“Well ye might trust Mr. Hughson, sir, however, we cannot ignore the possibility at this time. Ye have requested that we find those responsible for yer daughter’s murder. Until we have questioned the man, I must consider that he could have some knowledge of the matter.”
Sir William reluctantly agreed.
As we were about to leave, their butler announced that a note had been received while they were away.
Sir William opened it. He looked up with a frown.
“And then there was one?What the devil is that supposed to mean?”
I exchanged a look with Brodie.
Sir William and Lady Strachan had not been made aware of that chilling note received by the other families. Brodie said nothing, and I realized that it served no purpose to discuss the other murders.
“May I have the note, Sir William?”
I tucked the note into my bag.
That first murder had now become three, and the promise of more?
I told Brodie what Lady Strachan had told me.
“There was a young woman missing from the photograph. There could be two more young women in danger. Mr. Hughson might possibly have information regarding that,” I speculated.
Brodie nodded. “I found something it appears Mr. Abberline missed with his initial investigation into Miss Eleanor Strachan’s murder. There were traces of white crystals on the sidewalk where she was found.
“Residue from ether?”
“Perhaps.”
“Then that would mean that she was drugged when she first encountered the murderer.”
“Aye…”
* * *
We made the sad ride to the police morgue with handwritten instructions that we were to be given every courtesy in the matter of viewing the body of Miss Eleanor Strachan as Sir William Strachan’s personal representatives. This was not to be questioned for any reason as there would be far-reaching consequences.
Abberline would have a fit and fall in the middle of it, I thought. Better that, I supposed, than being tied to a sack of rocks.
“A sack of rocks?” Brodie commented.
I had not realized that I had spoken aloud. I did need to be more careful with my thoughts.
I refused to think of it as a murderous thought considering how many instances Abberline had been far more concerned about his own future prospects rather than the criminals we had pursued on behalf of our clients.
“He is the most arrogant man I have ever met, and quite short.”
“What might his height have to do with it?”
“My aunt insists that it has everything to do with it. I have chosen not to ask for specifics in that regard, although she has assured me that she has proven it to be true.”
“A scientific observation on her part, no doubt,” Brodie replied.
I angled a look over at him in the coach.
“She did say that she once conducted an experiment regarding that sort of thing. When she was much younger of course.”
“I’m afraid to ask the details of her observations,” he commented.
