“That’s a possibility,” Val nodded.
She was silent for several seconds as her eyes flickered from Felix to Val and then back again. “What do you want of me Inspector?”
“I would like to speak to the steward and anyone who interacts with the guests who worked that night.”
“Absolutely not.” She said hotly.
“It’s not a request,” he said quietly.
“You intend to ruin me?”
“Madam. I will be as discrete as I possibly can be.”
“A Detective Chief Inspector questioning my help about a murderer among my members. Outrageous!”
Val was silent as he watched the woman before him thinking through the different scenarios.
“Very well, Inspector.”
“Can we use an office here for the interviews?”
She shrugged. “I’ll allow you use of my own office. Is that acceptable?”
Val nodded. “Thank you, Madam.”
???
The first person they spoke to was a man named Oliver, but at Pratt’s all the stewards were referred to as George. Oliver had been at Pratt’s for five years and was well regarded by the members.
“I didn’t see anything, Sir,” Oliver said quickly when he sat down before Val and Felix.
“Excuse me?” Val said pulling out his notebook.
“That night that you are asking about. Madam Sophia told us. I didn’t see anything.”
Val raised his eyebrows as he looked over at Felix. “Excellent. Thank you for that.”
Oliver made a move to leave.
“Please have a seat. I have other questions for you.” Val said simply.
Oliver looked frightened and then took a seat as Val told him to do so.
“What hours did you work on the Tuesday in question?” Val asked.
“The early afternoon and late evening.”
“Pratt’s is a smaller club than some of the others, is it not?” Val asked.
“I would say so. I worked at White’s for several years.”
“White’s? Why did you leave White’s?” He asked about the prominent club.
“I wanted a change is all.”
“And Pratt’s, you know most of the men that come to the club?”
“Oh yes! I pride myself on greeting them by name.”