Free Such Is Death by Leo Bruce Page A

to stress the relationship. We wish to forget it.”
    â€œI don’t think that will be possible until the murderer has been discovered and tried. At all events you have asked me to investigate and I intend to do so. So let’s start with your own movements on the night of the crime.”
    Mrs Dalbinney flushed.
    â€œI find that remark in extremely poor taste,” she said. “I have already given the police any such information as they require.”
    â€œThen you won’t mind repeating it to me. I understand you went to the cinema with your sister?”
    It did not seem to occur to Mrs Dalbinney to wonder what was the source of this information.
    â€œWhat could be more pointless than a recital of my movements on that evening, Mr Deene? You are in search of a murderer, I think? Perhaps you suggest that
I
waswalking about with a coal-hammer and that
I
attacked my brother with it?”
    â€œI have formed no opinions at all. But I do seriously recommend you to answer my question. If I am to accomplish anything for the fees you are going to disburse I must know these details.”
    Mrs Dalbinney seemed to struggle with herself for a moment.
    â€œIt’s
too
ridiculous,” she said at last. “I haven’t the least objection to the whole world knowing, but … Oh very well. I went to the pictures with my sister Emma.”
    â€œAt what time?”
    â€œWe met at seven-thirty.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œIn the foyer of the Palatine Cinema.”
    â€œThat is on the front, I think?”
    â€œIt overlooks the sea, yes.”
    â€œYou go often?”
    â€œDe temps en temps.
I find television tiresome and vulgar.”
    â€œBut not the cinema? What film did you see?”
    â€œActually, something rather macabre.
The Black Island.
There was a shorter film with it. Perhaps you would like to know that we came out at ten o’clock and returned here….”
    â€œImmediately?”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œDid you come straight here from the cinema, Mrs Dalbinney?”
    Mrs Dalbinney rose.
    â€œNo, Mr Deene,” she said in a satirically dramatic fashion. “No, I first marched along the promenade with a coal-hammer in my hand and murdered my brother with it! Are you satisfied with that?”
    â€œNo, I’m not. I’d like to know if you came straight here.”
    â€œOf course I did. Now please don’t be ridiculous. I have never walked along the promenade at night in my life.”
    â€œDid anyone see you return?”
    â€œMy sister came with me.”
    â€œNo one else?”
    â€œI really have not the slightest idea.”
    â€œWas your son in when you returned?”
    â€œHe was not up. Whether or not he was in bed I cannot say. I do not invigilate my son’s movements.”
    â€œNo. Of course not. You did not go out again that night?”
    â€œOut? Certainly not. My sister stayed here for the night. She frequently does so.”
    â€œThere’s a question I must ask you and everyone else even remotely connected with the case. Have you ever had in your house a heavy hammer like the one used by the murderer?”
    â€œReally, Mr Deene, I cannot be expected to know what tools may or may not be about the house. I have certainly never noticed such a thing.”
    Carolus seemed to consider for a moment, then brought out a very different question.
    â€œDo you know a man named Lobbin? “he asked.
    Mrs Dalbinney’s manner changed.
    â€œWhy do you ask me that?”
    â€œI just wondered,” said Carolus. This was perfectly true. He wanted to prolong his catechism because he felt the woman was not being frank, and had hit on this name as the first local one that occurred to him.
    â€œHas someone been gossiping maliciously?”
    â€œI don’t know. What do you know of Lobbin?”
    Mrs Dalbinney looked uncomfortable.
    â€œMr Deene,” she said. “I have found your