‘He’s intelligent,’ conceded Oxley, ‘there’s no question about that. I fear that he could be more than just a nuisance.’

‘Is he dangerous?’ asked Edmund. ‘That’s all I wish to know.’

‘He could be.’

‘I want him watched while he’s here.’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll see to it.’

‘Now that I’m making the decisions, this family will be given the protection it deserves. Skillen must not be allowed anywhere near Mellanby Hall again.’

‘I’ll give orders to that effect.’

‘And we must devise a way to keep David away from him. My brother is such a gullible fool. He offers his friendship too easily. Skillen will try to exploit that. I leave the arrangements to you,’ he said. ‘Have him watched for the rest of the day, then send me a report of his movements.’ He slapped the side of his boot with the whip. ‘We need to send this interfering, self-appointed policeman back to London before he starts to cause trouble.’

CHAPTER NINE

The house was in a narrow road off Regent Street. It was neat, unpretentious and of moderate size. Paul was not at all sure what sort of a reception he would get. It all depended, he felt, on whether or not Kitty Denley had heard the news of the murder. If she had, it was unlikely that she’d agree to speak to a complete stranger at a time when she would be so distressed and vulnerable. Even if she were ignorant of the tragedy, Paul might be turned away but there was less chance of that happening. Because it was so important to win her confidence, he rehearsed his lines carefully beforehand. Only when he felt word perfect did he eventually ring the bell. The moment the door was half opened by a maidservant, he knew that the sad tidings had already reached the house. Her face was a study in sadness.

‘I’m aware that this is a difficult time to call,’ he said, considerately, ‘but it’s imperative that I speak to your mistress on a private matter. My name is Paul Skillen. Only the urgency of the situation would compel me to come here. Please convey that information to Mrs Denley.’

‘Yes, sir,’ said the girl.

After bobbing at him, she closed the door. Paul was left on the pavement so long that he feared his request had been summarily turned down. Then he became aware that he was being studied from an upstairs window. Pretending to be unaware of the surveillance, he moved two paces backwards so that he could be seen more clearly from the house. After another extended wait, he heard footsteps in the hall, then the door swung fully open.

‘You’re to come in, Mr Skillen,’ said the maidservant.

‘Thank you.’