“Violet Mowbray!” Belknap showed sudden and marked interest and for a man who rarely showed any it was remarkable. He closed the door. “What about Violet Mowbray? I thought I had her under lock and key. Is she abroad?”
“We don’t know. It was the name Miss Lacey couldn’t remember and has remembered.”
“Let’s see. How was it Miss Video mentioned her. ‘Revelation for revelation, with Violet Mowbray thrown in?’ Was that it? It might mean anything. After all, Violet Mowbray did have a past. However, we’d better look into it.”
“Yes, Miss Lacey wasn’t the only prowler last night.” Berry squinted at Julian, who stood looking bewildered but pleased at the response to at least one of his hopeful suggestions. “The remark may have meant more to another than it did to her. And it can do no harm to look up Violet, poor girl. One of your cruel cases, Belknap. Brilliantly executed, of course, and justified in consequence I suppose, but sinfully cruel. I’m surprised she’s living. Though this doesn’t prove she is.”
“It was a sad affair. I regretted it myself. But Blake was a close friend, and I saw my way to be able to clear his name. Shall I give the prison a ring? One of us could see her tomorrow—or we could send a man out.”
“Do. But cast your mind’s eye over this before you go.”
Belknap took the coded message, scarcely glancing at it.
“Oh yes. I wondered when I’d see this again. Where did you find it?”
“Prentice recovered it on the stairs.”
“I must have dropped it there. I really hadn’t wanted to enter it as evidence unless it was necessary. Particularly since I am convinced it has no bearing. I received it from Miss Mdevani. She was in a trap, as you can see. She brought me this to show me in how desperate a trap. It was to her advantage under the circumstances, to prevent murder here last night. Though if it had been just between the two of them with the world well lost I’m sure she would have blown Whittaker’s brains out and considered he escaped lightly for his damned treachery. Mind, I’m holding no brief for her character. This would rise up to deny me.” He smiled ironically, lifting the paper at them. “She is no angel. But I shall have to be shown about the present case. If you think, on this account, I shall be less help than hindrance to you and Stebbins I shall gladly withdraw, with no hard feeling, I promise you.”