Death in Bayswater Page 18

  ‘And Miss Smith, also,’ said Mr Loveridge, quickly. Sarah uttered a sound very like a growl. ‘Incidentally, I did seek a commission to sketch Mr and Mrs Wheelock, and met with a very unfriendly reception at their door, but I will continue to try for an introduction.’

  Inspector Swanson had arrived together with Sergeant Brown, and while Swanson made his way to the stage Brown remained at the back of the hall keeping a sharp eye on the company. Frances had expected to see Inspector Sharrock, who, although he was not in charge of the efforts to find the killer, was giving Swanson all the assistance he could, but of course, she reflected, he had all the other criminals of the district to attend to, who might well be taking advantage of the police being so heavily occupied to increase their activities.

  Mr Loveridge indicated a poster on the wall advertising a forthcoming concert with a small orchestra and voices, at sixpence a ticket, the proceeds to go to a children’s hospital. ‘That is a very pleasing poster. Do you like music Miss Doughty?’

  ‘Yes, very much.’

  ‘Do you attend concerts?’

  ‘Sometimes, yes.’

  ‘I too enjoy music. I was wondering if you were intending to go to this concert?’

  ‘I had not given it any thought but it does look very interesting. Sarah, would you and Professor Pounder like to go? I think we can spare ourselves one evening. I see that the money raised is going to a good cause.’

  ‘Perhaps we might make up a little party and all go together?’ suggested Loveridge.

  Sarah said nothing, but she did so very loudly.

  ‘That would be very pleasant indeed,’ said Frances. The date advertised was two weeks hence, some days after the date set for Jim Price’s execution. If that went ahead she would not feel inclined to amuse herself, but might well need some activity to distract her. For a brief moment she pictured herself at the concert with the Price family, Mrs Price glowing with new health, Miss Price happily arm in arm with her brother, newly freed and earning the congratulations of all those around him. It was a scene from a fairy tale.

  Mr Candy approached the front of the stage. Inspector Swanson and Mr Pollaky had already taken their seats and Candy beckoned Frances to ascend. Although it was not strictly necessary, Mr Loveridge gave Frances his hand and assisted her up the steps. There were now several other people seated on the stage, including Reverend Day of St Stephens, the rotund form of Mr William Whiteley, who took every opportunity to advertise his rapidly expanding drapery and clothing business that did not involve actual expenditure, and Mr Churchwarden Spencer of the Paddington Vestry. The fact that the vestry was currently in a bitter legal dispute with Mr Whiteley over his continuous flouting of building regulations in Queens Road, appeared to cause that gentleman not one whit of discomfiture.

  Frances glanced back at Sarah and indicated that she should remain in the body of the hall and keep watch. Sarah folded her arms and nodded with a sideways glance at Loveridge who, she seemed to think, needed special watching. After a great deal of shifting of chairs and rattling of teacups in saucers as conversations were hurriedly brought to an end, Mr Candy’s appeals for silence were finally heard and adhered to.

  Frances took her seat and looked out across the hall over the sea of faces. There were a great many individuals she recognised, tradesmen who had served the needs of Bayswater for food and clothes, furniture and flowers for many a year. A manufacturer of umbrellas who had been handing out leaflets about their potential as a weapon of defence was busily demonstrating the sharpness of the ferrule of his own instrument to the gentlemen on either side of him. There were several clergymen, some prominent magistrates of the district, and Drs Collin and Neill. Mr Carter Freke was attending, presumably on behalf of Mr Rawsthorne, and there was a phalanx of the press as well as many members of the Bayswater Women’s Suffrage Society. Miss Gilbert was positively bouncing with suppressed anticipation and Miss John had removed her bodkin from her reticule and was gripping it very tightly in her little fist and looking about suspiciously to see who she might plunge it into. Frances hoped she had not bought herself a gun. There were also several ladies amongst the throng who did not wish to be known as they were closely veiled.

  A few attendees appeared to be there only out of boredom. One young man sauntered in late with two companions, pushed his way past a group of respectable gentlemen, and slid into a seat where he lounged in an insolent manner wearing his hat deliberately askew. His more timid associates sat with him and whatever he said to them clearly gave deep offence to those persons unfortunate enough to overhear his words, at which he uttered a burst of laughter. Much to the disgust of others, he drew a flask from his pocket and refreshed himself from it. Frances felt sure that the contents would not have been approved by the temperance society.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ began Mr Candy, ‘it is my very great pleasure to see so many of you here today. We of the Bayswater Vigilance Committee are dedicated to ensuring that the streets are safe for our citizens to go about their lawful business. It is for this purpose that we have instituted the Guardians of Virtue to protect the lives of the ladies of Bayswater. At the end of the meeting our clerks will be taking the names of those gentlemen who wish to volunteer. All will have their names submitted to the Committee for approval, and they will without exception have to supply a letter of recommendation. Please see the leaflets on your seats for details of what is required. We will admit to our ranks only those gentlemen of the highest possible reputation. I am sure that in Bayswater there will be very many who will qualify. We will also be sending a petition to Parliament asking them to ensure the safety of honest citizens. Please do sign the petition before you depart. On the way out our clerks will also approach you with collection boxes and ask you to give generously to meet our expenses. The lives of our virtuous ladies are, I am sure you will agree, beyond price. There truly cannot be a better cause.’

  The dissolute-looking young man made a loud comment of a highly irreverent nature concerning ladies who were not virtuous, much to the disgust of all right-minded persons who heard him.

  ‘I would beg that gentlemen to moderate his language,’ said Mr Candy, sharply. ‘This is not a music hall or a common beerhouse, and if you cannot show respectful behaviour then I suggest you leave and take your companions with you, who I believe are of the same ilk.’

  There was a response of such a coarse nature that the room was shocked. Silently, Professor Pounder, who had been placing himself where he might best deal with the nuisance, approached the group of young men. ‘I think you should leave,’ he said. The bold youth jumped up, and swung a fist, but the professor caught it, neatly enclosed it in his own and applied just enough pressure to show that he meant what he said. The miscreant’s surprise at this development was only increased when Sarah came up and dissuaded him from any further action by taking his other hand and moving it to a position between his shoulder blades that Frances would have thought impossible if she had not seen it.

  There was a whimper, and an oath that was silenced by an infinitesimal motion from both Sarah and the Professor. ‘Understand now?’ Pounder asked, but it was obvious from the tears of pain that had appeared in the eyes of the immobilised youth that he understood his position completely. He nodded.

  ‘Now go, and take your friends with you while you still have all your limbs,’ said Sarah.

  Swanson rose. ‘Sergeant Brown, take those men’s names and addresses and we will talk to them later.’ Brown stepped forward, and in a few minutes the nuisance was dealt with and peace reigned again.

  ‘I must thank our brave friends for their prompt and efficient action,’ said Mr Candy, and the audience responded with applause. ‘Do you think,’ he asked hopefully, turning to Swanson who had sat down again, ‘that we have caught the murderer?’

  Swanson shook his head. ‘I know that type. A lot of noise and not much else.’

  Candy looked disappointed and continued his speech.

  ‘How gratefu
l we all are to those who guard us so well. In that case, it seems, youthful high spirits and not a little drink were the cause. But to return to my theme. Our committee accepts that the task of discovering the criminal who has dared to arouse such terror in our community is for those whose occupation it is to protect us with their courage and their expertise. I am delighted therefore to introduce to you today three of our most distinguished exponents of the art of capturing criminals. All three are working night and day to ensure your safety.

  ‘First a gentleman whose many years of work as a detective has placed him at the very pinnacle of his profession, Mr Ignatius Pollaky of Paddington Green. I know he could tell you many an exciting story of his successes if, that is, they are not so secret that it would be dangerous to speak of them.’ The audience gave little tremulous murmurs.

  ‘We also welcome a famous inspector of Scotland Yard, who is in command of the police force’s work on these terrible murders. Inspector Swanson, as I am sure you all know, recently apprehended the criminal Mapleton, the railway murderer, and I am sure he can be persuaded to tell you all about his adventures in that case.’ The audience almost licked their collective lips in anticipation of such a delicious treat.

  ‘And of course Bayswater’s very own Miss Frances Doughty, a lady before whom all men tremble with fear. Does the man exist who can match her in a battle of wits? I have not yet met one. Miss Doughty has taken it upon herself to exert every particle of her wonderful brain to catch the criminal.’

  Frances opened her mouth to protest and shut it again. The audience was by now very excited, which she supposed was not a bad thing as it would encourage them to join the cause, which was after all the point of the meeting. No one was asleep which was a very good sign.

  ‘Our first speaker today,’ announced Mr Candy, ‘is Mr Pollaky.’

  There was polite applause, and Mr Pollaky rose and extended his warm greetings to the assembly. Frances wondered how many of them were his clients.

  ‘I am afraid that I have to disappoint you in one respect. Mr Candy is quite right that I cannot tell you all the secrets of my profession. If I was to say to you now, these are my methods, and this is how I find the men I seek, then the criminals would be sure to get to hear of it and know how to avoid me and my agents and then they would make their escape. Also my clients would not care to have their business put before the world. So I will not speak of those matters. This current business in Bayswater, however, I will speak of.

  ‘Few men can be as dangerous as the man who has committed these crimes. His motive is mysterious. He most probably does not even know the women he has killed and can therefore have no grudge against them. He is undoubtedly insane. I am sure that Inspector Swanson will confirm this but there must have been enquiries made of all the asylums to discover if any inmate has recently escaped.’ He glanced at Swanson who nodded. ‘Doctors will be able to tell the police if they have any patients of distracted mind who might be suspect. It is also up to you, the citizens of Bayswater, to assist the police by being watchful, and concealing nothing that could be of importance. Is there a member of your family or a person you know who has been wandering in their mind, perhaps seeing visions or hearing sounds that are not there? Do they feel that they are being pursued by demons and have an urge to slay them? Do they utter threats? If so, you must tell the police at once. Do not hesitate! Your action may save the lives of innocent women.

  ‘But it may be, of course, that the murderer, although insane, does not appear to be so. He is clever and can conceal his madness. All I can say is this: he may do so now, but he will not do it forever. In such a case it is only a matter of time before his brain finally gives way and he draws attention to himself. We will catch him, be assured of that.’

  There was a hearty round of applause, and some cheering. Mr Pollaky went on to dispense sound advice concerning keeping safe in the streets, and ended with a small humorous anecdote after which he sat down to more applause.

  Mr Candy addressed the hall once more. ‘I am sure we are all very grateful to Mr Pollaky for his advice and assurances. And now if Inspector Swanson would like to enlighten us with his valuable experience? And maybe his account of the Mapleton case?’ he added hopefully.

  Swanson rose. ‘I too must disappoint Mr Candy since Mr Mapleton has yet to come to trial. I will be giving evidence in court and I am sure that once all is completed there will be time enough to share what I have learned both with the public and the press.

  I agree with Mr Pollaky that the man we seek is what is generally termed a homicidal maniac. But he is not so mad that he cannot be cunning. He knows the streets of Bayswater and how he might escape very swiftly from the scene of his crime without discovery. I would urge the public that if you have any suspicions even of a stranger passing in the street who is behaving in a peculiar manner, you should at once inform a policeman. Do not try to subdue or entrap this man yourself. Do not follow him. I have been told of the work he has done and it is not a sight for even a man of many years experience in police work. It is certainly no sight for a woman. But above all you must protect your own safety. Do all you can not to expose yourselves to danger. Ladies should travel by carriage if possible, or if obliged to walk, go in the company of respectable persons. If you have no male relative to walk with you, then apply to the Guardians of Virtue who will ensure that you need never be in danger, but will always have a strong male protector by your side. I hope and I trust that these precautions will not be necessary for long, and we will soon have this man behind bars.

  That is all I have to say for now. Rest assured that as soon as this meeting is over I and my sergeant will be back at work guarding the safety of our streets. If anyone wishes to have a word with us in strict confidence then you may write to us at Paddington Green police station, which is where we are headquartered for the duration of this enquiry.’

  He sat down.

  ‘Thank you,’ said Mr Candy, ‘I think we all feel a little safer now, and I am very happy that my enterprise has the full approval of the police. I wish to make it very plain that the Guardians of Virtue are doing no more than act as any concerned gentlemen would do to protect the ladies. We are not the police, we are not the militia, we are not vigilantes, though of course, we should always be vigilant.

  ‘And now I would like to ask Miss Frances Doughty to address the meeting.’

  Frances rose and stepped forward. She realised that both Mr Pollaky and Inspector Swanson had already said all she might have wished to and more about public safety and she had nothing to add to that, so she decided to address herself directly to the position of the unhappy Jim Price.

  As she opened her mouth to speak, however, the doors at the far end of the hall opened abruptly and were flung back with a crash that reverberated around the hushed space. Inspector Sharrock strode in, closely followed by Constable Mayberry. He wasn’t inclined to linger but hurried towards the stage. As he approached and saw her standing in readiness to speak a curious look passed across his features that she was unable to interpret, then he ran up the steps. Frances and her talk were now forgotten and all eyes were on the Inspector. Mayberry stayed at the back of the hall, and had a quiet conversation with Sergeant Brown. Whatever it was he said Frances could see that the news was very bad.

  Sharrock bounded on to the stage. ‘A word,’ he said, and drew Swanson aside. That one movement told Frances what had happened. She watched Swanson’s face carefully, but all was now far too clear. There had been another murder.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  As the two Inspectors continued their close conversation everyone in the body of the hall began to talk at once. Mr Pollaky, who had been looking at his pocket watch, quickly put it away and paid earnest attention to the policemen whose faces revealed nothing other than that a very serious matter was afoot. Mr Candy looked about him for inspiration as to what to do, but seeing none, stood frozen in uncertainty.

  After what seemed like a great deal of time, but wa
s probably only a few moments, Swanson gave a swift nod. Frances was expecting him to leave the hall at once, but instead he glanced at her, and had further words with Sharrock. There was a brief hesitation, then Sharrock nodded assent, turned to Frances and beckoned her over to him. At first Frances wondered if it was indeed she who was required, but a sharper, more insistent motion of the hand convinced her and she crossed the stage to where the policemen stood.

  The chatter from the floor of the hall intensified at this new development and ascended several tones up the scale.

  Sharrock’s face had the stony look of a man who had seen the worst and was facing it as a matter of duty. ‘Miss Doughty? We can trust your discretion?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ said Frances apprehensively.

  ‘Come with me.’ Both policemen retreated to the side of the stage, and Frances followed them to a spot where they were hidden from most of the audience by some draperies. Sharrock took something from his pocket. ‘I was wondering if you can tell me who owns this?’ It was a ladies reticule, handmade from an old piece of faded black velvet, decorated with a little coloured stitching and closed by a twisted cord.

  Frances gave a little gasp of pained recognition, and took it from him. The last time she had seen it, it had been clean but now it was dabbled in mud and one corner was caked in what looked and smelled like dried blood. She was already suffused with the dread of what she feared and half-knew had happened, but seeing and touching and recognising this pathetic little object brought the tragedy close to her and made it heartbreakingly worse. Next moment Sarah was beside her, and Frances felt the firm shoulder touching hers, giving strength and support, doing nothing but being there and fiercely daring anyone to make her be anywhere else.

  ‘There was one of your cards in it. I did think at first it might be yours but then …’ There was an odd little waver in his voice, and he swallowed, noisily. Frances realised that he had actually thought for a moment that she had fallen victim to the killer. ‘Well then I thought it might belong to one of your clients.’