The Evil That Men Do.(Inspector Faro Mystery No.11) Read Online Free PDF Page B

meet the rushes of Duddingston Loch, a skein of geese moved overhead, their faint cries filling the still air with a melancholy sweetness as they circled to feed on the rich sandbanks of the River Forth.
    To think that mere hours ago he had approached this house with such hopes and optimism for the future. Already it seemed like part of another happier world, and, filled with sudden ominous dread for what lay ahead, he wondered as he walked up the front steps whether any of them would again be so happy and carefree as that last fateful dinner party, with no greater problem than whether or not to install a new bathroom.
    Vince had already arrived. And taking him by the arm, he said:
    ‘They’re upstairs, in the drawing room.’
    The family were assembled, waiting; silent, subdued under the curious numbness of sudden and unexpected bereavement. Their funereal blacks contrasted strangely with the garden glowing under the approach of sunset. In the shrubbery a robin added his plaintive winter song and a blackbird’s warning cry was lost in the strident screech of one of the Priorsfield peacocks.
    With a slight bow in Faro’s direction Theodore stood up and with his back to the fire addressed them, his manner little different from that used to point out some approaching crisis to the shareholders of Langweil Ales.
    ‘Since Dr Laurie has cast doubt on the probable cause of my brother’s unfortunate death, as head of the family I have asked you to be present on this occasion to put on record that we are all in agreement that a postmortem, however regrettable and distasteful to us, must be carried out. Before the matter proceeds any further there are certain other matters involved.’ Pausing he looked directly at Faro. ‘You get my meaning, Inspector.’
    The formal address left no doubt whatever in Faro’s mind as Theodore continued: ‘I mean, of course, that following notification to the Procurator Fiscal, a police investigation might ensue into the possible cause of Cedric’s death.’
    A shocked silence followed an outbreak of whispered comments. Anxious looks were exchanged and angrier hurt looks directed towards Faro.
    A moment later Theodore continued: ‘I think we should make it plain to the Inspector that all of us, with the exception of Grace here’ - he looked across with gentle compassion to where she huddled close to her mother’s side, clutching her hand for comfort - ‘all of us present can verify that Cedric’s death was not in the least unexpected.’
    Heads were nodded in agreement as he turned again towards Faro. ‘My brother was in fact gravely ill. Dying. We have all been sadly aware that for the past six months he was suffering from an incurable brain disease and that his days were numbered.’
    ‘Oh, no, no.’ The cry was from Grace and Maud put her arms around her. ‘Hush, darling. Hush.’
    ‘No, Mama, it can’t be—’
    ‘My darling, I assure you it was. But your happiness was his main concern, we were to keep it from you—’ Maud’s voice failed and as she sobbed quietly Theodore went over and took Grace’s hands.
    ‘Dearest child. It was your papa’s earnest wish to spare you, his only child, so that you would prepare in joy for your wedding, and even that he would still be with us and well enough to lead you down the aisle.’
    ‘Oh, Papa, dear Papa,’ Grace sobbed. Now it was Vince’s turn to reach out for her, but turning from him she clung to her mother.
    ‘Naturally this secrecy he imposed upon us all has been a great strain,’ said Theodore. ‘Especially Adrian—’
    Faro and Vince looked quickly at Adrian, who nodded slowly as Theodore went on: ‘He did not wish to involve his own brother, I’m sure the reasons are only too obvious and painful to need any further explanation.’
    ‘He asked me to recommend another physician,’ said Adrian. I suggested he consult Wiseman in Heriot Row.’
    ‘Who will confirm all I have told you,’ said Theodore to Faro. ‘I