Death in the Clouds (Hercule Poirot 12)

‘There aren’t any nowadays.’

‘Ah, do not believe that, Madame. The man who had three millions perhaps now he has two millions—eh bien, it is still enough.’

Cicely laughed.

‘You’re very persuasive, M. Poirot. And are you really sure that dreadful man will never bother me again?’

‘On the word of Hercule Poirot,’ said that gentleman solemnly.

Chapter 20

In Harley Street

Detective-Inspector Japp walked briskly up Harley Street and stopped at a certain door.

He asked for Dr Bryant.

‘Have you an appointment, sir?’

‘No, I’ll just write a few words.’

On an official card he wrote:

‘Should be much obliged if you could spare me a few moments. I won’t keep you long.’

He sealed up the card in an envelope and gave it to the butler.

He was shown into a waiting-room. There were two women there and a man. Japp settled down with an elderly copy of Punch.

The butler reappeared and, crossing the floor, said in a discreet voice:

‘If you wouldn’t mind waiting a short time, sir, the doctor will see you, but he’s very busy this morning.’

Japp nodded. He did not in the least mind waiting—in fact he rather welcomed it. The two women had begun to talk. They had obviously a very high opinion of Dr Bryant’s abilities. More patients came in. Evidently Dr Bryant was doing well in his profession.

‘Fairly coining money,’ thought Japp to himself. ‘That doesn’t look like needing to borrow; but of course the loan may have taken place a long time ago. Anyway, he’s got a fine practice; a breath of scandal would burst it to bits. That’s the worst of being a doctor.’

Quarter of an hour later the butler reappeared and said:

‘The doctor will see you now, sir.’

Japp was shown into Dr Bryant’s consulting-room—a room at the back of the house with a big window. The doctor was sitting at his desk. He rose and shook hands with the detective.

His fine-lined face showed fatigue, but he seemed in no way disturbed by the inspector’s visit.

‘What can I do for you, Inspector?’ he said as he resumed his seat and motioned Japp to a chair opposite.

‘I must apologize first for calling in your consulting hours, but I shan’t keep you long, sir.’

‘That is all right, I suppose it is about the aeroplane death?’

‘Quite right, sir. We’re still working on it.’

‘With any result?’

‘We’re not as far on as we’d like to be. I really came to ask you some questions about the method employed. It’s this snake venom business that I can’t get the hang of.’

‘I’m not a toxicologist, you know,’ said Dr Bryant, smiling. ‘Such things aren’t in my line. Winterspoon’s your man.’