The Iron Horse

‘It is to me, Victor.’

‘I’d love to have some of his money.’

‘Then back the winner in the Derby.’

‘You know what I mean, Inspector,’ said Leeming. ‘When I see someone like Mr Fido, dripping with wealth, I feel so jealous. I’ll never earn that amount of money in the Metropolitan Police Force.’

‘Look at it another way,’ suggested Colbeck. ‘You’ll never spend part of your life behind bars.’

‘Is that what will happen to Mr Fido?’

‘Sooner or later.’

‘He seemed so sure of himself.’

‘Yes, he was very plausible. That’s often a danger sign. He had all the answers. Hamilton Fido is clearly an accomplished liar.’

‘What was all that about an anonymous letter?’

‘His first and biggest lie,’ said Colbeck. ‘He must have a source at Scotland Yard and that’s worrying. Only a handful of people knew the name of the murder victim and the fact that he once worked for Brian Dowd. It behoves us to move with extreme care, Victor.’

‘Why?’

‘We have a spy in our ranks – someone who can help Mr Fido to stay one step ahead of us.’

‘How, sir?’

‘By reporting on our movements, for a start,’ replied Colbeck. ‘Didn’t you notice how unsurprised Mr Fido was when we turned up at his door? He knew that we were coming.’

Leeming was unsettled. ‘A spy in our ranks – surely not, sir.’

‘Mr Fido will employ a whole network of informers, Victor. How can he set the odds for a race if he doesn’t have precise details about the runners taking part?’

‘What about the Derby?’

‘He’ll know exactly how the fancied horses fare during their training gallops. A man like Hamilton Fido has eyes everywhere.’

‘Do you think he’s involved in the murder of John Feeny?’

‘He didn’t persuade me that he’s not involved,’ said Colbeck, ‘so it’s an open question. If he is party to the crime, of course, then he may not have a source in the Detective Department, after all. He would know Feeny’s name because he ordered his execution.’

Leeming fell silent. A chevron of deep concentration appeared on his brow as he turned something over in his mind. Colbeck waited patiently until his companion was ready to speak.

‘I was just thinking,’ said the sergeant at length. ‘What would have happened if the severed head had not been discovered in Crewe?’

‘It would have been delivered to Brian Dowd.’

‘Yes – but what would have happened then, sir? Would he have reported it or chosen to keep the whole thing secret?’

‘That depends on whether or not he deliberately put John Feeny in a rival stables to act as an informant. If he did,’ said Colbeck, ‘he might not wish to involve the police at all. Having met Mr Dowd, I’m inclined to believe his explanation – namely, that Feeny left Ireland of his own accord before finding work in England. But,’ he went on, ‘it’s always wise to have a second opinion. That’s why I’m sending you to meet Brian Dowd at a secret location.’

Leeming steeled himself. ‘Will I have to travel by train, sir?’

‘I’m afraid so – but only for a short distance. One thing that even Hamilton Fido doesn’t know is the location of Limerick Lad. Mr Dowd confided in me and I’ve disclosed the address to nobody.’

‘Not even to Superintendent Tallis?’

‘No, Victor,’ said Colbeck, ‘and, in hindsight, I’m glad. If we do have a spy in our midst, this is one piece of information that won’t fall accidentally into his hands. When we get to Whitehall, you can drop me off and go on to Paddington.’

‘What will you be doing?’

‘Reporting to the superintendent, in the first instance.’

‘Better you than me, sir,’ said Leeming gratefully.

‘I thought that he’d mellowed of late.’

‘Then I’ll have to show you the bite marks he left on me.’

Colbeck laughed. ‘You’ll find Brian Dowd far less intimidating,’ he said. ‘Sound him out, Victor. See what you make of him.’

‘Do you think he’ll give me advice about the Derby?’

‘You may even be lucky enough to see Limerick Lad now he’s in England. That’s the advice he’ll give you – bet on the Irish horse.’

‘Who are you going to put money on, sir?’

‘I’m still considering the options,’ said Colbeck. ‘One of them has to be Merry Legs. When I’ve spoken to the Superintendent, I’ll travel to Hamilton Fido’s stables to take a closer look at the filly. I felt from the start that a female would play a crucial role in our investigation.’

Kitty Lavender sat at a table in the corner of the tavern and ignored the curious stares she was getting from most of the men present. As a rule, she enjoyed arousing male interest but she had other things on her mind at that moment. She was grateful when the tall, gangly figure of Marcus Johnson entered the room and crossed over to her. Kitty rose from her chair to accept a kiss on the cheek and an effusive greeting from the newcomer. A collective murmur of disappointment went up from the other tables. She was spoken for.

In fact, Marcus was her half-brother but the familiar way in which he leant across the table towards her hinted at a more intimate relationship. He ordered drinks and exchanged niceties with Kitty until they were brought. After clinking glasses, they sipped their respective drinks.

‘I haven’t seen you for ages, Kitty,’ he complained.

‘I’ve been busy.’

‘On my behalf, I hope.’

‘And on my own,’ she said tartly. ‘I don’t see it as my purpose in life to run your errands, Marcus.’

‘I’m your brother.’

‘My half-brother – there’s a big difference.’

‘Yes,’ he said, ‘you only love me half as much as I love you.’

He grinned broadly. There were certainly no physical similarities to proclaim their blood relationship. Kitty’s beauty was thrown into relief by Johnson’s long, thin, bony face with its aquiline nose and prominent chin. While she was poised, his features were mobile. In place of her perfect set of teeth, he had a mouthful of over-large incisors and canines. A few years older than Kitty, he seemed to glow with confidence. He took her hand.

‘What can you tell me?’ he asked.

‘It’s far too early, Marcus.’

‘You must have picked up some information.’

‘I’ve picked up far too much,’ she said. ‘I only have a very limited interest in horses and I’m fast approaching that limit.’

‘Think what this could mean to us, Kitty.’

‘That’s what I have been doing and I’m coming to the conclusion that this is just another of your madcap schemes to get rich. They always fail, Marcus. Why should this one be any different?’

‘Because we’re working together this time.’

‘That’s not true,’ she denied.

‘You swore that you’d help me.’

‘First and foremost, I’m in this for myself.’

‘I accept that,’ he said, squeezing her hand, ‘but you ought to remember who contrived the introduction for you. Without me, you might never have got to meet Hamilton Fido.’

‘I’d have found a way somehow.’

‘But your clever half-brother made it so much easier for you.’ He bared his teeth in another grin. ‘We both stand to gain, Kitty.’