Death in the Clouds (Hercule Poirot 12)

‘That’s unfortunate.’

‘Evidemment! But it seems that Madame Giselle combined a little blackmailing with her profession of moneylending, and that opens up a wider field. Supposing, for instance, that Madame Giselle had knowledge of a certain criminal offence—say, attempted murder on the part of someone.’

‘Is there any reason to suppose such a thing?’

‘Why, yes,’ said Poirot slowly. ‘There is—one of the few pieces of documentary evidence that we have in this case.’

He looked from one to the other of their interested faces and gave a little sigh.

‘Ah, well,’ he said, ‘that is that. Let us talk of other matters—for instance, of how this tragedy has affected the lives of you two young people.’

‘It sounds horrible to say so, but I’ve done well out of it,’ said Jane.

She related her rise of salary.

‘As you say, Mademoiselle, you have done well, but probably only for the time being. Even a nine-days’ wonder does not last longer than nine days, remember.’

Jane laughed. ‘That’s very true.’

‘I’m afraid it’s going to last more than nine days in my case,’ said Norman.

He explained the position. Poirot listened sympathetically.

‘As you say,’ he observed thoughtfully, ‘it will take more than nine days—or nine weeks—or nine months. Sensationalism dies quickly—fear is long-lived.’

‘Do you think I ought to stick it out?’

‘Have you any other plan?’

‘Yes—chuck up the whole thing. Go out to Canada or somewhere and start again.’

‘I’m sure that would be a pity,’ said Jane firmly.

Norman looked at her.

Poirot tactfully became engrossed with his chicken.

‘I don’t want to go,’ said Norman.

‘If I discover who killed Madame Giselle, you will not have to go,’ said Poirot cheerfully.

‘Do you really think you will?’ asked Jane.

Poirot looked at her reproachfully.

‘If one approaches a problem with order and method there should be no difficulty in solving it—none whatever,’ said Poirot severely.

‘Oh, I see,’ said Jane, who didn’t.

‘But I should solve this problem quicker if I had help,’ said Poirot.

‘What kind of help?’

Poirot did not speak for a moment or two. Then he said:

‘Help from Mr Gale. And perhaps, later, help from you also.’

‘What can I do?’ asked Norman.