I did not say it as I have no difficulty knowing what is more important.
Over the next several hours, Brodie went over what we had learned by that return visit to Aldgate and with the translationof that Coptic text. For his part, Sir Avery sat and listened. I thought of old dogs and new tricks.
“What do you propose to do now?” Sir Avery asked, which included us both, at the conclusion of our meeting.
“There was a substance at the doctor’s surgery in Aldgate” Brodie explained. “I know someone who may be able to tell us what that is. It could be important.”
“And it is imperative that we determine what is to happen on the eighteenth of the month,” I added. “That may very well tell us the reason Soropkin is here.”
Sir Avery nodded. “If what you have presented here is true, then how do we find Soropkin once we have determined what is to happen on the eighteenth?”
That was very definitely the difficult part, I thought. If, in fact, Soropkin had his features changed by some surgical process performed by Dr. Bennett, he could be almost anywhere, and no one would know of it.
“We have three days,” Brodie reminded him.
“This might be of some help,” Sir Avery opened a file and pulled out a photograph. “Or perhaps not, if he has changed his appearance. We received this yesterday from Munich by courier.” He handed the photograph to Brodie.
“It’s not the best photograph and it was taken some time ago at the time of the Munich bombing that Soropkin claimed responsibility for. It was taken by one of those amateur photographers who happened to be at the rail station just before the explosion.
“According to our sources, the man under the clock in the jacket with the collar turned up and cap, is Soropkin. We have been unable to find any other photographs. It’s as if the man is a ghost.”
Brodie handed it to me and tucked it into my bag.
“You’re quite confident considering we’re trying to find aghost,” I commented as we left the Tower.
I wanted to share that confidence, however, the task seemed most daunting.
“Perhaps some assistance from Templeton,” he suggested as we reached High Street and found a cab where we parted.
He was off to see Mr. Brimley regarding that substance found at the doctor’s office in Aldgate, while I was off to Mayfair to go back over everything we had learned so far.
There had to be something we were missing.
“It was good to see Mr. Brodie,” Mrs. Ryan commented when I returned to the townhouse. “It’s good to have a man to cook for,” she added.
I could have sworn there was a muttered, “About time,” in there somewhere.
“What was that, Mrs. Ryan?”
“I said there is mail, along with several of the dailies on your desk. And a note that was delivered after you and Mr. Brodie left.”
I investigated the mail first for any bills or other notices that needed payment, then found the envelope with that private note.
It was from Sir James. I opened the envelope and read the note inside.
There was no opportunity to speak at length the other evening.
Though it is somewhat short of notice, if you are not otherwise
engaged, perhaps you might join me for tea this afternoon,
or coffee that I remember you favored.
I am presently staying at the Grosvenor. No need to send round
a response.
If you cannot attend, I understand.
