Exhaustive search, in which she was aided by Kenneth, Giles and Leslie Rivers, at last brought the Arms Licence to light. She gave it triumphantly to Hannasyde, apologising at the same time for its somewhat dilapidated appearance. She said that dogs got hold of it once when Juno was a puppy.
Hannasyde noted down the number of the pistol, gave her back the licence, and prepared to depart. Kenneth stopped him. “How serious are you in thinking that this may not have been suicide, friend Osric?” he demanded.
“You have reminded me yourself that I am not a Vereker,” replied Hannasyde. “I don't joke on such matters.”
“Some reason up your sleeve for thinking it murder?”
“Yes,” said Hannasyde. “Several reasons. Is there anything else you would like to know?”
“Certainly there is,” answered Kenneth, a trifle unexpectedly. “I want very much to know who, after me, is the next heir.”
His words produced a surprised silence. Hannasyde broke it. “That is hardly my province,” he said.
“I hate to contradict you,” said Kenneth, “but it is very much your province. If this was murder, I look like being the next victim. And, frankly, I don't fancy myself in the part. I want police protection, please.”
Chapter Twenty
The Superintendent looked at him for a moment, under slightly frowning brows. It was Antonia who spoke. “But aren't I the next heir?” she asked. “Giles, aren't I?”