He was about to walk on when Edwin said, “Do you mean Susannah? Peter’s wife—widow?”

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”

“Look, I’m just concerned, I wanted to know if you’re expecting to speak to Susannah. She’s grieving, and in great distress. This was such an—no one can prepare for these things, can they? Peter should have lived to a great age, like my grandmother. Give her time to come to grips with her loss.”

“Are you afraid she might decide, finally, to tell the truth? To clear her husband’s name?”

“She hasn’t been told that he’s no longer under suspicion. I tried to telephone her just now, and Iris says she’s not taking calls. For God’s sake, let her alone.”

“I’ll take that under advisement, shall I?”

Leticia came out of the study. “Has anyone asked Walter if he’d like a tray? Edwin, try to persuade Gran to eat something. She says she doesn’t care for Mollie’s cooking, that Jenny knew what she liked.”

“I’ll try.” Edwin excused himself and walked off.

Leticia said, “I’ll see to Walter then. He ought to have something.” Rutledge, looking after her as she went up the stairs, decided to start out for London. He could hear her now knocking on Teller’s door and calling to him. Turning away, he found his hat and left the house. The constable nodded to him.

“I have to return to London. I’ll be back as soon as possible. Tell Inspector Jessup I’ll give him a clear answer then.”

The constable came forward to crank the motorcar for him. And then he was on the road. Clearing his mind of everything else, he concentrated on Billy and what might be waiting for him on Westminster Bridge.

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Rutledge made good time to London and went to his sister’s house before reporting to the Yard.

She was surprised to see him, saying as he walked through the door, “Are you coming for Jake?”

“Not yet. How is he?”

“I don’t want him to grow more attached to me than he is,” she said. “He likes to sit on my shoulder and walk around the house. I dare not take him outside, for fear he’ll fly away. But he wants to go to every window and look out, then he searches for roses.”

“His owner grew them. Bring a few inside. That might cheer him up.”

“A very good idea.”

“Any news of Meredith Channing?”