Wednesday, I naturally felt that Albert was on board. I knew that Joe would stay with him until the last minute, so I didn't Worried. When I saw the description of the murderer released by the police, I read the two reports together, and then I started thinking about it. It was already Saturday. " "What did you think?" "I thought then, as I think now, that something must have been wrong." "Can you tell me what Ramon told you at the time? He has confessed to us." She hesitated before saying, "I don't think it's as bad as it looks," recounting to Grant what Ramon had said to her.The details of the story fit with what Ramon had told him about the undercover detective on the trip south. "Don't you find something suspicious about what he said?" "I don't know, I never believe what foreigners say." - Grant thought, her reaction at this moment is as special as her niece. "But I'm so familiar with Ramon." "But you have known Sorrell for a long time, and you still don't know what is the most important thing in his life." "Yes, but that's Albert. For a long time he didn't care about anything. And Joe would tell me everything about him, including his love affairs." "Thank you for providing so much information." Grant said, standing up. "If nothing you said is useful to Ramon, at least it will not aggravate his guilt. You know why Sorrell Have you given up the idea of ​​going to America?" "You mean he's going somewhere else?" "No, I'm saying that if he's contemplating suicide, his going to America might just be an elaborate cover-up." "I don't think so, I'm sure he really wants to go to America." Grant thanked her again and returned to Scotland Yard.He had learned from Simpson's report that Mrs. Lockley and her sister were still in Eastbourne, and had not said when they would be returning. "Does Mr. Locklear commute to and from Eastbourne every day?" No.Mr Lockleigh had called on them only once since their arrival at Eastbourne, and did not stay overnight. "Did you ever ask what they were arguing about?" No.The maid obviously didn't know anything.From the enigmatic snicker on Simpson's freckled face, Grant supposed he would find it more interesting to visit the Lockleys' maid than to ask for information.He dismissed Simpson sullenly. He had to go to Eastbourne to see Mrs Locklear—a surprise visit.But must appear in Magistrates Court tomorrow for Ramon's case.This is a very formal occasion and he must be present.There was no time this evening to make a surprise visit to Mrs. Lockleigh in Eastbourne as planned, and then return to London.But if the case were to be over soon tomorrow, he could go straight there.Let's hope his immediate boss didn't tell him to report in court.It was routine, but visiting Mrs. Lockleigh was not—it was a hunt, a chance, a game. He wished maliciously to witness the look on Margaret Lockleigh's face when he showed the beaded brooch.