“Well, it certainly seems like it,” Ralph said.
“I didn’t say anything about it to the police, but I asked Mr. Wilkes if he’d sell me that pendant of his.”
“But you knew he’d never part with it,” Ralph said.
“Well, I thought I’d take a chance. I knew Justin was interested in it because of his brother and all. So I offered him a thousand pounds. I figured I could sell it on to Justin for two.”
“I can just imagine how that went over,” Katie said wryly.
“You’ve got that right. He said I must be crazy to think he would ever sell it. He got really upset that I would ask him. I told him I was just having a bit of a laugh.”
“And?”
“Nothing. He wanted another glass of cold water. After he drank that up he left. Said he was off to find the railway where his grandmother used to meet her Yank. You won’t say anything to the police will you, sir? It was a small misunderstanding, but it would look bad if the police thought there was a big row or something.”
“That’s up to you. The police think Liam died from chewing on some damn reeds, but I’m convinced that he was murdered by whoever stole his pendant. I’m not suggesting it was you, but the police may rethink their conclusion that it was accidental if anyone overheard your argument. If it were me, I think I’d tell them what happened. It might look bad if they had to come to you, rather than the other way around.”
“I hadn’t thought about it like that,” Silas confessed. He had obviously not thought through the significance of what he had told Ralph and Katie. To him it was just the usual routine chat over the bar to customers.
“You’re right of course, sir. I’ll call Reading and probably go over there first thing tomorrow and get it off my chest. But for my money, someone just stumbled across poor Mr. Wilkes’ body and took the pendant. Most likely a tramp, or maybe even that escaped prisoner. I hope they get the same bad luck that he had.”
“Perhaps there is something in that curse business after all,” Katie offered.
“Now I’m glad he wouldn’t sell it to me. Business is bad enough as it is,” he laughed.
Ralph could see that Silas was the sort that could easily move on from one crisis to another without too much reflection. Sometimes he wished he were more like that himself.
________________
Chapter 9
Ralph had convinced Katie that it was highly unlikely that Liam had accidentally ingested the hemlock. They decided to focus their energies on solving what they now both strongly believed was his murder.
Omar Naser was high on their list of suspects. But they could not see how he could have followed Liam into the woods. For one thing, he had no transport. He had relied on the local taxi service to take him wherever he wanted to go. And besides, he seemed to have a watertight alibi.
Anton Meckler was also out of the frame. If he was critically ill in the hospital, then he could hardly have been involved in carrying out a murder at the same time. Katie reminded Ralph that what Arthur had said about Anton being someone to watch. Meckler would have been in a position to know who may have been interested in buying the amulets. After all, through his contacts at the Museum, he would have known all the antiquities dealers around. Perhaps a few discreet questions to Meckler might provide a lead to who was in the market for the amulet. If they could get that information, it could be a link to Liam’s killer. It was a long shot but one worth trying.
In the past the direct approach had always worked best. Ralph knew that when a person was thrown off their guard they often said things they might not otherwise have revealed.
As they approached the gates of the Castle, they were surprised to see a notice saying that the exhibition was temporarily closed although the ticket office was open. The lady there told them that Anton was still in the Royal Berkshire Hospital and that they were trying to find a substitute guide.
“If Anton did steal the original amulet from the Castle, then if he heard that Liam was killed to get its twin, he’d be pretty worried,” she said as they drove towards the hospital.
“Yes. Meckler probably wasn’t above stealing, but I seriously doubt he is a murderer,” Ralph agreed.
They had to drive around the car-park several times before Ralph finally found a space. Katie knew that he hated parking in public car-parks where there was more of a chance his precious vintage Jag might get a scratch.
When they made their enquiries, the woman at reception directed them to the Darnley Ward on the fifth floor of the East Wing. After walking down what seemed like miles of corridors and through countless swing doors, they arrived at Acute Care. Ralph pressed the red buzzer next to a notice: NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY written in large black letters. After waiting for 5 minutes a nurse wearing a face mask finally appeared.
“We’re here to visit Anton Meckler,” Katie said when the nurse asked who they were there to see.
“But only family members are allowed outside visiting hours,” she advised, adding, “and just one at a time.”
“We’re family” said Katie. “You go on in, Ralph. I’ll wait here.”
Before he could reply, the nurse led him to a cubicle where she directed him to put on a gown and facemask.
“When you’re ready, Mr. Meckler is in room ‘B’. Only 5 minutes. Ring the buzzer and someone will let you out,” she said somewhat bruskly.
Anton was in a small room with cream coloured walls and shuttered windows. With the soft overhead lighting, it all looked a bit surreal. Anton seemed to be asleep. Ralph glanced at the tubes connected to his arm and the wires that connected him to some sort of machine that displayed an array of green and yellow twinkling lights. He pulled up a chair and leant over. Anton’s was awake.
“Is that you Charles?” I got your letter. I’m sorry it worked out this way. But now you’re back it’s all over.”
Ralph realized that Anton was delirious and waited for a few moments as he struggled with what to say. He felt like a complete fraud and considered just walking out and forgetting the whole business. But then he remembered Liam.
“No, it’s not Charles. I’m Ralph Chalmers. You spoke to me at Highclere when I brought the Americans to see your exhibition. Then we met at the Carpenter’s one night. You were with Justin.” It sounded like someone in a bad play but it was the best he could do. Anton raised himself up and for a moment Ralph was worried that the drip would come out of where it was taped to his arm.
“Where is Charles?”
“Sorry, Anton, I don’t know who Charles is.”
“Charles Edington. My friend. He wrote me a letter from Luxor and said he was coming home. I have the letter here.” Anton struggled as he tried to turn and reach for the bedside locker.
Ralph realized that in his confused state Anton must have forgotten that Edington had been murdered. It was in all the papers and he had made a toast to Charles with Justin at the Carpenter’s Arms that night when they were all there.
“Just stay still; I’ll get it,” said Ralph. He pulled open the metal draw and saw what he assumed was Anton’s wallet and a letter. He handed him the letter, and as he took it Anton slumped back on the pillows. For the first time Ralph noticed that he wore a bandage over his left eye and that he was perspiring profusely.
“You read it,” gasped Anton. “Charles had to do the right thing, you’ll see.”
Ralph opened the envelope. The neat handwriting was easy to read.
Anton,
It seems that my dream of a future away from all my critics will have to be delayed.
Tomorrow I have an appointment to see the authorities and will hand the amulet to them. The Muslim brotherhood will be able to make good use of it and that way some good will have come from my efforts to find the elusive third cache. They may have information about the amulet’s twin and if so they can get the funding to mount a full scale excavation.
The poverty here is worse than you could ever imagine. I must to try to help.
On
ce this business is resolved, my career will be ruined and no doubt I shall be arrested.
It would be best if you say nothing to Justin until I can talk to him in person and explain everything.
Must close now.
Your friend Charles.
“It’s a nice letter Anton. Charles was a good friend.”
Anton raised himself a few inches off the mattress on his elbows and looked directly at Ralph.
“Charles said that the tomb and treasures must be found. It was his life-long dream. He knew that the Muslim brotherhood had information about the twin amulet. Once he knew the Egyptians were getting close, he panicked. He told me that he had to get to Luxor.” Anton sank back on to his pillows as the nurse looked in.
“I need a few more minutes, please,” Ralph said to her as she nodded and closed the door.”
“Anton. Who stole the amulet from the exhibition?” There was no answer. The effort of talking must have exhausted him. Now he was in a deep sleep.
For a moment Ralph thought of keeping the letter and taking it to the police. It least it would explain why Charles was in Luxor. But Charles was dead. When, or if Anton recovered, he would have to decide what he would tell the police about his part, if any, in the theft of the amulet. Ralph returned the letter to the envelope and resealed it as best he could before he returned it to the drawer. He hoped that Anton would recover. Perhaps then they would have another conversation. But for now all Ralph wanted was to get out into the fresh air. As the nurse let Ralph out through the security door she turned to him.
“You know that your brother is seriously ill. He’s suffering from a severe case of malaria. We’re giving him the strongest antibiotics available, but his condition is critical. Is there a number we can call if things get worse?”
Ralph gave her the number of the Vineyard Hotel.
Once they were in the car Ralph told Katie what had happened.
“So Anton and Edington were involved in the robbery,” said Katie.
“Most probably,” said Ralph as he pushed the card in to the machine at the exit barrier. “You know it seems to me that everyone has to have a friend they can rely on when the chips are down. For Anton it was Charles Edington. I suppose I think of Peter as my best friend, but we’re not that close.”
“I think you have to let the walls down if you want someone to be a real friend,” Katie said. “You don’t like feeling vulnerable, Ralph. The only way to have a lasting relationship is with someone you trust enough to let your defenses down.” Ralph knew she was right, but wondered if he could ever trust anyone that much.
“But at least we now know why the amulet was stolen,” Ralph said. “Apart from Anton, we are the only ones who do know.”
“Don’t you think we should tell Inspector Roberts?” Katie asked. “After all, it is a murder case.”
“As far as we’re concerned, that’s true, but not technically. Don’t forget, the police are still treating Liam’s death as accidental. And the theft has nothing to do with his death.”
“But what about Charles Edington’s death? Inspector Roberts is also involved with the Egyptian authorities over his murder.”
“I suppose that technically that’s all true. It just seems a bit cruel, what with Anton so ill and his best friend murdered, I thought if the police question him now it could be the last straw.”
“There you go, Ralph. What is that, some sort of school boy honor code? I’m not so sure that what you think of as doing the right thing is really that clear. I think we should go to Inspector Roberts and lay the cards on the table. Let him worry about Anton.”
“When we get back to the hotel I promise I’ll give Roberts a call. Okay?”
“You’re a hard case, Ralph Chalmers, but that really is the right thing to do and you know it.” she laughed and gave him a hug.
“Steady on I’m trying to drive. These country roads are dangerous.” He smiled to himself. She’s probably right, but I’m damned if I’m going to change.
Back at the hotel, Ralph phoned Inspector Roberts while Katie got dressed for dinner.
“There’s something I need to tell you about the stolen amulet,” Ralph explained when he got the Inspector on the line.”
“I’m glad you called, sir. I’ve just received some news that might interest you. We just had a call from the authorities in Luxor, and it seems they’ve arrested someone in connection with Charles Edington’s murder; a petty thief, by all accounts. He’s confessed to having attempted to rob Professor Edington in his hotel room but says he never intended to kill him. Knowing those bloodthirsty buggers, he’ll no doubt face the death penalty. They’re not as lenient as we are over here.”
“About the amulet, Inspector Roberts,” Ralph interjected.
“Oh yes, I nearly forgot. The police out there found the amulet on the thief. That’s how they traced it back to Edington and the hotel. It seems as though the authorities, well the Muslim Brotherhood, knew all about Edington having the amulet. So at least that’s one problem solved. Now we just need to find out how he got it from the exhibition at Highclere or if someone stole it for him.”
“But sorry, sir, what did you want to tell me about?”
“Nothing really, Inspector. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Well. I must go Professor Chalmers. Lots of paper work to get on with. Stay in touch, sir.”
A few minutes after he had rung off with Ralph, Inspector Roberts was savoring his cup of canteen tea with Sergeant Jones when Jones noticed a puzzled expression on the Inspector’s face.
“Wait a minute Jones. How did that Chalmers bloke know about Edington having that amulet with him in Luxor?”
“You probably mentioned it, Sir. Chalmers is a pretty bright chap, by all accounts. When I spoke to my mate at Kingston he told me that Chalmers has helped the Department there on a number of cases and I gather he he’s seen as quite a sleuth.”
“You’re probably right, Jones. Anyhow, we’d better get back to this paperwork. It’s going to be another late night.”
***
Katie walked out of the bathroom as Ralph hung up the phone.
“Did you call him?” I’ll bet you feel better about it.”
“Well, sort of.”
He told her about Edington’s killer having been caught and the amulet found.
“So now Anton can tell the whole story and explain how the amulet finished up in Luxor with Edington,” Katie said.
“Yes. But it might not be that simple.”
“What do you mean? Of course it’s that simple. But let’s not think about it right now. All this detective work has made me hungry.”
As they were finishing their coffee, the hotel manager came across to speak to them.
“I think this message is for you, sir. They asked for a Mr. Meckler, but they had your room number, so I thought I should check.” Ralph went to the desk. It was the Hospital. Ralph dialed the number, although he was afraid he already knew what the message was about.
“I’m afraid it’s your brother, Mr. Meckler,” the nurse said after Ralph explained that he was returning their call. “He died a few minutes ago. I’m sorry, but there was no time to call you.”
Ralph felt quite depressed. He had masqueraded as Anton’s brother and been collusive in covering up a crime. And now Anton was dead.
“Thank you for letting me know,” said Ralph, quietly.
“If you could come in tomorrow we can arrange the necessary paper-work. We are very sorry for your loss. Any time tomorrow will be fine.” Ralph was not sure how he would extricate himself from the mess he found himself in. Obviously he would need to tell the hospital sooner or later that he had lied about his relationship with Anton Meckler, but that could wait. Right now he had more important things on his mind. He picked up the telephone and dialled the now familiar number of the police station. He told Inspector the whole story. The Inspector seemed a bit distracted, but assured Ralph that he would contact Meckler’s sister in Bu
rghclere and take care of things. He thanked Ralph for letting him know.
Back at the table he told Katie what had happened.
“It’s all very sad, Ralph, but at least poor Anton won’t have to suffer any more. And you did what you had to do. Let’s just try to put it aside for now. It’s been a busy day.”
Back in their room, Ralph switched on the television. There wasn’t much on so he turned to the world news on Blumberg. A bland and dispassionate news reader completed what for them had been a long day of non-stop disasters.
News has just come in of a plane crash in Egypt. A private jet had to make an emergency crash landing in a freak sandstorm at Cairo airport. It had been charted in France by El Sarias, a large industrial conglomerate based in Cairo. The only passenger on board, Mr. Omar Naser, was bringing back to Egypt some antiquities that had been recovered from museums and collections in Europe. All those on board survived.
“The curse of Tutankhamun must have missed its mark that time,” Ralph said as he pressed the ‘off’ button on the remote.
___________________
Chapter 10
Ralph was convinced that Justin could shed new light on what had happened to Liam. Perhaps some small detail about their conversation over lunch might give him a lead. Silas had told him how to get to Nuthanger Farm which was just off the Ecchinswell Road, at the foot of Watership Down. As the Jaguar rolled to a halt he could see the farm house, a large whitewashed thatched building which he guessed was at least 200 years old. The entrance gates were locked. There were some dilapidated out-buildings at the side and acres of land that stretched out beyond the wire fencing. A farm hand, whom Ralph had seen with Justin at the Carpenter’s, emerged from behind an old barn.
Murder at Downton (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 6) Page 10