“I have been told that her body was to be removed to the police morgue. I would like to see it for any clue that might remain. And I want to visit her room for the same reason.”
“It’s my understanding that the police searched the room last night and have completed their findings,” he replied.
“I understand—however, I have learned that there are often little things that go unnoticed beyond the search for a weapon or something of value that is missing.”
Dory had nothing of value that I was aware of. Every farthing, every penny would have gone for food or rent.
“There might be something that only I would recognize,” I offered for argument.
That curious gaze narrowed. “I understand, Miss Montgomery.”
He was thoughtful once more, then reached for notepaper and pen.
“This will provide you with the ability to do as you’ve requested,” he explained, as he scratched a note across the paper.
“I will also place a telephone call to Inspector Landry explaining it all.”
He signed the note and set the pen aside. He held the note out to me, the embossed image gleaming in the overhead light. Yet he did not immediately release it when I reached for it.
“You will take every precaution in this, Miss Montgomery.” It was not a request. “I am relying on Sir Laughton’s insistence that you are an intelligent young woman. However, you are still a young woman, and there are places where it is not be safe to proceed.
“You are to rely on Inspector Landry’s judgment in this. I do not wish to explain to Sir Laughton or other persons that you have come to some harm.”
It was quite clear whom he meant as ‘other persons’—Lady Antonia Mongomery and Mikaela Forsythe.
“Do I make myself clear, Miss Montgomery?” he added, not unkindly.
I assured him that I understood. He slowly released the note.
“Now what of accommodations while you are here?”
I explained that Inspector Landry had arranged for me to stay with Mrs. Cheney, and that she had assured me that I might remain as long as needed.
Sir Alastair nodded. “Ah, yes. She is a good person whom I know personally. And what of funds that you might need during your stay?”
“I have arranged for funds to be available through the Bank of Scotland.”
He shook his head, though the smile was still here.
“Sir Laughton did say that you were remarkably capable as well as persistent.” He was thoughtful.
“You will let me know what you learn at end of day. I think you will find that the poor woman simply met with misfortune, as so many unfortunately do.”
I thanked him again, then collected my bag and turned to leave.
“If you should need anything while you are in Edinburgh, you have only to let my assistant, Mr. Sinclair, know.”
I was grateful for his assistance as I tucked the note he’d written for Detective Inspector Landry into my bag.
I wasable to find a driver at George Street and asked that he take me to the police station.
It was very near noon according to the clock in the tower at St. Giles Cathedral when I arrived at the station on the High Street.
“Are ye certain this be the place, miss?” the driver inquired with a doubtful expression.
I assured him that it was, paid the fare, then entered the police station where I had been ‘detained’ the previous evening.
There was a different constable minding the front desk. I gave my name and asked to speak with Inspector Landry. I waited in a small office somewhat different than the one I had occupied the previous evening. There were no bars on the window, should I attempt to escape!
