Merton folded his arms. “‘You’ was a plural. First Kim Secretan’s brother put paid to this man Fairfax, then you turned up interrogating George Yoxall about him. Please don’t ask me to believe those things are unrelated.”

Will folded his own arms, since two could play at that game, and leaned against a bookcase for good measure. “Why are you asking me and not Kim?”

“Because from what I hear, you are the more reasonable of the pair. Although that’s not saying much.”

“I don’t know. I have my moments.”

“I’ve also heard that. Could we sit?” He waited for Will to wave him to a chair, then went on in a friendlier tone. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Mr. Darling. Aside from anything else, Jimmy Yoxall would have my hide; he remembers you with affection. I just want to know what’s going on.”

“Is this an official visit?”

Merton rocked a hand. “Call it personal. Young George is an honorary nephew of whom I’m extremely fond, and since chaos tends to follow in your and Secretan’s wake, I’d like a friendly chat before anything catches up with us.”

“I could do that,” Will said slowly, because his mind was racing. “If you’ll tell me something too.”

“I don’t buy pigs in pokes. If you’re reasonable with me, I’ll speak to you within reason.”

That was probably as good as he’d get. “All right. I wanted to talk to Mr. Yoxall because he told the police Fairfax had been blackmailing him.”

“He did tell them that. I wasn’t aware they were taking him seriously.”

“Doesn’t sound like they are. I don’t know why not.” He probably did, though, having briefly worked in the same shop as Maisie. There had been a floor manager who hadn’t wanted to hear anything she said, no matter how useful, because to do so would have acknowledged her value. “It’s a pretty obvious motive for the murder. But it’s not only a motive for Lord Chingford.”

Merton’s jaw hardened. “If you’re looking to point the finger at George—”

Will held up both hands. “I’m not. His business doesn’t sound like anything to kill over, and I wouldn’t say he’s the murdering sort.”

Merton relaxed a little. “Not that one can always tell, but no, he’s not.”

“All I meant was, blackmailers don’t just blackmail one person, do they? If he tried it on with Mr. Yoxall, who’s to say he didn’t have other victims in the Symposium?”

“Such as Chingford.”