When the door opened again, he saw whom he believed to be Peter coming back into the room. There was something rather odd about him. It took Hooper a few seconds to realise that he was wearing rather more flamboyant attire now.

He was startled. ‘However did you find time to change?’

‘I didn’t.’

‘Minutes ago, you were wearing something quite different.’

‘That was my brother, Peter,’ explained the other. ‘I’m Paul Skillen. Peter obviously forgot to tell you that we’re identical twins.’

‘It’s … uncanny,’ said Hooper, staring in amazement.

‘You’ll grow accustomed to it.’

‘Do you know who I am?’

‘Peter has just explained and yes, it’s true that I was at the theatre last night. In fact, I was quite close to Sir Roger when he was shot dead. In the general panic, the killer and his accomplice got away.’

Hooper blinked. ‘There were two of them?’

‘I’m certain of it. I’ll tell you exactly what happened, if you wish.’

‘Yes, please!’

‘First, I must assure you that we will do all that’s possible to find out who was responsible for Sir Roger’s death. This was no random attack. Someone hired that assassin. I want to find out why.’

‘I’m so grateful, Mr Skillen – to you and your brother.’

‘It won’t be easy. Be warned about that. To start with, we’ll have constant trouble from the Runners. They can be very possessive.’

‘I found that out.’

‘Also, we have a more fearsome enemy to worry about.’

‘Oh – who is that?’

‘The Prince Regent. He’s given specific orders that I’m not to be involved in an investigation into the murder.’

‘Why did he do that?’

‘Call it revenge,’ said Paul with a wry smile. ‘I frustrated his ambitions with regard to a certain young lady, and I fancy that I’ll have to do it again before too long. With regard to the murder, not even a member of the royal family is going to stop me trying to solve it. For the Runners,’ he went on, ‘it’s just a routine assignment; for me, however, it’s much more than that. I see it as a kind of mission.’

CHAPTER FIVE

Captain Hector Golightly was a tall, sturdy, straight-backed individual with greying hair and moustache. A born soldier, he made sure that his house in Mayfair was run with military precision. Walls were adorned with paintings of famous battles in which British soldiers had been victorious. Golightly had served with distinction in two of the encounters on display. He was working in his study when told that he had visitors. Annoyed at the interruption, he nevertheless agreed to see them. A minute later, Micah Yeomans and Alfred Hale were conducted into the room. They found him standing in front of the fireplace with an air of unchallengeable authority. When Yeomans introduced himself and his companion, Golightly stiffened.