Free Enter Second Murderer by Alanna Knight Page A

Inspector's astonished face, he said, "I would have introduced you, but I'm afraid I didn't catch your name. Mrs. Aird is in a great hurry as usual, a carriage usually awaits her each night."
    Outside, blinded by the sudden darkness, Faro became aware of the cloaked figure of Alison Aird pacing the pavement.
    Raising his hat, expecting a rebuff, he said, "Forgive this intrusion, ma'am. I should like to say how greatly I enjoyed your performance tonight. May a complete stranger be permitted to find a carriage for you?" As he spoke, he was conscious of her nervous reaction to his approach. It seemed a long time before she said:
    "If you would be so good, sir. I fear some misfortune has overtaken the brougham which normally collects me after the performance." She sighed. "My departure was delayed tonight with business matters, hence the mix-up."
    "This should not take long. There is a hiring establishment within hailing distance. Stay close to the stage door. If you are in any difficulties, you need just ring the bell." And Faro set off at top speed, chuckling to himself, delighted at his good fortune in finding his beauty in distress.
     
    Luck was with him and he found a gig almost immediately. Returning with it, panic-stricken, he almost expected her to be gone.
    He sighed with relief when her shadowy figure emerged from the stage door. Giving directions to a street a half-mile distant, she turned to Faro. "You have been very kind. Perhaps I might offer you a lift?"
    "I would be delighted," said Faro, deciding the opportunity of sharing a cab was too great to miss.
    Alison Aird settled herself and stared out of the window. It promised to be a silent journey.
    "I was quite enthralled by the play tonight," said Faro desperately.
    In the darkness, her voice smiled. "Why, thank you again."
    "Regrettably, I have been absent from Edinburgh and have missed most of your season here. But I do hope to see others." Even to himself, he sounded nervous, too anxious to please.
    "I trust you will also find them enjoyable," said Alison Aird, returning her attention to the passing night, the flicker of torches from other carriages.
    "How do you find Edinburgh?"
    "Beautiful but lonely."
    Faro's mind again presented the melancholy picture of Alison Aird in Greyfriars. What had been her relationship to young Ferris? Were they lovers, or kin? He could see no resemblance to Ferris's photograph and had never seen the young man alive. He also realised that off-stage his Desdemona was older than appeared at first glance.
    "Have you been long with the Thespians?"
    "Just this season. This is my first time in Scotland for many years. But I am by birth a Scotswoman."
    "Alison Aird would imply that."
    "Indeed, it is my real name."
    "I gather you are not Mrs. Topaz Trelawney."
    "Good gracious, no. Whatever gave you that idea?" She laughed. "Mr. Trelawney is merely my employer. He was once a very great actor," she said in his defence, "one I admired greatly."
    Faro could think of no suitable comment, beyond secret delight that his Desdemona was unmarried. "Have you ever considered the London stage, Miss Aird?"
    There was a pause before she replied, "It is Mrs. Aird. And your name, sir?"
    "Faro. Jeremy Faro."
    She looked out of the window, and said, he thought with a certain relief, "Ah, here is my destination. Thank you for escorting me, Mr. Faro." Handing her down from the carriage, he made a mental note of the house and street number before giving the driver instructions for Sheridan Place.
     
    "The mourning lady from Greyfriars," said Vince at breakfast next morning. "Are you absolutely sure? After all, you only had a glimpse of her."
    "A glimpse I will never forget."
    "But what an astonishing coincidence."
    "Is she a widow?"
    "No idea. Sometimes actresses use Mrs. as a courtesy title. But she isn't Trelawney's wife."
    "I know. She told me so."
    "What about Tim? Did she offer any explanation?"
    "There was no time to ask."
    Vince thought for a moment. "I