The man’s color had faded noticeably. Was it possible that he had a wound on his leg?
“I repeat that I must insist that you tell me everything you know about the murder of Ellie Sutton!” Abberline repeated.
There was no need to look down, as I detected the faint aroma that accompanied the hound, now standing at my side. I rested my hand on his head.
“Our case is confidential,” I repeated. “Sir Avery would have to approve any information that I divulge.”
The possibility of apoplexy was most fascinating as Abberline’s face flushed with color. A vein stood out on his forehead and threatened to pop, and his cheek twitched repeatedly.
“You are reminded, Miss Forsythe…!”
This, said with raised hand, immediately brought another snarl from the hound and cut off the rest of Abberline’s words.
“You must forgive Rupert,” my aunt interjected. “He is most protective of my niece. It is in the blood you know. These animals have been protecting royalty since the Middle Ages.”
She was off on another tale of her own and most serious. “The breed is quite ancient, you know, used for...hunting by my ancestors. Rupert won the award asbest houndat Crufts the past year, over the hound presented by the Prince of Wales. His Highness is quite the admirer.”
Abberline’s face drained several shades. “I see. And your memory seems quite lacking, Miss Forsythe. A malady that it is hoped will soon pass.”
His meaning was clear. It was also quite clear that my aunt had managed to bring the questioning to an end.
“There is more that I will learn in this matter, I assure you,” he then said in parting. “And to make certain that your household is well protected,” he added, turning to my aunt. “Iwill see that my men are positioned at the gate if anyone should attempt to enter.”
“So good of you,” Aunt Antonia replied as she rose from her chair and tapped her staff with authority.
“Mr. Munro will show you out. Good evening, Mr. Abberline.”
The Chief Inspector turned to Mr. Hughes and nodded. They both passed by in the company of Munro on their way to the front entrance. Mr. Hughes walked a wide path around the hound.
I let out the breath I had been holding as Munro returned.
“Good job, Mr. Munro,” my aunt announced. “For a moment I was afraid that you might send the man out in another manner.”
Munro and I exchanged a look. I knew quite well he could have done precisely that.
“Crufts dog show?” I commented of the tale she had told Abberline.
“I’m certain that he would do quite well,” my aunt replied. “You must consider it for next year.”
I looked down at Rupert and wondered if there were points deducted for the aroma of the dog. He would most certainly take first prize for skill in protection.
“With that, I am retiring for the night,” she announced. “Please have the servants put out the lights, and do be careful, my dear.”
“The beast doesna care for the Chief Inspector,” Munro commented.
“He is not the only one,” I replied, stroking the hound’s ears.
“The man will not be satisfied until he has Brodie in prison,” Munro added when my aunt had gone, tap, tapping her way to the lift with her staff.
“He must be warned about Abberline’s visit,” I replied.
“I’ll see to it.”
“You know where he is?” I asked. The answer came as he opened the front of his coat and took out the revolver I was certain I had seen there.
“I need to know what he’s learned about the murder. I’m going with you,” I replied.
“Yer going to warn Mr. Brodie?”
