“I only asked because you seemed kind of shy of bringing the bill,” said the Sergeant.
“You are a one!” said the waitress, greatly diverted.
Chapter Nine
Murgatroyd, opening the door to Superintendent Hannasyde, stood squarely in the aperture and asked him aggressively what he wanted. He asked if Miss Vereker was in and she said: “That's as may be. Your name, please, and business.”
His eyes twinkled. “My name is Hannasyde, and my business is with Miss Vereker.”
“I know very well what you are,” said Murgatroyd. “I've had another of you here today, and I've had enough. If the police would let well alone it would be a good thing for everyone.” She stood aside to allow him to enter, and led him across the tiny hall to the studio. “It's the police again, Miss Tony,” she announced. “I suppose you'd better see him.”
Antonia was sitting by the window with two of her dogs at her feet. One of them, Bill, recognised an acquaintance in the Superintendent, and wildly thumped his tail; his daughter, Juno, however, got up growling.
“Ah, who says dogs have no sense?” said Murgatroyd darkly.
“Shut up, Juno!” commanded Antonia. “Oh, it's the Superintendent! That means I'm going to be interrogated all over again. Have some tea?”
“Thank you, Miss Vereker, but I've had tea,” said Hannasyde, his eyes on a big canvas on the easel.