Death on a Dark Sea (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 2)

by R. A. Bentley

  'You think they were contrived? They seemed pretty genuine to me.'

  'Oh come on, she's a woman! They could perfectly well have been both. And given your reaction, you old softy, she probably thinks she did the right thing.'

  'Do you think she knows what Maurice was up to?'

  'Yes, I do. Or what he chose to tell her. She couldn't bring herself to lie about it so she turned on the waterworks. As for the rest, I think she was very careful only to tell us what she wanted us to know. The very thing that makes her so charming is what makes her useless as a witness. Her first instinct is to protect those she cares about. 'Let's have Escobar, up here. At least he's not likely to cry.'

  But to himself he thought: I deliberately provoked that. For God's sake, why?

  Felix stood up to shake hands. 'Thank you so much for coming to see me, Colonel. I haven't previously spoken to you, so may I ask if you can understand my English?'

  Colonel Escobar took the proffered chair, crossing his legs and hooking his left arm over the back of it. He was a small man, seemingly confident but quite lacking in military bearing. 'I understand you perfectly, Inspector. How may I help you?'

  'We are trying, of course, to build a picture of the events of yesterday. Perhaps you will kindly give an account of your own part in them from when you arrived at Cowes Quay, and also provide any information or observations you think might be helpful to us. Sergeant Rattigan will make notes on what you have to say and if you think they're a fair account, we'll ask you to sign them.' He proffered his cigarette case. 'Please smoke if you wish.'

  'Escobar accepted a cigarette and a light. 'The quay? Let me see. I arrived early and was a little unsure if I was in the right place. Then the boatman approached me from some distance with his list. I daresay I cut a rather distinctive figure. The young man with the red hair, of whom you have no doubt heard, was already waiting and we were quickly joined by Mr and Mrs Bainbridge. There was a mild altercation between the young man and the boatman, who refused to take him. Eventually we set off without him. There were other passengers, and after some minutes of setting down and picking up we arrived at the yacht Musket, where we embarked Mr Baker and his family.'

  'Did you know Mr Baker before yesterday?'

  'Yes.'

  'Professionally?'

  'Yes. I have previously attempted, without success, to buy arms from him.'

  'For the rebel army?'

  Escobar smiled. 'We prefer the Cristeros, but yes.'

  Felix smiled back. 'My apologies, Colonel. Perhaps I should say now that we're not concerned with politics, unless they seem relevant to this case. Did Mr Baker speak to you very much?'

  'Beyond the usual exchange of greetings, we have not conversed.'

  'Except briefly at dinner?'

  'Ah yes. Excepting that.'

  'What happened when you arrived?'

  'We were greeted by Señor and Señora Pérez and conducted to the saloon, where I was introduced to Mr and Mrs Harrison. The ladies departed and the Señor spent some time with me while Mr Harrison was in conversation with Mr Baker. Mr Harrison then joined us. The three of us conversed until dinner was announced.'

  'Amicably?'

  'Certainly on my part. Mr Harrison said little.'

  'Had you met Pérez previously?'

  'No. We had only corresponded.'

  'You had arranged to buy arms from him?'

  'I had requested to do so. I had no idea if he would agree to it.'

  'Did you come to Europe specifically to see him?'

  'By no means. I have been here for some weeks.'

  'On the same business?'

  'Yes, but with scant success, until now.'

  'Do you believe the contract still holds?'

  Escobar smiled ruefully and blew a small smoke ring. 'I have no knowledge of contract law and I do not think Mr Harrison is the person to ask about it. One can but hope.'

  'Did you know that the shipment of arms offered to you had already been promised to Mr Baker?'

  'Not initially.'

  'Would it have made any difference, had you known?'

  'No.'

  'Why do you think Mr Baker attacked you at dinner?'

  'I think to describe it as an attack is a bit strong. I was filled with nervous anticipation and probably overreacted to his unpleasant jibe. No doubt he was concerned I might take what he considered to be his shipment from him. That was understandable.'

  'Miss Harrison said he was staring at you.'

  The colonel smiled. 'I rather think it was the lovely señorita who commanded his attention, not I.'

  'What happened after that?'

  'Nothing involving me. There was an angry exchange between Señor Pérez and, I believe, his stepson regarding the red-headed young man. It rather effectively broke up the party.'

  'Tell me about the business meeting.'

  'There is little to tell. After dinner, Baker and Harrison repaired with Pérez to his study. I accompanied them below but was requested to wait a few minutes before joining them. In the event it was half an hour or more before I was called in. I was not there for very long. I had discussed my request with Pérez upon first meeting him and it now became clear he had made up his mind; indeed, I believe he had probably done so before I arrived. He simply announced that the contract was mine under the terms we had already discussed. He then removed a document from a drawer, made a few alterations by hand and asked me to read and sign it, which I did.'

  'What was the reaction of the others to this?'

  'Disapproval, and on Mr Harrison's part, vexation. While I was studying the document, I was aware of him perusing the carbon copy. He asked to see Pérez in private but was refused. As soon as I had signed, Pérez passed me my own copy, shook my hand, led me to the door and all but propelled me through it. It was most disconcerting, but naturally I had no complaint to make.'

  'What did Mr Baker say to all this?'

  'He may have said something. I don't recall it.'

  'What did you do then?'

  'I returned to the saloon, made desultory conversation and then decided to take a turn around the deck. It had happened so quickly and in such a strange manner that I could scarcely believe it and wanted to think it over. It disturbed me that Mr Harrison appeared so hostile to his employer's decision, but I consoled myself that I had the contract in my pocket and there was little he could do about it.'

  'Were you able to hear what was said in the study after you had gone on deck?'

  'I was aware of their voices. Naturally I did not listen.'

  'No, of course. Did you see Captain Simmons, while on deck?'

  'Yes. He came out of his cabin. The wheelhouse, would it be? No, the wheel and binnacle are behind it.'

  'I believe you mean the chartroom, Colonel.'

  'Thank you. I know little of sailing vessels, I'm afraid. We exchanged a few words and then he went back inside. I made my way to the stern of the ship and shortly afterwards Mr Harrison accosted me there. He remained much annoyed. He told me that the arms had been promised to Mr Baker, that morally they were his, and that he wished me to reconsider my purchase. I told him in no uncertain terms that I would not do so, and had no wish to discuss it. Eventually he went away.'

  'Do you know where he went?'

  The Colonel shook his head. 'No, Inspector, I do not. It was, of course, dark by then. A few minutes later I heard the Señora cry for help.'

  'You didn't see her come on deck?'

  'No.'

  'Did you see Mr Baker's nephew and niece?'

  'No. I saw no-one. I didn't move from the stern of the ship.'

  'How long would you say it was, between Mr Harrison leaving you and the Señora's cries?'

  The Colonel looked doubtful. 'That is hard to say. Perhaps five minutes?'

  'Could it have been longer — as much as ten minutes?'

  'I suppose it might have been.'

  'What were you doing during that time?

  'Smoking and
collecting my thoughts. Immediately I heard the Señora scream I hastened to her, discovering that it was Pérez in the water. He was not in evidence, but the man Olofsson was diving for him. I removed my clothes and joined him. I am a strong swimmer.'

  'Did you find him?'

  'I believe I did touch him, but then Olofsson had hold of him. There was little I could do to help but I remained there until I was sure they'd secured him and then climbed out.'

  'By the aft boarding ladder?'

  'Yes. I missed my footing and nearly fell.'

  'Is that how you damaged your nose?'

  Escobar delicately put a hand to it. 'Yes it is.'

  'Did you realise Pérez was dead?'

  'Yes. I remained long enough to discover it, then went away to dry myself.'

  Felix nodded. 'Now this is important, although perhaps impossible to answer. You were the closest. Do you believe that having found him, Olofsson brought Pérez to the tender with all possible dispatch?'

  'Did he attempt to drown him or let him drown? I don't know. If I had to guess, I'd say not.'

  'Thank you Colonel, you've been very helpful. I think that will be all for now.'

  Standing up, Escobar looked reflectively at Felix. 'Inspector, you may perhaps wonder that I seem unmoved by this tragedy, but I have seen much death and I scarcely knew Señor Pérez. My country is at war, and all my concern is for my mission. If, however, I have yet secured these arms, he will have performed for Mexico a great service. He will not be forgotten.'

  '"All pity choked with the custom of fell deeds." Is that it?'

  Escobar smiled. 'I see you know your Bard, Inspector.'

  They watched the Colonel make his way aft, presumably to his preferred station at the taffrail.

  'Speaks better English than me,' said Rattigan. 'Learned it here, do you think? I couldn't detect an American accent.'

  'Felix nodded. 'Oxbridge, I should imagine. Seems what he purports to be: an ex academic driven by revolutionary fervour.'

  'No alibi, of course, unless someone saw him at the taffrail; although having secured his confounded contract I suppose he had every reason to keep Pérez alive.'

  'On the face of it, yes. Or did he want to ensure there could be no change of mind? He might know more about contract law than he's making out. Certainly more than me. Touch of the ruthless, would you say? One could imagine an efficient and calculated assassination — para la revolución! Baker now, I think.'

  'I'm afraid I have no knowledge of British police procedure,' drawled Luther. 'You'll have to tell me if I'm getting it wrong.'

  'I'm not much wiser about yours, sir,' said Felix, who felt such ignorance unlikely. 'Would it be like your Keystone Cops at all?'

  Luther barked with laughter. 'I wouldn't call them typical, Inspector. I presume you want to know about my movements yesterday?'

  'If you would be so kind. Perhaps from the time you were collected from your yacht? I believe Colonel Escobar and the Bainbridges were already aboard the harbour launch. Did you know either of them beforehand?'

  'Yes, both. Bainbridge I've met a time or two. Escobar has attempted to buy from me in the past.'

  'Does that imply you refused him?'

  'It does. I'd have dealt with him happily enough, but I don't give credit. Leastways, not to a bunch of tinpot revolutionaries.'

  'Isn't there a possibility they may become the government?'

  'I think that unlikely, and I still wouldn't give credit.'

  'What do you know about Escobar?'

  'He's one of their leaders. I'm told he's greatly feared, though you mightn't think it to look at him.'

  'Why is he feared?'

  'Oh, you know, the usual — abduction, torture, summary execution. Unexceptional folk can sometimes become monsters in war. I guess he's one of them.'

  'You don't mind dealing with such people?'

  'Comes with the territory, Inspector.'

  'Did you have any intimation that Pérez might sell your promised consignment to the Colonel?'

  'Not until Humphrey warned me about it.'

  'You and Mr Harrison are old friends, I believe?'

  'Yes, we share a love of sailing.'

  'And with Señor Pérez?'

  Luther wagged his head a little. 'Not so much with Luis. He was a difficult man socially, you know; although he'd always been straight with me business-wise, until this sad affair.'

  'What happened when you arrived?'

  'Drinks in the saloon. Humphrey was keen to set me straight on Escobar and then I spent a while talking with Connie Harrison, of whom I'm an abject admirer. You're aware I have my great-niece and nephew with me? I introduced them to her.'

  'And at the meal. Did you have much to say to Pérez or Escobar?'

  'Almost nothing to Luis. No doubt he was embarrassed to speak to me.'

  'And Escobar?'

  'Not a great deal.'

  'No? I understood there was a rather heated exchange of views.'

  'You know about that? My fault, I'm afraid. I needled him and got a metaphorical black eye. Serves me right. It doesn't do to fall out with the Escobars of this world. After that I kept pretty quiet.'

  'And at the meeting?'

  'The same. There was nothing to say anyway. Once Luis had made a decision there was no shifting him. Humphrey, however, was pretty annoyed. I think it hit his pride. I told him to let it drop, but he'd kinda got the bit between his teeth.'

  'Where were you, when the Señora called for help?'

  'In the head. I spend a lot of time in there these days. When I got on deck they were diving for Luis.'

  'Did anyone see you go up?'

  'The Bainbridges were there, and Alice's friend Ruby. Ruby must have, I think. Not sure about the other two; they were facing away.'

  'You didn't say anything to them?'

  'No, I don't think so.'

  Felix gazed at him speculatively. He was hard to dislike, he thought, and yet, and yet. 'I'd like to get this straight in my mind, Mr Baker. You, Harrison and Pérez went to the study immediately after the party?'

  'Yes. Escobar made to come with us, but Luis asked if he wouldn't mind waiting outside for a while. He then apologised to me and said he'd decided to sell the Houston shipment to him. Said he hoped I'd understand and that Escobar's need was greater than mine. Humphrey lodged his protest and was overruled. Then Pérez called Escobar in, had him sign the contract, and rather peremptorily showed him the door. I suppose he wanted to forestall any further objections. Soon after that he got up and left the room. That's the last I saw of him.'

  'How did he seem? Angry, relaxed?'

  Luther smiled and shook his head. 'Have you seen Buster Keaton, Inspector — The Great Stone Face? Compared with Luis, he's positively demonstrative; you never really knew where you were with him unless he told you.'

  'What happened after that?'

  'Humphrey blustered a little and then went out too. I stayed behind awhile, expecting him to come back, but he didn't. Eventually I went to the head. That's when I heard Julia call out.'

  'Weren't you worried about Mr Harrison, confronting Escobar alone?'

  'I might have been, had I known about it. I assumed it was Luis he was after. He only told me about Escobar later.'

  'How long were you were in the study by yourself?'

  'Not sure — fifteen, twenty minutes?'

  'So, you left the head, presumably in some haste, and went on deck. When you passed through the saloon, you felt it likely that Ruby saw you, but less likely that the Bainbridges did. Is that a reasonable summary?'

  Luther nodded. 'bout the size of it. Yes.'

  'What did you do then?'

  'I went to the rail. Bob and Alice were helping Simmons lower the boat. He and Humphrey were already in it. I took over from Alice. Olofsson was diving for Luis, whom I didn't immediately see.'

  'Did you see Escobar?'

  'Oh yes, I forgot. He was in the water too.'

  'Did you speak to an
yone?'

  'I don't recall. Several folk probably. Yes, I asked Connie Harrison if Luis could swim, which he apparently could. Simmons called up for his torch so I went into the chartroom for it – I had some difficulty in finding it – and handed it down. That's when we knew he was dead. I helped swing the tender in and haul him to the deckhouse.'

  Felix glanced at Rattigan, who was still scribbling furiously. 'I think that'll do for now, Mr Baker. Thank you. I'll need to see your family at some point, and also Ruby. What is her surname? Do you know?'

  'Cotton. She's domiciled in London currently, I believe.' He paused at the door. 'Inspector, there was no point in my downplaying Humphrey's annoyance – half the ship could hear him – but I'd stake my life he never killed Luis, always assuming he had the opportunity. I know better than most what a killer looks like, and he ain't one.'

  Rattigan gazed thoughtfully at his notes. 'Very eager to defend each other, aren't they?'

  'And their accounts vary remarkably little, except in detail.'

  'Collusion, do you suppose? They had several hours to get their story right.'

  'Yes, that's been worrying me a little. Not all of them, presumably. Then again, why not? I keep coming back to the difficulty of one man doing this particular fell deed unaided.'

  'One thing's certain; he's largely unmourned.'

  'Yes. In fact, I'd stick my neck out and include the Señora in that, once she's over the horror of it all.'

  'She sounded almost afraid of him, didn't she? And then there are the dabs, assuming we're interpreting them correctly.'

  'Poor woman, married to that fellow! One can almost forgive her the occasional fling in the sail locker. I must say, I should love to know with whom. Surely not Humphrey?'

  'Ah, there we'll have to differ, sir. I'm afraid I can't approve of that sort of shenanigans. Marriage is for better or worse in my book.'

  'You're an example to us all, Teddy. Let's see what you make of young Maurice.'

  Maurice LeFevre proved indeed to be the slight and boyish-looking young man whom Felix had noticed earlier. He had clear, olive skin, startled eyes, and a petulant little mouth. His very black hair was oiled as if polished and fashionably swept back. He was wearing a black and white striped suit, black shirt, white tie and black and white shoes; his rather free interpretation, Felix supposed, of mourning. He sat bolt upright with his hat on his knees and his small hands gripping the brim. There was a hint of a French accent.