This was added with a look over at myself.
“There is another matter,” Brodie added.
I did notice that the accent from his youth on the streets of Edinburgh seemed to thicken when he was angered over something. Not that it had ever been directed at me. Ha!
“If we are to consider yer request,” he continued. “It would be with yer word that we are to have full authority and control of the case with no interference.”
“If I do not agree?” Prince Albert challenged.
“Then we will bid ye good day, sir.”
The atmosphere in the room was so thick one could have cut it with a knife.
“I am reminded that the Scots can be particularly stubborn.”
I would have laughed if the situation wasn’t so serious.
“I make no apologies, sir,” Brodie told him. He stood to leave.
“Very well,” HRH replied somewhat sharply. “You have full control of the investigation into the matter, but I would ask for discretion at all times.”
Brodie nodded. It was obvious he had hoped his demand would be the end of the matter. And now…
“We will need to meet with Lord Salisbery for details of that evening.”
Prince Albert nodded. “I will inform him.” He turned to me.
“I believe you are acquainted with him?”
Only socially and briefly at that. Yet, I nodded. There was someone who might be able to assist with that—my great aunt.
“Who else knows about this note,” Brodie pointed to the envelope that he had set aside on the table.
“Only Lord Salisbery, my secretary Sir Knollys, and myself. Sir Knollys received it at Marlborough House with a note from Lord Salisbery. He opens all my personal correspondence.”
“What of the driver from that night? Has he been questioned?”
“Lord Salisbery has not received word of that from the Metropolitan Police.”
“Is Lord Salisbery presently in London?”
“He is. This matter is most important to him.”
“Then I would suggest ye send word to him that we need to meet in order to make our usual inquiries, and we will require the full cooperation of the MET.”
“Then we are agreed in the matter?” HRH inquired.
“We will make our usual inquiries as soon as we have met with Lord Salisbery. The sooner the better, of course.”
“We are hosting a party, Wednesday this week, a birthday celebration. It would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet with Lord Salisbery.” HRH looked at me then.
“I will see that you receive invitations.”
I could almost hear Brodie groan. He attended formal celebrations under duress.
That was in two days’ time. It would provide time for me to make inquiries with the stationer I used regarding the note found on young Lord Salisbery.
It would also provide Brodie with time to learn what the police knew about the case through those he had worked with in the past.
