As far as minor witnesses went, Graves, the butler, and Roger were both called to corroborate Jefferson’s tale of the breaking down of the door; and the former was questioned regarding his discovery of the confession, while Roger told of the locked windows. Alec was not even called at all.
The verdict, “Suicide during temporary insanity,” was inevitable.
As they left the morning room Roger caught Alec’s arm.
“I’m going to try and get hold of Mrs. Plant now, before lunch,” he said in a low voice. “Do you want to be present, or not?”
Alec hesitated. “What exactly are you going to do?” he asked.
“Tax her with having been blackmailed by Stanworth, and invite her to tell me the truth about the night before last.”
“Then I don’t want to be there,” Alec said with decision. “The whole thing absolutely sickens me.”
Roger nodded approvingly. “I think it’s better that you shouldn’t be, I’m bound to say. And I can tell you afterwards what happened.”
“When shall I see you, then?”
“After lunch. I’ll have a word with you before I tackle Jefferson.”