Third girl - Agatha Christie [90]
‘Yes,’ said Dr Stillingfleet. ‘Yes, that could certainly be significant.’
‘And you, Mademoiselle,’ said Poirot, turning suddenly to Claudia. ‘Did Norma ever speak to you about Louise Carpenter?’
‘Yes — it was after the suicide. She said something about her being a wicked woman. She said it in rather a childish way, if you know what I mean.’
‘You were here in the flats yourself on the night — or more correctly the early morning when Mrs Carpenter’s suicide occurred?’
‘I was not here that night, no! I was away from home. I remember arriving back here the next day and hearing about it.’
She half turned to Restarick…‘You remember? It was the twenty-third. I had gone to Liverpool.’
‘Yes, of course. You were to represent me at the Hever Trust meeting.’
Poirot said:
‘But Norma slept here that night?’
‘Yes.’ Claudia seemed uncomfortable.
‘Claudia?’ Restarick laid his hand on her arm. ‘What is it you know about Norma? There’s something. Something that you’re holding back.’
‘Nothing! What should I know about her?’
‘You think she’s off her head, don’t you?’ said Dr Stillingfleet in a conversational voice. ‘And so does the girl with the black hair. And so do you,’ he added, turning suddenly on Restarick. ‘All of us behaving nicely and avoiding the subject and thinking the same thing! Except, that is, the chief inspector. He’s not thinking anything. He’s collecting the facts: mad or a murderess. What about you, Madam?’
‘Me?’ Mrs Oliver jumped. ‘I — don’t know.’
‘You reserve judgment? I don’t blame you. It’s difficult. On the whole, most people agree on what they think. They use different terms for it — that’s all. Bats in the Belfry. Wanting in the top storey. Off her onion. Mental. Delusions. Does anyone think that girl is sane?’
‘Miss Battersby,’ said Poirot.
‘Who the devil is Miss Battersby?’
‘A schoolmistress.’
‘If I ever have a daughter I shall send her to that school…Of course I’m in a different category. I know. I know everything about that girl!’
Norma’s father stared at him.
‘Who is this man?’ he demanded of Neele. ‘What can he possibly mean by saying that he knows everything about my daughter?’
‘I know about her,’ said Stillingfleet, ‘because she’s been under my professional care for the last ten days.’
‘Dr Stillingfleet,’ said Chief Inspector Neele, ‘is a highly qualified and reputable psychiatrist.’
‘And how did she come into your clutches — without someone getting my consent first?’
‘Ask Moustaches,’ said Dr Stillingfleet, nodding towards Poirot.
‘You — you…’
Restarick could hardly speak he was so angry.
Poirot spoke placidly.
‘I had your instructions. You wanted care and protection for your daughter when she was found. I found her — and I was able to interest Dr Stillingfleet in her case. She was in danger, Mr Restarick, very grave danger.’
‘She could hardly be in any more danger than she is now! Arrested on a charge of murder!’
‘Technically she is not yet charged,’ murmured Neele.
He went on:
‘Dr Stillingfleet, do I understand that you are willing to give your professional opinion as to Miss Restarick’s mental condition, and as to how well she knows the nature and meaning of her acts?’
‘We can save the M’Naughten act for court,’ said Stillingfleet. ‘What you want to know now is, quite simply, if the girl is mad or sane? All right, I’ll tell you. That girl is sane — as sane as any one of you sitting here in this room!’
Chapter 24
I
They stared at him.
‘Didn’t expect that, did you?’
Restarick said angrily: ‘You’re wrong. That girl doesn’t even know what she’s done. She’s innocent — completely innocent. She can’t be held responsible for what she doesn’t know she’s done.’
‘You let me talk for a while. I know what I’m talking about. You don’t. That girl is sane and responsible for her actions. In a moment or two we’ll have her in and let her speak for herself. She’s the only one who hasn’t had the chance