Of Night and Dark Obscurity

“Indeed Sir,” Felix agreed.

“We need to start interviewing everyone connected to Irene Derry. I’ve drawn up a list and—“

They both turned to stare as the door to the office flew open and in walked Caroline Derry with a clerk apologizing for the intrusion. Val waved the clerk away.

“Miss Derry,” Val said standing up to greet her. “What brings you here?”

Felix stood as well looking at Val and then staring at the lovely woman who had interrupted their meeting.

“I came to confront you. You lied to me Inspector.” She said hotly.

“Miss Derry. I’m at a loss. Truly. I don’t know what you are talking about.” He said, coming from behind his desk.

“This!” She said, taking the newspaper, which she had stuffed into her small purse, and pushing it into his hands. “Look at that headline! The Primrose Strangler claims a fourth victim! You never told me that she was one of four victims. You didn’t even tell me last night when I came to your—“

“Sergeant. I think you can leave us alone,” Val said sharply to his sergeant.

Felix looked entirely too interested in their exchange and seemed reluctant to leave at all. But he nodded to both and left the office closing the door behind him.

“Miss Derry.” He waved her to sit at the chair recently occupied by Felix and took the one opposite her. “I didn’t tell you or your father because I didn’t want to distress you further. There is some evidence she might by the fourth victim—”

Caroline shook her head. “You think because I’m in this situation that I can’t be told the truth. I want the truth. I’m not some simpering woman to be told half-truths or no truth at all. This is my sister. I demand the truth Inspector.”

“I’m sorry Miss Derry,” he told her quietly. “I’m used to dealing with very fragile women. Most never want to hear anything. Most would never come here to see me and they tolerate me in their homes because they hope I’ll bring the killer to justice.”

Caroline nodded. “Well I’m not most women, Inspector. And anything concerning my sister Irene, I want to know about.”

“Since you’re here you can save me some time,” he pulled the small notebook to him and a pencil.

“Yes?” She asked her hands folded primly in her lap as she gazed at him.

“I’d like to ask you some questions about your sister,” he began.

“Of course. Anything I can do to help you.”

“Can you tell me about her friends?”

Caroline frowned. “She had several. You know about her two closest friends. Ethel and Nell. They’ve been friends since childhood. They are both from good families and my father and grandmother approved.”

She watched as he noted her words in the book he kept and her eyes swept over his form. He wore striped blue pants and jacket and a waistcoat of a lighter color. He looked very handsome and serious and not at all how she imagined a detective to look.

“Was anyone courting her?” He asked.

She shook her head. “No. Not that I know of.”

“Did she have any admirers? Someone who might have not liked the fact that she wasn’t giving him attention. Someone who was angry at her inattentiveness?”

Caroline shook her head. “We attended the same balls, gatherings, supper parties, picnics. Everyone liked Irene. She was lively and made friends easily. I don’t recall anyone making a nuisance of themselves.”

“I’ll speak in depth with Ms. Church and Ms. Lewis.

She nodded. “I’m sure they’ll both be willing to speak to you.”

“Do you know of anyone who wished her harm?” He asked suddenly.

Caroline swallowed. “No,” she whispered and her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t think of anyone.”

Vat stood up. “If anything comes to light, I will let you know Miss Derry. But sometimes these things move very slowly.”