‘We’ve found stains in the junk-room that looked like it. Where is it kept?’

‘In a bottle on the top shelf. It’s marked with a red cross.’

‘We couldn’t find it.’

‘It was filled up on Friday, and put on the top shelf. Must be there.’

‘I see. Right. Now I just want to check everybody’s movements from lunch-time on Friday. In your case it will be a simple matter. I believe you spent most of your time in London with Miss Troy?’ He opened his notebook and put it on the arm of his chair.

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I see you both went to your club, changed and dined with Sir Arthur and Lady Jaynes at Eaton Square. From there you went to the private view of the Phoenix Group Show, and supped at the Hungaria. That right?’

‘Yes. Quite correct.’

‘You stayed at the club. What time did you get back from the Hungaria on Friday night?’

‘Saturday morning,’ corrected Katti. ‘I left with the Jayneses at about twelve-thirty. They drove me to the club. Troy stayed on with John Bellasca and was swept out with the dust whenever they close.’

‘You met again at breakfast?’

‘Yes. We separated during the morning and met again at the show. I lunched with some people I ran into there—Graham Barnes and his wife— he’s the watercolour bloke. Then Troy and I met at the club and came home. She lunched with John Bellasca.’

‘Yes. That’s all very straightforward. I’ll have to ask Sir Arthur Jaynes or someone to confirm it. The usual game, you know.’

‘That’s all right,’ said Katti. ‘You want to find out whether either of us had time to sneak back here and set a death-trap for that little fool Sonia, don’t you?’

‘That’s the sort of idea,’ agreed Alleyn with a smile. ‘I know Sir Arthur slightly. Would you like me to say you’ve lost a pearl necklace and want to trace it, or—’

‘Good Lord, no. Tell him the facts of the business. Do I look like pearls? And John will fix up Troy’s alibi for her. He’ll probably come down at ninety miles an hour to say he did it himself if you’re not careful.’ Katti chuckled and lit a cigarette.

‘I see,’ said Alleyn. And into his thoughts came the picture of Troy as she had sat before the fire with her cropped head between her long hands. There had been no ring on those hands.

‘When you got back to the club after you left the Hungaria, did anyone see you?’

‘The night porter let me in. I don’t remember anyone else.’

‘Was your room near Miss Troy’s?’

‘Next door.’

‘Did you hear her return?’