Heirs of the Body(72)
“Darling!” Daisy said indignantly.
“However, Geraldine—Hello, this is Detective Chief Inspector Fletcher of the Metropolitan Police. Is the chief constable still there? Put me through, please. Yes, I’ll hold.”
“‘However, Geraldine’…?”
“He seems to have considerable respect for her. I shouldn’t be surprised if—Yes, Fletcher speaking, sir.”
Abandoning the remains of her brandy, Daisy hurried over to perch on the desk beside him, her ear as close to the receiver as possible.
She heard Sir Nigel say, “… another already?”
“Another ‘accident.’” Alec managed to put quotation marks in his voice. “And a fatality. The same person, though the two may not be connected.”
“Some unfortunate person suffered an accident and died within … what … an hour or so? It’s not much more than that since you left my office. And you say they may not be connected!”
“Sir, only a doctor can pronounce on that question. And a coroner’s jury.”
“No doctor present?”
“No, sir. The local man’s surgery is in Upton, which is flooded, so he’s out of reach. In any case, with your permission, I would prefer to call in your police surgeon.”
“Of course. You’d better talk to my superintendent. He’ll be in charge of the investigation, if there is one. No, by damn! You’re on the spot and up to the neck in things already. If there’s a case, I’ll get on to your AC right away. No sense in wasting time fumbling about.”
“Er … I’m not sure the Assistant Commissioner will think it’s appropriate to put me in charge in the circumstances. My wife’s family, I mean.…”
“Bosh, my dear chap. Who better? That’s settled. Now, just where is the deceased?”
“Here at Fairacres, sir. In his car—”
“He died at the wheel? By gad, how the devil did he—?”
“No, no, his chauffeur was driving. I gather the body is laid out on the rear seat. In the garage.”
“You gather? You haven’t seen it?”
“No, sir, it seemed more important to get in touch with you at once when I was told—”
“Who told you?”
“My wife,” Alec admitted reluctantly, glowering at Daisy.
“Indeed! And just how did Mrs. Fletcher come to be—”
Interrupting in his turn, Alec explained Daisy’s involvement.
“And she’s quite certain he’s dead,” Sir Nigel asked plaintively, “not merely unconscious?”
“The driver was an ambulance man in the war, as it turns out. He was quite certain.”
“Oh, good enough, I suppose. You’ve sent for the local bobby?”
Alec looked at Daisy, who shook her head and pointed at him. “You were already on your way,” she mouthed.
“Not yet, sir. It seemed more important to notify you immediately.”
“Yes, yes, of course, quite right.”
“As soon as I’ve finished reporting to you,” Alec hinted, “I’ll get on to the local chap.”
“Anything else to report? Still no idea who’s responsible, eh? If anyone.”
“No, sir, no idea. The dead man was at the top of my list.”
TWENTY-TWO
“I was just about convinced it was Raymond,” said Daisy, returning to her chair. She picked up her glass, then put it down again. She no longer felt in need of a stimulant.
“Is there a bobby in Morton Green?”
“No, the nearest is Upton. Which is flooded.”
“Damnation!”
“Two constables and a sergeant, so one or more might have been outside the village, doing his bicycle beat, when the water rose. Isn’t there a chance someone would know whereabouts he might be?”
“You’re right, someone ought to know his whereabouts. Country bobbies can’t be expected to keep as strict time as in town, but they have schedules.” Alec clicked the telephone hook twice to get the operator’s attention. “Upton police, please.… Engaged? Please ring back as soon as it’s open. Official business.”
“I can’t see,” said Daisy, “even if one of them can get here, what use he’s going to be.”
“None. It’s a matter of professional courtesy. As far as I’m concerned, that is. As far as you’re concerned, it’s the duty of every citizen to report an unexpected death to the police.” He was halfway to the door. “And that being so, I’m going to go and inspect the deceased, and leave you to do your undoubted duty.”
Daisy’s indignant “Hi!” followed him out. She had done her duty in reporting to him.