Lessons in Solving the Wrong Problem - Charlie Cochrane Page 0,54

place but subsequently discovered that Herron had studied there.”

Orlando let out a low whistle. “Well, well. Circumstantial evidence, of course, and no proof that—even it were Herron’s cufflink—he’d been there at the relevant time, but it would be enough to raise our suspicions. Added to the matter of the extortion it presents a case that would have borne further investigation at the time, had it been possible. Although we appreciate why it would not have been.”

“I have one question, which I hope your conscience will let you answer. The lady of whom you speak was clearly both logical and clever. Her son would have been the same. Did either of them ask themselves why a blackmailer would kill his victim?” Jonty asked. “Wouldn’t that be cutting off his source of income? And why, given that the man who had the accident lived for another couple of days, didn’t he say who had caused his fall?”

Any pretence that this was a fictional tale had clearly been abandoned, yet Fitznagel didn’t appear to be upset at the fact. This conversation must be proving cathartic.

“Excellent questions and ones that…the son discussed with his mother. The second is easier to answer than the first. As the woman believed she couldn’t risk naming the man and thereby raising matters than had to be kept secret, so must the victim himself have felt. If he knew he was dying he would also know that he wouldn’t be able to help the woman should he potentially expose her. It would have been cowardly to make the allegation then leave her to face the subsequent ordeal alone.” Fitznagel steepled his fingers to his chin again. “As to the first, perhaps it wasn’t intentional.”

“Manslaughter, rather than murder?” Orlando asked.

“Yes. The mother could imagine a scene in which Herron had been waiting to confront the man he was blackmailing, perhaps to say he knew where the man was riding home from and demanding more money as a result. Events might then have turned violent. Ultimately, neither she nor her son could reach a conclusion. The son, when he returned to this area, sought out Herron, to discuss the matter with him, but the man had already gone to stand before a higher judge.”

Jonty nodded, then glanced at Orlando, who simply shrugged. There was clearly little else to be gained and they should leave Five Oaks content with what they’d been privileged to be told.

They offered their thanks, made their goodbyes, promised once more not to reveal Fitznagel’s part in the story, then set off for the car.

“What do we tell Lord Henry?” Orlando asked, as he eased himself into the passenger seat. “About his father, I mean.”

“That Herron was suspected of being involved in his death and as little else as we can manage. No mention of extortion or half-brothers, for a start.” Jonty jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “We made a promise of secrecy, like you promised Beatrice, and I don’t want even to contemplate a scenario whereby Lord Henry could be privy to your sleep talking.” He paused, aware of the almost palpable atmosphere of uncertainty. “You don’t agree?”

“I suppose so. It’s the execution that worries me, though.”

“Then we keep it brief and to the point, emphasising the importance of giving someone your word. Your pal Beatrice should see the reasoning behind that and come in on our side should we need support.”

Orlando drummed his fingers on the bodywork. “It offends my sensibilities so, presenting a theory with no supporting evidence. It feels shoddy, like employing the worst sort of academic morality.”

“And the alternative? Not telling him what we think we know and leaving him to wonder about Lord Michael’s death, perhaps still believing Edward was somehow involved? Or thinking his mother might have been losing her senses?” Jonty patted his lover’s arm. “I understand your dilemma, truly I do. This case will leave us with a sense of a job half done, but I’m entirely convinced that we have pinned down the truth behind the spectral sightings and am seventy five percent certain that Herron was both blackmailing Lord Michael and somehow tangled up in his death. Fitznagel surely believes that and he strikes me as nobody’s fool.”

“You’re right. We must present our findings as they are and be adamant that we can go no further. I’ll simply have to cast aside my scruples for a while.”

Jonty patted Orlando’s arm again. “Play this next scene well and I promise we’ll cast aside more than your scruples