40
'Oh, Barclay, yes. Nice fellow. Didn't see much of him. Never married-no idea why.''
'Was he close to his mother?'
'Beatrice? No idea. Didn't get on with Amethyst, if that's what you mean.'
'Do you know why?'
'No idea. Might have resented his father marrying again, I suppose. Bit silly, I always think. Should have been pleased for him he was happy, and Amethyst certainly made him an excellent wife. Supported him in his career, entertained his friends with skill and tact, and kept an excellent house. In fact I would say he was happier with her than with Beatrice.''
'Maybe Mr. Barclay knew that, and resented it on his mother's behalf,' Pitt suggested.
Verdun's face dropped. 'Good heaven's, man, you're not going to suggest he waited twenty years, then suddenly one night crept up behind his father on Westminster Bridge and cut his throat for it, are you?'
'No, of course not.' It was preposterous. 'Is Mr. Barclay Hamilton reasonably well provided for financially?'
' 'Happen to know that: inherited from his maternal grandfather. Not a lot, but comfortable. Nice house in Chelsea-very nice. Near the Albert Bridge.'
'I suppose you have no idea if there's any rival or enemy who might have wished Sir Lockwood harm? Any threats you know of?'
Verdun smiled. 'I'm sorry. If I did I should have mentioned it, distasteful as it is. After all, you can't have chaps running around killing people, can you!'
'No sir.' Pitt stood up. 'Thank you for your help. If I may look at those records of yours? The last year or so should be sufficient.'
''Of course. I'll have Telford make a copy for you on that awful contraption, if you like. Might as well do something
useful on it. Sounds like a hundred urchins in hobnail boots!''
* * *
41
It was quarter past six when Pitt was finally ushered into the Home Secretary's office in Whitehall. It was very large and very formal, and the officials in their frock coats and wing collars made it plain that it was a considerable favor granted in extraordinary circumstances that Pitt was even allowed across the threshold, let alone into a Cabinet Minister's private office. Pitt attempted to straighten his tie, making it worse, and ran his fingers through his hair, which was no improvement either.
'Yes, Inspector?' the Home Secretary said courteously. 'I can give you ten minutes. Lockwood Hamilton was my Parliamentary Private Secretary, and very good at it, efficient and discreet. I am deeply sorrowed by his death.'
'Was he ambitious, sir?'
'Naturally. I should not promote a man who was indifferent to his career.'
'How long had he held the position?'
'About six months.'
'And before that?'
'A backbencher, on various committees. Why?' He frowned. 'Surely you don't think this was political?'
'I don't know,
'He hasn't proposed anything. For Heaven's sake, he's a Parliamentary Private Secretary, not a minister!'
