The Body in the Library Read Online Free PDF

Keene’s nearest relative.
    He had put through a short call to Much Benham before leaving Danemouth, so the Chief Constable was prepared for his arrival, though not perhaps for the brief introduction of: “This is Josie, sir.”
    Colonel Melchett stared at his subordinate coldly. His feeling was that Slack had taken leave of his senses.
    The young woman who had just got out of the car came to the rescue.
    â€œThat’s what I’m known as professionally,” she explained with a momentary flash of large, handsome white teeth. “Raymond and Josie, my partner and I call ourselves, and, of course, all the hotel know me as Josie. Josephine Turner’s my real name.”
    Colonel Melchett adjusted himself to the situation and invited Miss Turner to sit down, meanwhile casting a swift, professional glance over her.
    She was a good-looking young woman of perhaps nearer thirty than twenty, her looks depending more on skilful grooming than actual features. She looked competent and good-tempered, with plenty of common sense. She was not the type that would ever be described as glamorous, but she had nevertheless plenty of attraction. She was discreetly made-up and wore a dark tailor-made suit. Though she looked anxious and upset she was not, the Colonel decided, particularly grief-stricken.
    As she sat down she said: “It seems too awful to be true. Do you really think it’s Ruby?”
    â€œThat, I’m afraid, is what we’ve got to ask you to tell us. I’m afraid it may be rather unpleasant for you.”
    Miss Turner said apprehensively:
    â€œDoes she—does she—look very terrible?”
    â€œWell—I’m afraid it may be rather a shock to you.” He handed her his cigarette case and she accepted one gratefully.
    â€œDo—do you want me to look at her right away?”
    â€œIt would be best, I think, Miss Turner. You see, it’s not much good asking you questions until we’re sure. Best get it over, don’t you think?”
    â€œAll right.”
    They drove down to the mortuary.
    When Josie came out after a brief visit, she looked rather sick.
    â€œIt’s Ruby all right,” she said shakily. “Poor kid! Goodness, I do feel queer. There isn’t”—she looked round wistfully—“any gin?”
    Gin was not available, but brandy was, and after gulping a little down Miss Turner regained her composure. She said frankly:
    â€œIt gives you a turn, doesn’t it, seeing anything like that? Poor little Rube! What swine men are, aren’t they?”
    â€œYou believe it was a man?”
    Josie looked slightly taken aback.
    â€œWasn’t it? Well, I mean—I naturally thought—”
    â€œAny special man you were thinking of?”
    She shook her head vigorously.
    â€œNo—not me. I haven’t the least idea. Naturally Ruby wouldn’t have let on to me if—”
    â€œIf what?”
    Josie hesitated.
    â€œWell—if she’d been—going about with anyone.”
    Melchett shot her a keen glance. He said no more until they were back at his office. Then he began:
    â€œNow, Miss Turner, I want all the information you can give me.”
    â€œYes, of course. Where shall I begin?”
    â€œI’d like the girl’s full name and address, her relationship to you and all you know about her.”
    Josephine Turner nodded. Melchett was confirmed in his opinion that she felt no particular grief. She was shocked and distressed but no more. She spoke readily enough.
    â€œHer name was Ruby Keene—her professional name, that is. Her real name was Rosy Legge. Her mother was my mother’s cousin. I’ve known her all my life, but not particularly well, if you know what I mean. I’ve got a lot of cousins—some in business, some on the stage. Ruby was more or less training for a dancer. She had some good engagements last year in panto and that sort of thing. Not really