Free TW08 The Dracula Caper NEW by Simon Hawke Page B

Moreau. "The newspaper gave her name as Gordon. I know, but it is possible that she had taken another name...."
    "I understand," said Wells. "However, if that had been the case, we would really have no way of knowing, you understand. You realize that the odds of this poor murdered girl being your missing daughter are really quite small."
    "Yes, yes, highly unlikely, I know," said Moreau, "but something told me—I just simply had to know, you see. Perhaps if I could speak to someone who had an opportunity to view the remains . ."
    "I do not know if that would help you. Doctor," Wells said. "As I understand it, the body was . . . well, the poor girl's face was damaged beyond all recognition. Her neighbors identified her mainly by her clothing and a few personal possessions. The murder was quite savage. Considering the odds, why subject yourself needlessly to such an ordeal?"
    "You don't understand," said Moreau, "I
must
know. The nature of the wounds, the manner in which—" He suddenly caught himself and stopped.
    "What about the nature of the wounds, Doctor?" Wells said. watching him carefully. "Why should that happen to interest you?"
    "Nothing, you misunderstood me." said Moreau. "I am merely distraught. I should not have come here. Forgive me for taking up your valuable time . . ."
    "One moment, Doctor," Wells said, catching him by the arm.
    "Please," said Moreau. “Let me go."
    "Not just yet, Doctor," said Wells. "I do not think that I misunderstood you. And something tells me that you are not being entirely truthful with me. Why come to the newspaper? Why not go to the police?"
    "Yes, undoubtedly that is what I should have done," Moreau said, “I merely thought that —"
    "Why don't we go see the police together?" Wells said. "We can go right now."
    "No, really, thank you, but there is no need for you to trouble yourself. It's really quite—"
    "You really do not want to go to the police, do you?" said Wells. "Why is that? What are you afraid of"
    Moreau looked at him with alarm. "I see what you are thinking," he said. "You think perhaps I may have had something to do with this crime."
    "I am merely wondering why you seem reluctant to go to the police." Wells said. "Why are you so interested in this murder? What is it about the nature of the wounds? What do you mean? You are not really seeking a missing daughter. are you?"
    “Yes, of course I am,” Moreau said. "Why else would I be so concerned?"
    "That is what I would like to know. Dr. Moreau," Wells said. "You are obviously an educated man, and yet the newspaper reports clearly stated that the dead girl was a Cockney. strictly working class. Moreover, your accent is slight. but definitely French, I think, as is your name. I suppose it is possible that an educated French gentleman could have a daughter by a Cockney mother. but then if that were so, why would you be reluctant to go to the police? That would be the natural avenue of inquiry for a man seeking a missing daughter, would it not?"
    A number of the people in the office had become interested in the conversation. "What is it?" one of them said. "Some sort of problem?"
    "Please," said Moreau in a low voice. "I cannot discuss this here."
    "I think we had best get to the bottom of this, Dr. Moreau," Wells said.
    “No, let me go," Moreau said, pulling away, but Wells would not let go.
    Moreau's sleeve was pulled back, exposing a strange-looking bracelet. It caught Wells' attention. It was made from an unusual black material, with small, numbered studs arranged upon it in a pattern.
    "What's this?" said Wells, looking down at it.
    "Don't touch it!” Moreau said, jerking his arm back violently.
    "I think perhaps we had better speak with the police," said Wells.
    Moreau looked around frantically, seeing himself being hemmed in.
    "Please," he said, "I beg you no police. They would not understand. I swear to you. I am no criminal."
    "Who is this chap, Bertie?" one of the other reporters said. "What's he on