They were thoughtful for a moment.
‘He’s not actually a very nice man,’ said Morley.
‘Cruel, I’d call him,’ said Nixon.
‘He takes hold of a bit of hair on the back of your neck and twists it and twists it. It really hurts.’
‘And that’s for not understanding something, which is stupid.’
‘Good teacher?’
‘I don’t think so personally,’ said Morley, ‘but you have to be sure you know your stuff so as to stay on the right side of him.’
‘Why did you ask them about Matteson,’ asked Rattigan.
‘Just curiosity really. Their assessment accords with my own impression, for what it’s worth.’
‘Think they’ll discover anything?’
‘Frankly no. There’s something very strange about all this but I can’t quite put my finger on it.’
◆◆◆
‘Keen for us to be careful, wasn’t he?’ observed Nixon.
‘There’s a murderer on the loose and he might not like us making enquiries about him,’ said Morley. ‘I must say, I’ve never really thought about it until now. He’s right here, in the school, walking about the place, perhaps eyeing up his next victim. We’ve probably had a lesson with him since Sunday. In fact, we almost certainly have.’
‘Bungie then,’ said Nixon. ‘I expect that’s why the Chief Inspector asked us about him. Anyway, we’re not enquiring about the murderer, we’re enquiring about Willoughby. Where might we start?’
‘We could ask Pickering. He’s in Cadets and he’s a rower. He’s practically got webbed feet.’
‘What house is he in?’
‘East, I think.’
‘Oh.’
‘Why “Oh.”?’
‘Gilbert’s in East.’
‘Hmm, I’d forgotten that,’ admitted Morley. ‘I know! How about recruiting Hardiman as a bodyguard? He could probably thrash Gilbert. Make him think twice anyway.’
‘Not flipping likely!’ said Nixon. ‘He’d be bound to want something in return, and we know what that is. You ask him. You said you’d do it – remember? – if he had something you wanted.’
‘Perhaps we’d best forget Pickering,’ said Morley hastily. ‘How about Bradley?’
Bradley sounded interested. ‘And he really asked you to investigate where Willoughby went?’
‘We’re his eyes and ears in the school,’ said Morley modestly.
‘Sounds dangerous to me,’ said Bradley, ‘almost like sneaking. Anyway, we didn’t do anything with him on Sunday. We didn’t often, except sometimes he’d make us tidy the shed or varnish the boats but that was more in spring. Why don’t you ask the new bugs? They get everywhere, like mice. And talking of Gilbert, here he comes.’
‘Oh blimey!’ said Morley. ‘What do we do now?’
‘Scatter!’ cried Nixon, already running. ‘Some of us might survive!’
Chapter Eleven
‘What, do you tremble? are you all afraid?
Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal,
And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil.
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell!
Thou hadst but . . . um’
‘Power.’
‘Sorry. Power over his mortal body,
His soul thou canst not have . . . therefore be gone!
Was that better, sir?’
‘You’re getting there, Lady Neville,’ said George Burstow. My Lord Gloucester, not bad from you either. Difficult bit, I know. You’re chucking your weight about to show who is boss but having to temper it because you’re about to turn ingratiating.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘That’ll have to do today, lady and gentlemen. I’ll mark the place for next time.’
‘Thank goodness for that,’ said Gloucester, straightening up, ‘my back’s killing me.’
‘I think you’re perhaps overdoing the hump old chap,’ said Burstow, to laughter. ‘Try to just shamble a bit and leave the rest to the costume.’
‘Makes a good girl, doesn’t he?’ observed Rattigan from the door of the hall, ‘And that’s without any makeup. I think it’s the wig that does it.’
‘Yes, he does,’ said Felix. He was silent for a while. ‘Do you know, Teddy? That could be it!’
They stared at each other for a moment.
‘A disguise, do you mean?’ frowned Rattigan. ‘It’d certainly explain a lot.’
‘Damn it, it explains everything! Come on!’
‘Sir, wait a minute!’ cried Nixon, leaping down from the stage. ‘Did you want to see us?’
‘Yes, but it’ll have to wait now. We’re in a hurry.’
‘Don’t you want to know what we’ve discovered, sir?’ said Morley, joining him. ‘It won’t take a moment.’
‘Well all right, what is it?’
‘Phillips minor saw Mr Willoughby, sir, going upstairs. He said he was walking funny. He’s a new bug but seems quite sensible. His brother’s in our class.’
‘What sort of funny?’
‘He said he was holding his trousers up, as if his belt had broken, and had his hand on top of his head.’
‘When was this?’
‘Just after church, sir, about twelve thirty.’
Felix nodded his satisfaction. ‘Thanks, chaps. That couldn’t have come at a better time. In fact, thanks for all your help; we wouldn’t have got this far without you. Now listen, I need to discuss something urgently with my sergeants and I can’t include you I’m afraid. In the meantime, I must ask you not to say anything to anyone about what you’ve learned.’ He turned as Burstow came by. ‘Hello, Mr Burstow, I thought Mr Noble was putting on the play.’
‘He is. There was something he wanted to do and I owe him a class.’
‘Any idea what it was?’
‘No, I haven’t. Sorry.’
‘Cast aside like an outgrown toy,’ grumbled Nixon. ‘We risked our very lives for that information. I wonder what they’ve come up with now?’
‘Whatever it was, it was inspired by our performance,’ said Morley. ‘They suddenly got all excited while they were watching you declaiming.’
‘What do you mean, our performance? You didn’t have to say anything. Come on, I want to know what it’s all about.’
‘Don’t you think you should get that frock off first?’
‘That’s no way to talk to a lady,’ said Nixon haughtily.
‘I would to Emily Armitage.’
◆◆◆
Joined by Nash and Yardley, they were back in their tiny room.
‘So instead of the afternoon we now need to look for alibis, or the lack of them, for the morning,’ said Yardley. ‘Is that right?’
‘If our theory is correct and it wasn’t Willoughby they saw in the staffroom, then yes we do,’ said Felix. ‘Fortunately that’s rather easily done. Most masters were at church on Sunday morning until something past eleven, after which those that live in school will have been enjoying their coffee and biscuits in the staffroom. They’ll be able to vouch for each other, no doubt. The only ones not present were Burstow and Campling, very publicly carousing in the Spotted Cow, and Moreau and Matteson who live further out and whom I think we can discount.’
‘But wait a minute,’ frowned Yardley, ‘that only leaves —’
‘I’m afraid so,’ said Felix. We’d better have got it right, that’s all. He stood and opened the window. ‘Mornix, go and see if the Headmaster’s car is there. Look lively now.’
‘I can tell you that, sir,’ said Morley, rising unblushingly to his feet. ‘It’s in the yard. Mr Noble’s has gone though.’
‘So he has gone out,’ said Rattigan. ‘I wonder where?’
‘Mr Noble was here earlier, sir, because he took us for PE,’ said Nixon helpfully.
&
nbsp; ‘Thank you, Mornix,’ said Felix. ‘Now lads, I salute your enthusiasm for detective work but we’re going to be very busy shortly and I must insist this time that you to go to wherever you are supposed to be and stay there. That’s an order. Nash and Yardley — usual thing. Come on, Teddy. Let’s get it over with.’
There was no-one in the Headmaster’s study. They hurried upstairs to the Armitages’ flat, knocked and entered.
Mrs Armitage was curled on the sofa with a box of chocolates and a magazine. ‘Good afternoon, gentlemen. Can I help you?’
‘We’d like to speak to Dr Armitage if we may. Where is Miss Armitage?’
‘Emily? Gone out. Her fiancé came and collected her. Isn’t it exciting!’
‘Exciting?’
‘About her marrying the future Viscount Stodley. So much more suitable.’
‘Can you tell me when they left?’
‘They were going to lunch, so it was a couple of hours ago.’
‘Did they say where?’
‘No, I don’t think so. Somewhere nice I expect. He’s such an attentive young man and handsome too, apart from his poor hair; I’m quite smitten myself. Why do you ask?’
‘And Dr Armitage, where is he?’
‘I don’t know that either I’m afraid. Have you checked his study? Someone telephoned to him and he went shooting off somewhere.’
‘When was that?’
A cry from below brought them to the window. ‘Sir,’ called Nash. ‘We think your car’s been pinched. We’ve looked everywhere and it isn’t here.’
M. Moreau appeared beside him. ‘Someone drove it away, Chief Inspector. I regret, I paid it little attention, thinking it was you.’
‘When was this?’ said Felix.
‘Just before my class, so twenty minutes ago. He appeared to be alone.’
‘I don’t understand,’ frowned Mrs Armitage. ‘Why would anybody take your car?’
Gibbs appeared, bearing a tray of tea things.
‘Mr Gibbs,’ said Felix, ‘where is Dr Armitage?’
‘I . . .’ said Gibbs.
‘Come on, man, this is urgent!’
The butler drew himself up with dignity. ‘Dr Armitage has gone out, sir.’
‘Yes, in my car! Where’s he gone?’
‘I don’t know, sir. He didn’t say. He only said not to tell anybody.’
‘No good looking at me, Gibbs,’ said Mrs Armitage. ‘I know nothing of this.’
‘If he’s done a bunk, sir,’ said Rattigan, ‘he’ll be unlikely to stick to the Vauxhall. He’ll probably change cars.’
‘With respect, sir,’ said Gibbs. ‘I don’t think Dr Armitage expected to be long away. He dashed out of the house without a coat, after he took the call.’
‘He took a telephone call?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Was there a message?’
‘He did write something down, sir, but he took it with him.’
‘Rattigan hurried into the hall, snatching up the message pad. ‘Might just be legible,’ he said, bringing it back.
Felix handed him a soft pencil. ‘Try this.’
The big man put on his spectacles and with surprising delicacy, shaded in the shallow indent of the writing. ‘Maiden Inn,’ he said, peering at it. ‘Nothing else.’
‘Do you know where the Maiden Inn is, Mrs Armitage?’
‘I’ve no idea,’ said Mrs Armitage crossly. ‘And I’m sure there’s a perfectly logical explanation for him taking your car. Why don’t you just wait until he comes back?’
Felix marched to the window. ‘Maiden Inn anybody? Quickly now!’
‘I know it, said Nash.
‘Mr Felix,’ demanded Mrs Armitage, ‘you surely don’t believe that Dr Armitage is your murderer?’
‘I’m afraid I can’t comment on that,’ said Felix. However, since Dr Armitage has seen fit to drive off in my car, I have no choice but to requisition yours. Kindly instruct Gibbs to give me the key.’
‘I’m not lending our car so you can go chasing my husband.’ said Mrs Armitage stoutly. ‘Certainly not!’
◆◆◆
‘Come on, Teddy, put your foot down!’ cried Nash, ‘we’re barely doing forty.’
‘It’s on the floor now,’ grumbled Rattigan, changing gear again. ‘Damned thing wouldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding.’ He began rocking back and forth, as if to add impetus to the sluggish vehicle. ‘Come on, you cow, move!’
‘Do you know how far it is?’ said Yardley.
‘I’d say about eight miles,’ said Nash, ‘or three hours.’
‘If you can do any better,’ growled Rattigan, ‘you’re welcome to try.’
‘Stow it you two,’ snapped Felix, ‘I need to think. Why would Armitage be dashing off to the Maiden Inn?’
‘Emily in trouble? They could have broken down or something.’
‘He’d hardly pinch our car for that,’ said Yardley.
‘I don’t care for this,’ said Felix. ‘For one thing I expressly forbade Noble to leave Thirkettle without telling me.’
‘He could just about have done it, you know,’ said Rattigan, ‘if he’d timed it right and driven like a madman.’
‘That’s what’s bothering me. It’d be absurdly risky but perhaps not out of the question.’
‘Which means it could be either of them.’
‘Or both.’
‘That’s a thought. And both handled the crossbow of course.’
‘We turn off here,’ said Nash. ‘Not far now.’
They ground up a long hill, smoke billowing behind them.
‘We’d do better on bicycles,’ opined Yardley.
‘You might.’
‘Hang on,’ said Nash. ‘I know this bit. Slow down a minute.’
‘If I slowed down any more,’ grumbled Rattigan, ‘I’d be going backwards!’
‘Did you stay in this place or something, John?’ asked Yardley. ‘It’s a long way out of London.’
‘Just the one night, I expect,’ said Rattigan cynically.
‘As a matter of fact, it was the afternoon,’ grinned Nash. ‘Yes! Here it comes, on your left.’
‘And here’s my car,’ said Felix, with some relief.
‘And Noble’s beside it, neatly parked.’
‘What does that tell us, I wonder?’
The Maiden Inn proved to be an attractive, two-storey building encased in Virginia creeper, its leaves presently a bright, autumn red. The size of the car park suggested a healthy level of business, or the anticipation thereof. Fortunately it was a quiet time of day. A little knot of patrons and staff stood around the front door. They looked expectantly at the approaching policemen.
‘A stout, affable-looking man who could only be the landlord stepped forward. ‘Jim Hartridge,’ he said, shaking hands. ‘Thanks for coming so quick. They’re all in the bedroom, with the door locked.’
Felix introduced himself. ‘I take it you’ve called the local police, but we’re here regarding the same matter by the sound of it. Who are these people? Do you know?’
‘Fellow called Noble and his missus booked a room here, had lunch in the restaurant then went on up. My manager says they’ve eaten here once or twice before. I don’t reckon she is his missus, mind, you can usually tell, but I don’t normally question it as long as they behave themselves. They hadn’t been up there long when the row started. You could hear it in the bar. Finally she came down and asked to use the telephone and waited until this middle-aged fellow turned up. Her father by the sound of it. He was all for taking her home but she made him go upstairs with her and there was a lot more argy-bargy and a gunshot, just the one, with a bit of screaming and shouting. It was then I called the police.’
‘Are all three of them alive and talking?’
‘Y
es, they are. I don’t think anyone was hurt. Can’t have been badly anyway.’
‘Can you hear what they’re saying?’
‘Not really. I did have a bit of an earwig but I couldn’t make a lot of it. I wasn’t keen to hang around up there, to be honest.’
‘Room number?’
‘Six.’
‘Front or back of the house?’
‘It faces the back, the beer garden. There’s a sloping roof, over the kitchen.’
‘All right, I must ask you not to let anyone upstairs until this is dealt with. The usual please, chaps. Nash, the window, Yardley, watch and pray. Come on, Teddy.’
‘What did he mean, “watch and pray?” said the landlord.
‘Just the boss’s little joke,’ said Yardley. ‘Someone has to wait down here in case one of them makes a break for it.’
A uniformed police constable appeared. ‘What’s going on here? Someone telephoned.’
‘Scotland Yard,’ said Yardley, showing his card. ‘Best keep your head down or you might get a hole in your helmet.’
‘Blimey!’
Felix rapped on the door of number six, standing well to one side. ‘This is Chief Inspector Felix. Kindly let me in.’ For a moment there was silence, then a muted clamour of voices — Noble’s accusatory, Emily’s pleading and Armitage’s remarkably calm.
‘Mr Noble, Mr Armitage,’ called Felix, ‘I must insist you open this door!’
There was a sudden scuffle, a female cry of ‘No, stop it! Stop it, do you hear?’ and another shot.
Throwing his bulk against the heavy door Rattigan was all but precipitated into the room. They found the Headmaster, much dishevelled, staring at the pistol in his hand as if he’d never seen one before and Emily weeping over the prostrated Noble crying ‘Arthur! Arthur! Oh God! Someone help him!’
Felix leapt to the top of the stairs. ‘Yardley, doctor and ambulance, urgent!’
Rattigan firmly took charge of the gun. ‘Dr Albert Armitage, I’m arresting you for wounding with intent and for the murder of Franklin Willoughby. You don’t have to say anything but anything you do say —’
An Education in Death (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 9) Page 10
