The Stratford Murder by Mike Hollow (best thriller novels of all time .TXT) 📗

doesn’t say anything about whether they’re conscripts or not, so he endeavoured, and was very gentle with him. Said he doesn’t take the same line with merchant seamen, because the Police Code doesn’t say that about them.’

‘Yes, but what does he say about Ernie Sullivan?’

‘He said because the bloke was a sailor he didn’t take his name, but judging by where Ted says he found him I reckon it must’ve been him. Ted said he just woke him up with a gentle prod of his truncheon and moved him on.’

‘And what about the cap and the torch?’

‘He said the torch was there, switched off, and the cap was there too, lying on the ground.’

‘Did he make a note of what time he moved him on?’

‘Yes, he doesn’t miss a trick, does Ted – said the time was a quarter to nine.’

‘And what did Tom Gracewell have to say?’

‘Well, I asked him if he’d seen or heard anything on his beat that might suggest Joan was on the game, and he said no, nothing. In fact he didn’t know anything about her, so either she was very good at keeping her affairs private or she was a decent, law-abiding resident. And the fingerprint boys said they had nothing on record for her.’

‘Right. Thank you, Peter.’

‘Oh, and yesterday evening I tracked down the regular ARP warden for Joan’s road, but he said he hadn’t seen anything significant. She’d only moved in about three weeks ago and she often seemed to be out in the evenings, so he’d barely seen her. Nothing suspicious to report, and no indication that there was anything immoral going on in the flat.’

‘Very good. So I expect after all that you’ve worked up a good appetite.’

‘Definitely, sir – especially if it’s your treat.’

‘Yes, well, just make sure you leave something for any other customers Rita may have today, won’t you?’

They arrived at the cafe and were shown to a table by Rita. Jago was pleased to hear that they’d got there before Dorothy, and even more pleased to see her when she came through the door a few minutes later.

‘Morning, dear,’ said Rita, standing back slightly and looking her up and down, as was her habit. ‘Very nice to see you.’

‘Thanks, Rita,’ said Dorothy. ‘And how are you? Everything’s going OK with the cafe?’

‘All tickety-boo, thank you. It’s a bit tricky getting the supplies in, what with the war, but mustn’t grumble.’

‘And how’s your daughter? Emily, isn’t it?’

‘She’s fine. She told me she’d had a lovely time at the pictures Sunday night with young Mr Cradock here. They went to the Regal, but I don’t know what they saw. Anyway, is it eggs and bacon for everyone?’

‘I think so, yes,’ said Jago.

‘Righto. Back in two shakes,’ said Rita, and set off for the kitchen.

Jago turned to Cradock and raised an enquiring eyebrow.

‘How strange. You didn’t tell me that, Peter, did you? We spent all that time at the Regal on Monday morning talking about the money stolen from their safe, and you didn’t even mention that you’d been there the previous evening.’

‘Er, well, it was rather a private matter, wasn’t it?’ Cradock replied. ‘Me being there with Emily, I mean. I, er, well, I didn’t really want to bring it up. I suppose I was a bit embarrassed, really.’

‘There’s no need for you to feel embarrassed,’ said Dorothy. ‘You’re among friends here, and I for one would like to know how you got on.’

‘All right. But you won’t tell Rita anything I say, will you?’

‘Of course not. Now, was this the second time you’ve taken Emily to the movies?’

‘Yes.’

‘And did you take my advice? You didn’t do anything to scare her?’

‘Yes, I did – I mean no, I didn’t. It was a bit scary for me, actually. She did that thing you talked about – you know, she looked me in the eye when I was talking to her, she smiled at me, nodded her head and leant towards me a bit, just like you said.’

As Jago heard Cradock’s words, he had a disturbing recollection of being in the churchyard at All Saints’ Church, sitting side by side with Dorothy in the fading light of evening, and of the particular way in which she had spoken to him. He glanced up, hoping she hadn’t noticed the look of surprise that he was sure must have crossed his face. Her expression betrayed nothing, but for some reason she was looking at him while she continued her conversation with Cradock.

‘There,’ she said. ‘Just like I said – that means she likes you.’

‘I’m not so sure,’ said Cradock.

‘So did you hold her hand this time?’

‘No. I still wasn’t sure whether I should. Especially if she does like me.’

Jago pitied the poor boy. He had the feeling that between them, Rita and Emily were weaving a web, and Cradock was the hapless fly. But he suspected too that this fly didn’t mind being caught.

Cradock was spared further embarrassment by the arrival of Rita with their breakfasts. She set down a plate of bacon and eggs and a mug of tea in front of each one of them, wiped an imaginary spot of dust from the tablecloth, and went off to attend to her other customers.

Something in Jago compelled him to turn the conversation towards less personal matters.

‘So, what news is there from the other side of the Atlantic?’ he said as breezily as he could manage.

‘Mostly it’s about the election, as far as I can tell,’ said Dorothy, ‘although maybe that’s because most of the people I hear from over there are journalists.’

‘That’s the presidential election, is it?’

‘That’s right – on November fifth.’

Jago couldn’t help laughing. ‘What a great choice of date! The day Guy Fawkes tried to blow our parliament up with barrels of gunpowder in the cellar.’

‘Yes, well I’m sure ours will be an exciting event, but hopefully not as exciting as that. I’ve heard your own elections here may be postponed, though. You’re supposed to have a general election