Chapter 5 #2
“Yes, but blood coagulates when it ceases flowing, no matter what the weather. I know this from preparing fresh meat, which involves the death of unfortunate creatures.” My pointed look told him to remember this when he sat down to his chop at luncheon.
“By the by,” I added. “How did the police know of the murder? They streamed in very soon after Daniel and I found him.”
“A constable on that beat saw the body on the ground and went to fetch help before he investigated. When he returned with more men, he found McAdam. And saw you.”
“Ah, then he’ll know Mr. Banks was killed before we arrived.”
“Again, it does not rule out McAdam having done it. He might have led you there to be a witness to finding the body.” Scott let out a minute sigh. “When we do pinpoint the time of death, I will wish to speak to you again.”
“Meanwhile, you will hold Daniel in a cell?” I demanded. “Unless you have evidence to point to him, you ought to release him. I came here with the purpose of insisting on exactly that.”
Scott assumed an expression of exaggerated patience.
“McAdam has valuable information. He is being questioned in McGregor’s office, not a cell, and he has proved in the past to be a good observer.
Even if he is innocent, we will want to know all he does.
So, I repeat, please be ready to speak to me if it becomes necessary. ”
“Of course.” I rose, assuming the interview finished. “I am happy to assist.”
Scott unbent stiffly from his seat and guided me to the door. “Take the intervening time to think things through. Do not let McAdam hang because of a misguided attempt to solve the crime yourself.”
I resolved not to succumb to Scott’s attempts to frighten me. “I’m certain if the constables are diligent, they will come up with a description of someone fleeing the scene. Dock laborers are reticent, but even they do not want people rushing about stabbing others in their domain.”
I truly believed this, so my words rang with sincerity. Scott gave me an icy stare, frowned again, and wrenched open the door.
I hurried through into the outer office, and he slammed the door behind me, the draft fluttering the still-damp skirts of my new best frock.
* * *
I had nothing left to do but return to Grace and Joanna. I could not risk searching for Mr. Grimes to discuss things further, nor for James, to see what he knew, if anything. I doubted I’d find either of them even if I did look.
I trudged from Scotland Yard to the Strand and along it and Fleet Street, making my way back toward St. Paul’s.
When I reached that great edifice, I abruptly halted and seated myself on a dry patch on its steps. The domed building loomed over me, solid, beautiful, comforting.
Daniel had eagerly anticipated the meeting with Mr. Banks, and now he’d never know what the man meant to tell him. The thought depressed me.
I’d told Acting Inspector Scott where Mr. Banks lived, though the constables might already have discovered this from going through the man’s pockets. Even now they were likely searching his lodgings, turning over everything the man possessed.
While a search of Mr. Banks’s rooms could corroborate the tale I’d told Acting Inspector Scott, the constables and sergeants might remove any hint of the information Daniel hoped for. It would disappear into the evidence lockup at Scotland Yard, never to be seen again.
Of course, the investigators might not understand the relevance of any papers or notes Mr. Banks might have left, and overlook them, but could we take that chance?
The best way I could help Daniel, if he remained in custody, was to search Mr. Banks’s rooms myself.
Instead of leaping from the steps and hurrying there, I stayed put, thinking things through. Mr. Banks’s lodgings lay in Southwark, and while I was intrepid, I was not such a fool as to hasten south of the river, into an insalubrious neighborhood, on my own. I’d need assistance.
Mr. Grimes would offer the best protection, but I didn’t want to drag him into a situation where he might come to the attention of the police. Also, there was the problem of knowing how to find him.
I could wait for James to turn up in Mount Street to ask me for odd jobs, but that might take days. Besides, he didn’t come around as much anymore, as he was busy making deliveries for Daniel. I couldn’t send for him, because he was as elusive as Mr. Grimes.
Joanna was as adventurous as I was, but she had four children, Grace, and a husband to take care of, plus a move to plan for. Besides which, I’d never take Joanna into potential danger.
I could think of one other person, but I’d have to travel across the city to find her.
I heaved myself to my feet, patted the stone balustrade in thanks for its moment of refuge, and returned to Clover Lane.
Mr. Grimes had been true to his word and explained to Joanna what had happened. He’d vanished quickly again, Joanna told me, though she’d slipped him a tea cake before he could run off.
A mercy he had disappeared right away, because a constable had planted himself at the corner of Clover Lane and Cheapside, keeping an eye on all who went in and out of the cul-de-sac.
“I’d like to finish the afternoon in Portobello Road,” I told Joanna and Grace, once they’d heard my side of the tale and exclaimed their worries about Daniel. “To do some shopping.”
Grace’s eyes lit with excitement. She loved the market. “Will we visit Hannah?”
“What are you up to, Kat?” Joanna asked in sudden suspicion. “What about Mr. McAdam?”
“He is never far from my thoughts, I assure you,” I said. “But I must trust his gift for keeping himself out of trouble. Meanwhile, I have errands to run.”
Joanna did not believe my glib explanation for one moment, but she conceded and called to her maid of all work to fetch Grace’s coat.