A Death at Crystal Palace

by Caroline Dunford

  Bertram gave me an odd look; almost as if he could read my thoughts. But before we could discuss the matter further Algernon Porter stormed into the room. He had a full head of bushy white hair and startling mutton-chops. ‘Where the hell is Fitzroy?’ he demanded.

  ‘A question which is also vexing us,’ I said calmly, indicating he should take a seat.

  ‘If you think I am going to be interviewed like some criminal by some jumped-up amateurs you can damn well think again.’

  ‘Of course not,’ I said soothingly. ‘But it is important that the German delegation believe we are questioning all the people around Von Ritter in the same manner and showing no preference. I believe he had been pro-war, but was changing his mind?’

  ‘Yes, ruddy shame. He’s behind many of the German Navy boats from what we can gather. Him being against the war would have been a coup. Has the ear of the Kaiser I believe.’

  ‘So, you think war can be averted?’ said Bertram.

  ‘Hell’s teeth,’ said Porter. ‘Don’t you lot know anything! Of course it bloody can’t. But if we can at least defer it a little longer we can get more of our dreadnoughts into position.’

  I took a bold stroke. ‘I understand His Majesty is against the war.’

  Porter fussed with his collar and tie. ‘Of course. Of course. Rather all too in the family for him. He would rather it did not happen. Does not want to endanger the lives of citizens of the British Empire, but sometimes blood has to be spilled to prevent greater bloodshed, don’tcha know?’

  I did not know any such thing, but I was getting the measure of Porter and I did not much like it.

  ‘Do you think anyone in the delegation might have wished Von Ritter harm?’ said Bertram.

  Porter frowned, looking rather like an irate Father Time. ‘He seemed to get on well enough with Beiersdorf and the lad, whom he’d known since he was knee-high to a grasshopper by all accounts. It goes without saying no one on our side is under suspicion.’ He glared at me from under his eyebrows. I gave him a polite non-committal smile.

  ‘Perhaps we might consider who he had been in contact with over the past few days?’ I said. ‘Other than the Exhibition, where has the delegation been?’

  ‘We did a brief tour of the Royal Mint,’ said Porter. ‘Drove them round some of the sites. Waterloo House and all that. Showed them Westminster from the outside. It was thought too formal to take them inside. Besides, can’t control damned politicians. Never know what the buggers are going to say or do next. Could have thrown a bucket load of spanners in the works, don’tcha know? Of course, we took them all to my club, but the less said about that the better.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ said Bertram.

  ‘My club is Bosenby’s,’ said Porter. He coughed. ‘Family tradition.’

  ‘Bosenby’s?’ I said.

  ‘Gentlemen only,’ said Porter. ‘Can’t discuss with a lady, don’tcha know?’

  Dietrich Habermann, the German diplomat, could not have been a stronger counterpoint to Porter. He was exquisitely polite and the first man to pull out my chair and insist I sat first. Blond, blue-eyed, tall and well-formed, he was a walking advertisement for Germany. I could tell Bertram, who is a little on the short side, disliked him at first sight. But even he had to admit Habermann spoke openly and with candour.

  ‘Baron Von Ritter is… was a popular gentleman. He has a large family, a devoted wife and a thriving business. I would not say he was often at the Kaiser’s side, but he was known to have the Kaiser’s trust. It is very much the case that Von Ritter stayed away from politics unless he felt he had something important and urgent to say. As a nobleman he was rather refreshing, although I believe his background might not hold up to a herald’s scrutiny. This may explain why he was always so reasonable.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘He had his faults, but he was discreet. He was also a little too fond of wine, cigars and good eating. It is sad, but not a surprise that his heart gave out. I assume this enquiry is merely to show that all that could be done was done.’

  ‘We also have to rule out any foul play,’ I said.

  ‘Very honest of you to own up to that,’ said Habermann. ‘It is difficult to see why one might dislike Klaus enough to kill him. Yes, it is known he had been pro-war, but he was softening. In other words, he was still there to be persuaded by either side. In my position at the embassy I can assure you that he sent no directions home that would indicate he had fastened to one position. Of course, you have only my word on that, but German gentlemen hold their honour as dear as Englishmen do.’

  I nodded. ‘What you are saying is that both factions for and against war on both sides had all to play for with Baron Von Ritter.’

  ‘A delightful expression, “all to play for”, but yes, indeed, it sums up the situation nicely.’

  ‘Was there any rivalry between him and Mr Draper - or even Herr Beiersdorf?’ Bertram asked.

  ‘I am not aware of any,’ said Habermann. ‘I do my best to keep abreast of such things – as I am sure do your department. As far as I knew Beiersdorf and Von Ritter were old friends. Von Ritter and Draper will have met in business circles, but I am unaware of any direct links or social involvement. During the meetings of the delegation they appeared civil enough to each other. Draper is younger and, if you will forgive me, of a different class. I believe they had little in common.’

  ‘Do you know of anyone who might have reason to harm the Baron?’ I said.

  ‘You mean his aide?’ said Habermann. ‘They argued more than I would have imagined a man of his position would allow. Although, if I am scrupulously fair, Gottlieb was never rude when expressing a differing position. I am, of course, aware he gave Von Ritter the tea after which he became ill, but I do not believe he had any motive to murder Von Ritter. If anything, I believe the Baron thought of him fondly. He was an indulgent and philanthropic employer. His reputation stands to that.’

  ‘And the rest of his reputation?’ asked Bertram quietly.

  Habermann darted a glance in my direction. ‘I see. You have heard he had a certain peccadillo. That is true. For a man his age he was, in some ways,’ again he looked at me, ‘spry. However, he was wealthy enough that I do not believe there was ever - how could one say? A badness left behind.’

  ‘Bad feelings?’ said Bertram.

  ‘Exactly,’ said Habermann. ‘He behaved like a gentleman. Or, as I believe, a gentleman should.’ Bertram raised his eyebrows at this but did not respond verbally.

  This left us with only the British magnate of industry, Robert Draper, a self-made man who was still only in his mid-thirties. He wore an excellent suit, but his nails were unmanicured and his hair in need of a decent cut. Despite this, he was clean-shaven.

  ‘Do you think someone offed the Hun?’ he said, sitting down without invitation. ‘I’ll tell you now, I am a plain man, who speaks plain. Klaus Von Ritter and I were not friends, but neither were we enemies. He had the ways of a toff, even though I believe he came up through the ranks like I did. Married into the German aristocracy and got them all eating out of his hand with his charm, but I saw through that.’

  ‘Did you, Mr Draper. What did you see?’ I asked.

  ‘I saw a wary man, who kept his cards close to his chest and knew how to make friends in the right places. Every move he made was calculated. This whole, do I or don’t I want to go to war? Why, that was all over contracts. He’d have gone whichever way the money did. Any businessman would.’

  ‘As you will?’ I asked.

  ‘I can see you think the less of me for that, but I am no different from the others. I merely say what they hide. I am as loyal a subject of King and Country as any man. If His Majesty directs me this way or that I will follow without hesitation, but while he is still making his mind up, I will go where the money is.’

  Bertram sighed. It was a position he was all too familiar with from his own family. ‘In summary, Von Ritter was nothing to you, so you had no reason to harm him?’

  ‘More likely
to be the other way around. I knew him for what he was. I saw through his act.’

  ‘Did you challenge him on it?’ I asked. ‘This act you saw.’

  ‘No, why would I?’ said Draper. ‘Each man makes his way the best he can in the world according to his God and his conscience.’

  ‘Did you see anything untoward on the day or even during the trip?’ asked Bertram.

  ‘In what way?’ said Draper. ‘Everyone was being very polite to one another. Typically, I retired first. There is only so much falseness I can take.’ He looked at me. ‘You of all people should get that, love, considering your occupation. That lot are carrying on as if they are all best friends, but the word comes down from the Royal courts that we’re to fight and tomorrow we could be shooting each other on the battlefield. If you think anyone is going to make friends with someone who they might be looking at from the wrong end of a gun barrel shortly, you can think again.’

  ‘Some might think that sensible - to make friends, I mean,’ I said.

  ‘Aye,’ said Draper. ‘And others might call it treason. I have a mind to stay out of the politics. I will go back to my steel mills and we will keep rolling. There is never any shortage of buyers. War or no war, that will remain the same.’

  ‘Today,’ said Bertram, ‘when he was given a cup of tea, did you see anyone near it?’

  ‘His aide, that Gottlieb, fetched it. The old man was looking a bit green around the gills. No surprise, despite the “wonders of the palace’s ventilation system”.’ He spoke these last words mockingly. ‘It was pretty warm for an older gent who’s carrying a lifetime of excellent dinners around with him. Not that I think he wanted tea, but that was all that was on offer. Let me think. He looked pale and asked to sit. Porter diverted us to the tea room. Beiersdorf hung around Von Ritter, fussing like an old woman. Habermann did the sensible thing and went off to see if a doctor could be found. He brought back Dr Gardener, but it was all too late by then. I think Porter made some fuss about fresh water being used for the tea. Likes to make his presence felt, that one. Nothing new in that. Less sense than a cat, that man. If we were all looking at a fire, damn me, that man would go and sit in the middle of it.’

  ‘You have been very helpful,’ said Bertram. ‘Thank you, Mr Draper.’

  Chapter Twelve

  Picking a Scape-goat

  I sat down with my notebook and considered our options. ‘It is still cloudy to me,’ I said. ‘It seems we can rule out Herr Habermann.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Bertram. ‘Quite glad of that. The only one of ’em who struck me as a gentleman.’

  ‘I felt Herr Beiersdorf was genuinely distraught at Von Ritter’s death, but I do not feel I can rule out that he might have felt duty bound to kill him over something or other?’

  ‘You mean the word of the Kaiser? A bit far-fetched, Euphemia. The man is like Father Christmas.’

  I smiled broadly. ‘That is exactly how he struck me. I do not think we have evidence to totally rule him out, but I do not expect him to be a murderer.’

  Bertram nodded. ‘I see what you mean. Long odds, but still in the race. I say, we do still think the chap was murdered, don’t we?’

  ‘I was hoping Dr Cambridge would have got back to us with some information by now.’ I hesitated. ‘The thing is, if it did turn out to be a British member of the delegation, I do not think Fitzroy would wish us to disclose that to the Germans. He would rather we went with a heart attack as being the cause of death.’

  ‘Then why are we doing all this?’ said Bertram crossly.

  ‘Because whatever action Fitzroy may decide upon he will want to know the truth. I can understand why we might not wish the Germans to know one of their nationals was killed on our soil by one of our citizens. Goodness, I imagine wars have started over far less.’

  ‘I see your point,’ said Bertram grimly.

  ‘However, I would certainly urge for any British person to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law - or at the very least brought to justice for their action - but not necessarily publicly.’

  ‘Damn it, Euphemia! This is just the kind of nonsense we swore we would not get involved with again. Private justice is but one step away from a dictatorship! I cannot believe the King condones any such action.’

  ‘Do we then let the murderer go free if he is British?’ I countered. ‘Let us suppose this murder was merely for self-gain and not national interest - because I do not think Fitzroy or his people would condone this investigation if there was a hint of political assignation. I have dwelt on this. Amateurs though we are - assets even - we have a reputation for unearthing the truth.’

  Bertram nodded. ‘We are a good team. But you were saying if this is a common murder, what then?’

  ‘Then we cannot allow the actions of one man and the life of another to endanger millions of others. If war remains in the wings we must step lightly. We must investigate to the Germans’ satisfaction, but should the murderer prove to be British we must conceal it from them.’

  ‘You do not think they would trust us all the more if we handed the murderer over to them?’ said Bertram.

  ‘I have neither the knowledge nor the experience to make that decision,’ I said.

  ‘Where is ruddy Fitzroy!’ said Bertram. He stood and began to pace. He paused after a couple of turns. ‘By the way, Euphemia, I am dreadfully sorry you’re mixed up in this business. It’s nothing to do with us and it seems particularly nasty this time.’

  ‘Thank you, Bertram. Normally I would assure you I am the equal to anything, but this time I understand your desire to protect me. Having the fate of the peoples of two countries in our hands is a heavy and unwelcome burden,’ I said, a warm feeling blossoming in my chest that Bertram wished to shield me from the realities of the world. There was a time when I would have been angry at such intentions, but now I had seen the world for what it was, I quite fancied protection from it. I would, naturally, do the same for him.

  ‘To get back to the suspects: Gottlieb has to be a prime one. We know Fitzroy suspected him for turning up at the last minute. Gottlieb didn’t even mention that the man whose place he took had died. I find that most suspicious.’

  ‘He might have thought that’s what we would think - drat it! You know what I mean. Besides, do you not think there was some truth in Von Ritter wanting an aide he knew?’

  ‘Perhaps,’ I admitted. ‘But they did argue.’

  ‘And he indulged him,’ said Bertram. ‘I have a theory about that. But go on.’

  ‘I find Porter repulsive, but I cannot see him endangering his career, nor any reason for him to harm Von Ritter.’

  ‘We know Porter likes to be the centre of attention,’ said Bertram. ‘There may be something in that.’

  ‘Robert Draper obviously considers himself refreshingly honest,’ I said. ‘I found him common and repugnant, but he is the one who gave us the clearest picture of what occurred.’

  ‘You think he is telling the truth?’ asked Bertram.

  I nodded. ‘He knows we can verify everything he says, not only with the others in the delegation, but with the statements the police have taken. In fact, we should do that now. Those at a distance will have seen best.’

  Bertram heaved a huge sigh and turned to the pile of papers the police had left us. ‘Do you think we could get them to bring us some tea?’

  ‘You really want tea from that tea shop?’ I asked.

  ‘Hell’s bells!’ said Bertram. ‘Sorry, Euphemia, but do we actually consider the tea lady?’

  ‘I think we get Michael to do a background check on her,’ I said. ‘But she could not have been certain the tea was for Von Ritter nor that he would even want tea. I think she is most unlikely.’

  ‘Good,’ said Bertram. ‘We have enough suspects.’ He picked up the papers and split them with me. ‘I wonder how Rory is getting on?’

  ‘The sooner we get through this lot, the sooner we will able to find out,’ I said and bent my head over the first state
ment.

  The police had been thorough. We were able to substantiate Draper’s description of the scene. All the witnesses also placed Draper at a table away from the others, where he had been enjoying a solitary cake during the unplanned break. A waiter further confirmed that Draper had been so argumentative with Porter over luncheon that much of his meal had gone uneaten. The exact nature of the disagreement was unclear. Michael had yet to return, but it was becoming clear that we had not moved much further forward. We had ruled out Habermann. Draper appeared to have been too far away. We thought Beiersdorf unlikely. We agreed our favoured suspect was Gottlieb, the aide, but we had no adequate motive. Algernon Porter could not be dismissed, but we again had no good reason to include him. At least we knew that Gottlieb and Von Klaus had argued.

  ‘That makes him my first choice,’ I said.

  ‘First choice to be hanged,’ said Bertram. ‘We cannot get this wrong.’

  ‘I hope Cambridge comes up with some perfect proof of natural death.’

  ‘If he had found one I think he would have been in contact by now. We know Von Ritter had a heart attack. We do not know if it was chemically induced,’ said Bertram.

  ‘Will we ever know?’ I said.

  ‘Without a confession,’ said Bertram. ‘It is does not look good.’

  I banged my hand on the table so hard it hurt. ‘Damn all this! I want to get back to Rory and Richenda.’

  ‘We could say that we believe this was nothing but a heart attack,’ said Bertram. ‘That may well turn out to be our conclusion anyway. The evidence is not thick on the ground. We could save time and go for that option now.’

  I looked over at him. There were more lines on his face than when we had first met. He was frowning.