Of Night and Dark Obscurity

Felix broke into a grin and said nothing.

Chapter 9

Stella followed Caroline from the foyer into the front parlor.

“What happens Friday?” She asked nonchalantly.

Caroline resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “He’s invited me to a concert.”

“A concert?” Stella’s eyes lit up. “Do tell!”

“There’s nothing to tell. He’s invited me and Gran to a concert. It should be an enjoyable evening. Chopin, I think he said.”

“Chopin,” Stella repeated.

“What are you getting at, Stella?” She asked.

“I think the Inspector is besotted with you, Caro. In fact, no. Let me rephrase that. The Inspector is besotted with you.” She told her.

Caroline did roll her eyes this time at her friend’s words. “He’s dedicated to his work.”

“Assuredly.”

“And he wants to find Irene’s killer.”

“Undoubtedly.” Stella returned. “And all the beautiful daughters of the families he works with he takes to a concert.”

Caroline s

ighed. “Don’t make much out of nothing.”

Stella smiled. “Don’t make nothing out of something. I must run. I’m late for an appointment.”

It was Caroline’s turn to tease. “Hmm! Do tell!”

“With my milliner!” Stella kissed her friend’s cheek and was gone.

???

After they dropped the ladies off at Caroline’s home, Felix and Val traveled back to visit Simon Eastoft. They found him all alone in his small practice. He appeared disheveled and not as organized as the first time they had visited him.

“Ah Inspector, Sergeant, come in.” He waved them into his office as he rifled through his papers looking for something.

“Is something amiss, Mr. Eastoft?” Val asked eyeing Felix.

“Well yes. To be honest, there is. My clerk Mr. Bowler has been out and I’m at a loss. Certain files and papers are not where they should be and it’s quite maddening.” Simon Eastoft looked like a lost little mouse among his piles of paper.

“How long has your clerk been missing?” Val asked.

Simon took a moment to ponder the question then said, “The last day he appeared for work was that day you both came to visit me. Interesting coincidence.”

Val smiled. “I don’t believe in coincidences. Can we have his home address?”

Simon Eastoft nodded. “Of course. Is there something wrong?”

“We need to ask him a few questions,” Val said smoothly.

“Certainly. Let me find his address for you and I’ll write it down,” he sat at his desk and did just as he said he would.