Midnight at Marble Arch Read Online Free PDF Page B

asked Knox.
    “Yes, sir, just after half-past ten. He sent the footman for the police immediately.”
    “No telephone?” Narraway looked surprised.
    “He was probably too flustered to think of it,” Quixwood cut in. “Wouldn’t know the police station number anyway, or think to ask the exchange for it.”
    “I understand,” Knox agreed. “Fall back on habit when we’re shaken up badly. Find the first policeman on the beat. Turned out to be a good idea, as it happens. He ran into Constable Tibenham a couple of hundred yards away, other side of Eaton Square. He came here at once and used the telephone to call me. I got here just after quarter-past eleven. Sent for you at the Spanish Embassy. You got back here, I made it half-past midnight. It’s now about twenty minutes past one.”
    He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Mr. Quixwood, but I need to speak to at least some of the servants before I let them go to bed. Got to get it when it’s fresh in their minds. Could forget something if I wait until morning.”
    Quixwood looked down at the carpet again. “I understand. Do you … do you need me?”
    “Not to stay for the interviews, sir. Not necessary you should know anything as you’d rather not. Just a few things I need to ask you.”
    Quixwood seemed confused. “What?”
    “This was a party at the Spanish Embassy you were attending, sir?” Knox asked.
    “Yes. What of it?”
    “It was a social sort of thing? Ladies there as well as gentlemen?”
    Quixwood blinked.
    “Oh! Oh, I see what you mean. Yes. Catherine didn’t go because she wasn’t feeling very well. Bad headache. She has … she had them sometimes.”
    “But she was invited?”
    “Of course. She said she preferred to go to bed early. Those parties can drag on a long time.”
    “I see.”
    Quixwood frowned. “What are you saying, Inspector? There was nothing so remarkable in that. My wife didn’t go to lots of the social parties I have to attend. Great deal of noise and chatter, most of it with very little meaning. I wouldn’t go myself if it weren’t part of my profession to make new acquaintances, contacts and so on.”
    “What time did you leave the house to go to the Spanish Embassy, sir?”
    “About half-past eight or so, arrived a little before nine. I didn’t need to be early.”
    “Take a hansom, sir?”
    “No, I have my own carriage.” He looked momentarily stunned. “Dear heaven, I forgot all about that! It’ll still be at the embassy, waiting for me.” He half rose out of his chair.
    “No,” Narraway responded at once. “I gave your apologies. Commander Pitt would know to have your driver informed.”
    Quixwood shot him a quick glance of gratitude, then turned back to Knox. “So when did it happen?”
    “Probably about ten o’clock, sir, or thereabouts. After half-past nine, when the maid was in the hallway and spoke to Mrs. Quixwood, and before half-past ten, when Mr. Luckett came back and found her.”
    Quixwood frowned. “Does that help?”
    “Yes, sir, it probably does,” Knox agreed, nodding slightly. “It’s very early yet in the investigation. We’ll know more when we’ve spoken to the servants and had a proper look around in the daylight. There may even have been people—neighbors—out walking who saw something. Now, if you’ll excuse me, sir, I need to go speak to the servants.”
    “Yes, yes, of course,” Quixwood said hastily. “Please do what you must. I shall just sit here a little longer.” He looked at Narraway. “I quite understand if you want to leave. It must have been a damned awful night for you, but I would be more grateful than I can say if you’d just … just keep an eye on things … do what you can …” His voice trailed off as if he was embarrassed.
    “Anything that Inspector Knox will allow me,” Narraway said, looking toward the inspector, who nodded at once.
    “Come with me then, by all means, my lord,” Knox said. “I’m having the servants meet with