Death in the Clouds (Hercule Poirot 12)

‘It crawls to such an extent that we shall have an accident in a minute,’ said Fournier drily. ‘And Mademoiselle Grey, we have left her planted there awaiting our return from the telephone, and instead we leave the hotel without a word. It is not very polite, that!’

‘Politeness or impoliteness—what does it matter in an affair of life and death?’

‘Life or death?’ Fournier shrugged his shoulders.

He thought to himself:

‘It is all very well, but this obstinate madman may endanger the whole business. Once the girl knows that we are on her track—’

He said in a persuasive voice:

‘See now, M. Poirot, be reasonable. We must go carefully.’

‘You do not understand,’ said Poirot. ‘I am afraid—afraid—’

The taxi drew up with a jerk at the quiet hotel where Anne Morisot was staying.

Poirot sprang out and nearly collided with a young man just leaving the hotel.

Poirot stopped dead for a moment, looking after him.

‘Another face that I know—but where—? Ah, I remember—it is the actor Raymond Barraclough.’

As he stepped forward to enter the hotel, Fournier placed a restraining hand on his arm.

‘M. Poirot, I have the utmost respect, the utmost admiration for your methods—but I feel very strongly that no precipitate action must be taken. I am responsible here in France for the conduct of this case…’

Poirot interrupted him:

‘I comprehend your anxiety; but do not fear any “precipitate action” on my part. Let us make inquiries at the desk. If Madame Richards is here and all is well—then no harm is done—and we can discuss together our future action. You do not object to that?’

‘No, no, of course not.’

‘Good.’

Poirot passed through the revolving door and went up to the reception desk. Fournier followed him.

‘You have a Mrs Richards staying here, I believe,’ said Poirot.

‘No, Monsieur. She was staying here, but she left today.’

‘She has left?’ demanded Fournier.

‘Yes, Monsieur.’

‘When did she leave?’

The clerk glanced up at the clock.

‘A little over half an hour ago.’

‘Was her departure unexpected? Where has she gone?’

The clerk stiffened at the questions and was disposed to refuse to answer; but when Fournier’s credentials were produced the clerk changed his tone and was eager to give any assistance in his power.

No, the lady had not left an address. He thought her departure was the result of a sudden change of plans. She had formerly said she was making a stay of about a week.

More questions. The concierge was summoned, the luggage porters, the lift boys.