“Yes, well, that’s the question. It’s a plausible alternative, which is as good as it’s got for a while.” Kim tapped his fingers together. “The Symposium–Zodiac connection is becoming overwhelming. I need a great deal more information on that front.”

Knowle and Mitra wouldn’t be helping with that after Will’s performance the other day. He felt a pang of guilt. “Do you think you can get it?”

“By circuitous means, possibly.” Kim went over and pushed the bell. “Tell me again what Bill Merton was doing at the bookshop.”

“Looking out for Yoxall. Wasn’t he?”

“He also found out what we know, and gave you some useful information. I wonder which of those things was his main purpose. Ah, Peacock.” Kim turned as the manservant entered. “I’ve a job for you.”

“What does your lordship require?”

“Do you happen to know anyone at the Symposium?”

“Not personally, I fear.”

“Would you care to make some new friends?”

Peacock looked less than thrilled. “Anyone in particular, my lord?”

“Start with Quiller, the Chief Steward. He knows everyone and everything. Been there nearly fifty years, man and boy. He was with Knowle, the Secretary, while someone murdered Fairfax just around the corner.”

“How exciting, Lord Arthur,” Peacock said without a flicker. “May I ask the purpose?”

“Lord Waring and Johnnie Cheveley were both Symposium members. It now seems that Fairfax may have been Zodiac too. I want to find out more.”

Peacock raised one brow a fraction of an inch. “Mr. Fairfax?”

“Possibly. It’s also possible there may be another Zodiac member still in there. We’re looking for someone who had private conversations with some or all of that lot. See what you can find out.”

Peacock didn’t suck air through his teeth like a dismayed builder, but he managed to give that impression anyway. “The Chief Steward is obliged to be exceedingly discreet.”

“You have an unlimited gin and bribery budget. Handle it however you choose, and see what you can do. Take your time. I’m dining out tonight.”

Peacock bowed and withdrew. Will shook his head. “You reckon he’s going to charm Quiller into talking?”

“Never underestimate a really good butler.”

“I’ll take your word for it. You’ve got everyone doing your job today, haven’t you?”

“Set a milliner to catch a milliner,” Kim said. “Anyway, they can’t do worse than me.”

Chapter Nine

Two days later, Will was in the bookshop, waiting for news.

It had been a quiet day so far, with no journalists. Chingford had been released on bail into his father’s custody at the family home. Lord Flitby had applied his considerable weight to a lot of toes to achieve that.