Mallory’s manner was dangerously gentle. ‘I wonder if we could have a few words with you, sir?’

Faulkner stood to one side, ushering them into the studio with a mock bow. ‘Be my guest, Superintendent.’

He closed the door and as he turned to face them, Mallory said in a calm, matter-of-fact voice, ‘We’re making enquiries concerning a Miss Packard, Mr Faulkner. I understand you might be able to help us?’

Faulkner lit a cigarette and shrugged. ‘To the best of my knowledge I’ve never even heard of her.’

‘But she was with you earlier this evening at Joanna Hartmann’s party,’ Miller put in.

‘Oh, you mean Grace?’ Faulkner nodded. ‘I’m with you now. So the viper’s discovered it can sting, has it? Has he made a formal complaint?’

‘I’m afraid I don’t understand you, sir,’ Mallory said. ‘Grace Packard is dead. Her body was found in an alley called Dob Court not far from here less than an hour ago. Her neck was broken.’

There was a short silence during which both policemen watched Faulkner closely, waiting for some reaction. He seemed genuinely bewildered and put a hand to his forehead. ‘Either of you feel like a drink?’

Mallory shook his head. ‘No thank you, sir.’

‘Well, I do.’ He moved to the fire and tossed his cigarette into the flames. ‘You say she was found about an hour ago?’

‘That’s right.’ Faulkner glanced up at the clock. It was just coming on to eleven thirty-five and Mallory said, ‘What time did she leave here?’

Faulkner turned slowly. ‘Who said she was here at all?’ He looked at Miller with a frown. ‘Have you been bothering Joanna?’

Miller shook his head. ‘When I telephoned, the party was still going strong from the sound of things. I spoke to the maid. She told me that you and the girl had left together.’

‘All right – she was here, but for no more than ten minutes. I left at half-ten.’

‘Which would indicate that she was murdered almost immediately,’ Mallory said.

‘Is this another of those Rainlover things?’

‘We can’t be sure yet. Let’s say it falls into a familiar pattern.’

‘Two in two days.’ Faulkner was by now quite obviously over the initial shock. ‘He’s getting out of hand.’

Miller watched his every move, slightly puzzled. The man actually seemed to be enjoying the whole sorry business. He wondered what Faulkner had in his veins instead of blood and the big man said, ‘I hope you won’t mind me asking, but am I first on the list?’

‘This is an informal interview, sir, solely to help us in our enquiries,’ Mallory told him. ‘Of course you’re perfectly entitled to have your solicitor present.’

‘Wouldn’t dream of dragging him away from the party,’ Faulkner said. ‘He deserves it. You just fire away. I’ll do anything I can to help.’