Body in the Library - Agatha Christie [17]
“Many young men hanging about after her?”
“I know what you’re trying to get at, sir.” Mr. Prestcott became excited. “I never saw anything. Nothing special. One or two of the boys hung around a bit—but all in the day’s work, so to speak. Nothing in the strangling line, I’d say. She got on well with the older people, too—had a kind of prattling way with her—seemed quite a kid, if you know what I mean. It amused them.”
Superintendent Harper said in a deep melancholy voice:
“Mr. Jefferson, for instance?”
The manager agreed.
“Yes, Mr. Jefferson was the one I had in mind. She used to sit with him and his family a lot. He used to take her out for drives sometimes. Mr. Jefferson’s very fond of young people and very good to them. I don’t want to have any misunderstanding. Mr. Jefferson’s a cripple; he can’t get about much—only where his wheelchair will take him. But he’s always keen on seeing young people enjoy themselves—watches the tennis and the bathing and all that—and gives parties for young people here. He likes youth—and there’s nothing bitter about him as there well might be. A very popular gentleman and, I’d say, a very fine character.”
Melchett asked:
“And he took an interest in Ruby Keene?”
“Her talk amused him, I think.”
“Did his family share his liking for her?”
“They were always very pleasant to her.”
Harper said:
“And it was he who reported the fact of her being missing to the police?”
He contrived to put into the word a significance and a reproach to which the manager instantly responded.
“Put yourself in my place, Mr. Harper. I didn’t dream for a minute anything was wrong. Mr. Jefferson came along to my office, storming, and all worked up. The girl hadn’t slept in her room. She hadn’t appeared in her dance last night. She must have gone for a drive and had an accident, perhaps. The police must be informed at once! Inquiries made! In a state, he was, and quite high-handed. He rang up the police station then and there.”
“Without consulting Miss Turner?”
“Josie didn’t like it much. I could see that. She was very annoyed about the whole thing—annoyed with Ruby, I mean. But what could she say?”
“I think,” said Melchett, “we’d better see Mr. Jefferson. Eh, Harper?”
Superintendent Harper agreed.
II
Mr. Prestcott went up with them to Conway Jefferson’s suite. It was on the first floor, overlooking the sea. Melchett said carelessly:
“Does himself pretty well, eh? Rich man?”
“Very well off indeed, I believe. Nothing’s ever stinted when he comes here. Best rooms reserved—food usually à la carte, expensive wines—best of everything.”
Melchett nodded.
Mr. Prestcott tapped on the outer door and a woman’s voice said: “Come in.”
The manager entered, the others behind him.
Mr. Prestcott’s manner was apologetic as he spoke to the woman who turned her head at their entrance from her seat by the window.
“I am so sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Jefferson, but these gentlemen are—from the police. They are very anxious to have a word with Mr. Jefferson. Er—Colonel Melchett—Superintendent Harper, Inspector—er—Slack—Mrs. Jefferson.”
Mrs. Jefferson acknowledged the introduction by bending her head.
A plain woman, was Melchett’s first impression. Then, as a slight smile came to her lips and she spoke, he changed his opinion. She had a singularly charming and sympathetic voice and her eyes, clear hazel eyes, were beautiful. She was quietly but not unbecomingly dressed and was, he judged, about thirty-five years of age.
She said:
“My father-in-law is asleep. He is not strong at all, and this affair has been a terrible shock to him. We had to have the doctor, and the doctor gave him a sedative. As soon as he wakes he will, I know, want to see you. In the meantime, perhaps I can help you? Won’t you sit down?”
Mr. Prestcott, anxious to escape, said to Colonel Melchett: “Well—er—if that’s all I can do for you?” and thankfully received permission to depart.
With his closing of the door behind him, the atmosphere took on a mellow and more social quality.