Read Death in the Peerless Pool for Free Online Page B

Fielding requests my cooperation? Regarding what, pray?’
    â€˜Regarding a case of murder,’ Samuel answered, stung to speak thus by the man’s sudden irritable manner.
    â€˜I beg your pardon?’ Mr Burridge retorted nastily.
    â€˜Murder,’ replied John coldly. ‘Last night, Sir, the body of a woman was found in the Fish Pond on the Peerless Pool estate. The state of deterioration of the corpse, or rather the lack of it, suggests that she had been thrown in quite recently, probably the night before. The victim was wearing the uniform of one of your wardresses. So I must ask you, has any of your employees not appeared for duty today?’
    Mr Burridge’s expression changed from surly to shaken. ‘Why yes,’ he answered uncomfortably, ‘now you come to mention it, Hannah Rankin has not been seen this morning.’
    The Apothecary continued ruthlessly, aware that he had the advantage. ‘And would this Hannah Rankin be in her late forties, possessing dark hair streaked with grey, and brown eyes?’
    Mr Burridge removed his spectacles and cleaned them with a serviceable handkerchief ‘Yes, that’s her. But I’m afraid I don’t understand. You have the advantage of me, gentlemen.’
    â€˜That is a description of the body raised from the bottom of the Fish Pond last evening. The victim had been severely beaten, then weighted down and thrown in to die. The Public Office is looking into the manner of her death, Sir, and I am assisting Mr Fielding in this. Now, what can you tell me about the woman, presuming for the moment that it is one and the same person?’
    Mr Burridge sat down behind his desk, rather swiftly John thought, and reaching into a drawer, poured himself a small tot of brandy from a bottle kept within. Forcing a smile, he said, ‘For shock,’ then gulped the draught in one. Mopping his brow, he sucked his false teeth into position.
    â€˜She hasn’t worked here long … Hannah Rankin, that is,’ he said rapidly, looking anxiously at the Apothecary.
    â€˜What do you mean? Six months or less?’ John asked, taking a seat opposite while Samuel settled himself into a chair near by, his look intent.
    â€˜No, a little more than that. About a year or so.’
    â€˜And where did she come from? Do you know?’
    â€˜Originally from Bath I believe. As far as I can recall her references bore an address somewhere within that town.’
    â€˜I see.’
    Samuel spoke up. ‘Do you still have those references, Sir? They could be of vital importance in tracing the woman’s background.’
    Mr Burridge looked relieved, probably because he could answer positively for a change. ‘Oh yes, yes indeed. All facts of that kind are kept on record.’ He half rose. ‘Would you like me to trace the papers now?’
    John shook his head. ‘No, Sir, pray sit down. That information is very helpful in its way but what I am looking for is something more recent. For example, was Hannah Rankin married, and where did she live? Did she have enemies here on the staff? Or is it possible that she could have fallen foul of one of the patients?’
    Mr Burridge took another surreptitious tot of brandy, then leant his elbows on the desk. ‘You do realise that it is Dr. Crow himself who employs the warders?’
    â€˜No, I didn’t know that. But what …?’
    â€˜Simply put, he knows their background better than I. I do not hobnob with the staff, you understand.’ Realising that he was implying that the worthy doctor did just that, Mr Burridge attempted to cover his error. ‘Of course, Dr Crow is quite right in being on friendly terms with one and all. Ha, ha!’
    Samuel cut to the heart of the matter. ‘So when is the doctor coming back to St Luke’s?’
    â€˜Not till next week, I fear. We alternate. I am an administrator, he a man of medicine.’
    â€˜So you cannot help us