“You were overheard shouting at the victim in his office and challenging him to a duel mere hours before he was found murdered. I believe I have grounds.” Daniel put his hand on the knob of his truncheon at his belt. “If I feel you are lying, or avoiding my questions, I can take custody of you and bring you before a magistrate to answer. Then the matter would be out in open court for all to hear. If you wish the situation to remain private, I suggest you return to your seat and tell us what happened.”

He doubted Carlyle was accustomed to being spoken to in such a manner, especially in his own office. They faced each other across the desk as the clock ticked.

Finally, Carlyle’s shoulders lowered, and he returned to his chair. Daniel did likewise, adjusting his coat and crossing his legs. “Start from the beginning.”

Carlyle glanced at Owen, then turned back to Daniel. “You are certain this will go no further?”

“I make no promises, but if the issue can be concealed, I will do it.”

“Very well. I suppose that is the most I may expect from the police.” He said the word police as if it were coated in vinegar and mud.

“About Montgomery?” Daniel asked.

“It’s no secret I loathed him. His business practices were legal but not honorable. I mentioned he stole my mill manager right at the start. He also took other workers, offering them better wages and housing in Hammersmith than I could afford here. He cut prices to draw away my customers. He had many businesses, but I have just the one. He could afford to take a loss at his mill for a time if it meant driving me out and making a bigger profit in the end. His intention was to force me to sell … to him.”

His knuckles whitened on the blotter. “And if that weren’t enough, he made advances toward my wife.” The accusation was studded with bitterness.

“Advances that were returned?” Daniel asked softly.

Carlyle stared at the ceiling, taking deep breaths. “I’ve no proof, only suspicions. She is lying to me. Never where she says she will be or with whom. I confronted her a few days ago, but she refused to answer. And when I accused Montgomery in his office, he denied it. That’s when I challenged him to the duel.”

“Why challenge him to a duel if he denied the charge?”

“What else was he going to say? And he laughed at me.” His chin came down. “Told me I was a fool. That if my wife was cheating on her vows, it wasn’t with him. The liar.”

“So you shot him.” Not a question.