‘Yes. We also find out whether he went to see Lloyd as Charles Martin or under his own name.’
‘Why would he go as Charles Martin?’
‘Who knows? You said that he was a little cagey. He may have wanted to keep back his connection with OCAL. Are OCAL strict about their routes and schedules? It may be as simple as that.’
Cullen sat in silence for a little, making a pattern in the turf with the butt of the fishing-rod. Then he said:
‘Mr Grant, don’t think I’m being dramatic or—or sensational or silly, but you don’t think, do you, that Bill could have been bumped off?’
‘He could have been, of course. Murder does happen. Even clever murders. But the chances against it are very long.’
‘Why?’
‘Well, for one thing it has passed a police investigation. In spite of all the detective stories to the contrary the Criminal Investigation Department really is a highly efficient organisation. By far the most efficient organisation, if you’ll accept a slightly prejudiced opinion, that exists in this country today—or in any other country, in any period.’
‘But the police have already been wrong about one thing.’
‘About his identity, you mean. Yes, but they can hardly be blamed for that.’