Enter Second Murderer Read Online Free PDF

mean to say, any person in who wasn't a gentlewoman."
    Faro tried to conceal his annoyance. As far as he was concerned, the good Mrs. Brook had behaved like the busy-body she was proving to be, well-meaning, but a bit of a nuisance. In normal circumstances, he realised, he might have applauded her thoughtfulness, but not tonight, on the occasion of the resurrection of his lost appetite. He knew perfectly well that he was being selfish but the prospect of a stranger to deal with made him feel suddenly old and tired again, conscious of being footsore and with a childish need to be cosseted.
    As if aware of her employer's conflicting thoughts, Mrs. Brook began, "I hope what I did was for the best—"
    "Wait a minute—what did she want anyway that couldn't wait?"
    At this sharp rejoinder, Mrs. Brook gave him an almost tearful glance. "I see I did wrong asking her in, sir. I'm sorry and I won't do it again. But—well, see for yourself. She's just lost her only brother, poor lady."
    "I don't see what I can do about that, Mrs. Brook. This is a case for missing persons. Did you not tell her to go to the police?"
    "She asked to see you personally." Mrs. Brook sounded offended. "I expect she read about you in the newspapers. She said you were the only one who could help her."
    Faro sighed. "What else did she tell you?"
    "Nothing else. She was that upset, and I'm not one to pry," Mrs. Brook added, tightening her lips self-righteously.
    A lost only brother? Cynically Faro thought that usually meant the brother or cousin was the polite term for a lover. If the woman upstairs was upset, that meant they had been living together and he had run off with someone else and most likely taken her money with him. So why ask for him? Thanks to Mrs. Brook's compassion he'd have to listen to the whole wearisome story, utter platitudes of comfort and then get rid of her with some plausible excuse.
    Mrs. Brook took his rather curt nod as approval and beamed upon him. "I'm glad I did right, Inspector sir." She watched him walk upstairs, little guessing that where her employer was concerned her kind heart was likely to be her undoing. If it continued to interfere with her efficiency then she would have to go, Faro decided. He must make it plain to her that being housekeeper to a policeman needed sterner qualities than those for dealing with sick patients. After all, policemen were known to have strange callers, criminals, avengers, informers, and God only knew who she might let into the house through her ever-open, ever-welcoming kitchen door.
    He opened the drawing-room door. At the bay window a woman reclined against the sofa cushions. At first he thought she slept, and his entrance did not disturb her. For a big man, Faro could move both swiftly and noiselessly. When he looked down on her, she opened her eyes and sat up with considerable effort.
    One glance told Faro the reason for Mrs. Brook's concern. The woman's face was pale, emaciated, exhausted-looking and ill beyond the mere travel-worn. Faro's quick eye for detail took in the shabby gentility of dress, the unmistakable badge of the lady's maid.
    He closed the door behind him with the well-worn words, "What can I do for you?"
    As she tried to rise, both hands propelling herself forward, a fit of coughing took her.
    As she struggled, trying to apologise, Faro said:
    "Please, remain seated. My housekeeper tells me you have been ill. May I get you some refreshment to help? My stepson is due home soon, he is a doctor—he may be able to offer you some restorative medicine."
    "No medicine can help me now, Inspector. But it is good of you to concern yourself." She gave him a sad smile. "I am quite beyond the reach of medicines now, I fear."
    Faro did not doubt that she spoke the truth, observing the two bright spots upon her cheeks, the bright eyes and flushed countenance of one far gone in consumption.
    "I know I have taken an unpardonable liberty in visiting your home, instead of waiting to see you