Norman walked around to his own chair, sat down, and considered Rutledge. “I’ve told you. Attempted murder. Very likely murder—it’s going to be touch and go on that. Dr. Gooding holds out little hope. When we put in a call to London with word of what had happened, Chief Superintendent Bowles ordered us to bring you in. He himself spoke to the Chief Constable in Kent, where you were said to be staying. And the Kent police went looking for you. Now London is sending someone down. Hubbard, I think the name was.”

“And who is it I’m said to have attempted to kill?”

Inspector Norman said, “Where were you these past two nights?”

“I was staying with a friend in Kent. Mrs. Crawford.” He gave directions for finding her house, and then said again, “Who is it I’m said to have attempted to kill?”

Norman finished his notes and set them aside. “Inspector Mickelson was struck on the head night before last. And as we have one Carl Hopkins in custody for the other murders, we couldn’t look in that direction. The finger of guilt seems to be pointing directly at you. I was told there was bad blood between the two of you.”

Rutledge stared at him, stunned.

“Why should I wish to kill Inspector Mickelson?” he asked finally.

“I understand he was being considered for a promotion that you wanted.”

Rutledge stopped himself from swearing. “That’s hardly a reason to commit murder. It defeats the purpose, in fact.”

“I told you. When I spoke to London, Chief Superintendent Bowles informed me that you and Inspector Mickelson had had trouble before this. He also said you’d agreed to a short leave after disciplinary action, and walked out of the Yard in something of a temper, telling Sergeant Mitchell to look for you in Kent if he needed to find you. That’s to say, practically on our doorstep. And then you dropped out of sight. This wasn’t a garroting, mind you. The case is very strong, Rutledge.”

It was indeed. “When was he attacked? Where?”

“I can’t discuss the murder with you. Those are the instructions I received from Scotland Yard.”

“This is nonsense and you know it. Let me drive to London. I’ll speak to Chief Superintendent Bowles myself and clear it up.” He was angry enough to face the man down.

“You know I’d be in trouble if I allowed you to leave.” Norman sat there, studying Rutledge.

The two of them had had their own disagreements.

Was he gloating? Rutledge couldn’t tell. Did he agree with the Yard? It was impossible to be sure.

He said after a moment, “What were your views on the arrest of Carl Hopkins? Did you find the garrote when you searched his residence?”

It was Inspector Norman’s turn to be caught off guard.