Free Killing Cousins by Alanna Knight Page A

and walk away.'
    And turning his attention again to Vince he watched him examining Troller's head and hands and, with a shudder of distaste, asked, 'Can we now move this poor young man into my vestry until his brother has been notified? He is getting very wet.'
    Faro stared at him in mild astonishment. 'We are all getting very wet. I fancy that it will trouble him less than most.' And heeding the minister's sharp intake of breath he added, 'But as you say, it would be an advantage to conduct the rest of our examination indoors.'
    'The rest of your examination? Surely you have seen enough? Sergeant Frith is satisfied that this was a suicide.' Erlandson's tone of reproach left them in no doubt that he was considerably shocked by their behaviour thus far.
    Vince straightened up. 'I am a doctor, sir, as you know. My thorough medical investigation frequently includes a post-mortem examination of the deceased.'
    'A post-mortem? Is that strictly necessary in this case? Really, the distress this will cause ...'
    'Not quite so much distress as has already been caused to this poor young man, sir,' said Vince.
    'And I am afraid we are just at the beginning,' Faro added.
    'Yes, of course, the funeral...'
    There can be no funeral until we have the Procurator Fiscal's report. Whatever Sergeant Frith's findings, I regard the circumstances of this young man's death as highly suspicious. The possibility of foul play cannot be entirely dismissed,' said Faro.
    'I have to sign the death certificate and I cannot do so without being quite satisfied about what was the cause of his death,' Vince added sternly.
    Erlandson scrutinised Faro carefully, in the manner of one who has been deliberately deceived. 'I heard the sergeant address you as Inspector. How fortunate indeed for my little flock.'
    'And now, if you will assist us, sir,' said Vince brusquely. 'This blanket - perhaps we can use it to transport the body to your vestry where we will be reasonably comfortable?'
    It was a weary climb to the church supporting their burden. Erlandson unlocked the door of the vestry where Troller's body was placed on a trestle table. Faro's final action of emptying the dead man's pockets, placing on the table a few coins, a pocket knife and a soggy handkerchief brought forth an almost anguished sigh from the minister.
    As they left, Faro stretched out his hand for the key. 'I will take care of that, if you please.' And, as Erlandson regarded him doubtfully, he added, 'In my official capacity.' Erlandson considered the key as if it might be about to express an opinion, before handing it to Faro with a look of gravest suspicion and extreme disapproval.
     
    In the dining room at Balfray Castle, scarcely less grand than its drawing-room, they found Mary Faro's carefully prepared breakfast being completely ignored.
    An audience consisting of the entire Balfray family and adherents awaited them with a certain amount of hand-wringing and anxious questions. All were resplendent in mourning for Thora Balfray and looked for all the world, thought Faro grimly, like a set piece for one of Her Majesty's new-fangled group photographs.
    Francis Balfray was Vince's chief concern. He looked scarcely more animated than the family portraits on the walls or the corpses they had been investigating. Behind his chair, a newcomer. The woman who stood with her hand protectively on his shoulder was obviously Norma Balfray whom he had glimpsed by the torchlight at the Odin Stone.
    Vince was right, she had a certain allure. There was a quality of suppressed passion about her handsome features and Miss Balfray managed to exude sexual attraction remarkably well considering the melancholy circumstances. As they were introduced and she looked deeply into his eyes, Faro thought of the contrast there must have been between the half-sisters. Even allowing for long illness, unfortunate demise and resurrection from the tomb, Thora Balfray in life could never have been counted as a rival.
    On the