'Yes, I know, I walked it myself. So many people might well have expected that sooner or later he would do so.'
'I suppose they might, but only a madman would ...'
' 'Jealousy,'' Pitt said,' 'fear, greed can strip away the normal restraints and leave naked something that is not unlike a kind of madness.''
She made no reply.
'Is there anyone you would like me to inform?' he asked gently. 'Any other relatives? If we could save you distress ...'
'No-no thank you. I have already had Huggins call my brothers.' Her face tightened, a strange, bleak, wounded look. 'And Mr. Barclay Hamilton-my husband's son by his first marriage.''
'Call. . . ?'
She blinked, then realized the meaning of his question. 'Yes, we have one of those telephones. I don't care for it much myself. I think it is a little uncivil to be speaking to
11
people when you cannot see their faces. I prefer to write if a visit is not possible. But Sir Lockwood finds-found it convenient,' she corrected herself.
'Did he keep any business papers here in the house?'
'Yes, in the library. I cannot see that they would be of any use to you. There is nothing of a confidential nature. He did not bring those home.'
'Are you certain?'
'Quite certain. He told me so on several occasions. He was Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Home Secretary, you know. He knew how to be discreet.'
At that moment there was a noise hi the hallway. The front door opened and closed, and two men's voices were plainly audible above the butler's murmured protestations. Then the withdrawing room door swung wide and one of the men stood in the entrance, his silver hair gleaming in the lamplight, his handsome face with its powerful nose and sweeping brow now strained and bleak with shock.
'Amethyst, my dear.' He came in, ignoring Pitt, and placed his arm round his sister. 'This is appalling! I cannot tell you how I grieve for you. We shall do everything we can to protect you, of course. We must avoid a lot of stupid speculations. It might be less disagreeable for you if you were to leave London for a little while. You are welcome to stay at my home in Aldeburgh if you wish. You will have privacy there. A change, a little sea air.' He swung round. 'Jasper, for heaven's sake, don't stand there! Come in. You've brought your bag with you; haven't you anything to help?'
'I don't want anything, thank you,' Lady Hamilton replied, hunching her shoulders a little and turning away from him. 'Lockwood is dead-nothing any of us do will alter that. And thank you, Garnet, but I won't go away yet. Later perhaps.'
Garnet Royce turned finally to Pitt.
' 'I assume you are from the police? I am Sir Garnet Royce, 12
Lady Hamilton's brother. Do you require her to remain in London?'
' 'No sir,'' Pitt said levelly. * 'But I imagine Lady Hamilton is anxious to assist us as much as possible in catching whoever is responsible for this tragedy.'
Garnet regarded him with cold, clear eyes. 'I cannot imagine how. She is hardly likely to know anything about whatever lunatic did this. If I can persuade her to leave London, can I assume you will not make yourself objectionable?' There was a plain warning hi his voice, the voice of a man used to having not only his orders but his wishes obeyed.
Pitt met his gaze without a flicker.' 'It is a murder inquiry, Sir Garnet. So far I have no idea at all who is responsible, or what motive there can have been. But as Sir Lockwood was a public figure of some note, it is possible someone bore him an enmity for whatever reason, real or imagined. It would be irresponsible to come to any conclusions so soon.'
Jasper came forward, a younger, less forceful version of his brother, with darker eyes and hair and
