I doubt that the DuCarals would report a murder that had been committed by one of their own. The crime would draw the family into the public eye and destroy their privacy forever.
“So instead of calling the police and having Rendor carted away to an asylum, they put him under house arrest, buried the victim’s body in an unmarked grave, and isolated themselves completely from the rest of the world, to keep others from discovering what they were hiding behind closed doors—what they’re still hiding behind closed doors. Bloody hell, Dimity . . .” Tears of frustration Aunt Dimity: Vampire Hunter
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pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away impatiently. “We’re not dealing with another Abaddon, are we? Does every wealthy family in England have a homicidal maniac locked in the attic?”
I sincerely doubt it, Lori. But the DuCarals might. I suggest that you find out. If history is repeating itself, the madman has found a way out of the attic.
“Maybe Lizzie caught a glimpse of him in the woods, in his vampire regalia,” I said wonderingly. “Maybe he’s the kernel of truth in Lizzie’s story.”
It’s possible.
I wrinkled my nose, perplexed. “But the footprints led me and Kit to Aldercot Hall. Why would Rendor go back there if he knew his family would lock him up again?”
Rendor may be slipping in and out of Aldercot Hall without his family’s knowledge.
“That does it,” I declared, smacking my hand on the arm of the chair and nearly dropping Reginald on his snout. “I’m not having another lunatic stalk my sons. I’m calling the police right now.”
You’re getting ahead of yourself, Lori. The police don’t respond to speculation, and speculation is all you have to offer them at the moment. We don’t know for certain that a murder ever took place at Aldercot Hall, or that the DuCarals are harboring a criminal, or that a disturbed member of the family is currently stalking Will and Rob. Unless you can substantiate your claims with hard evidence, the police won’t listen to a word you have to say. Given your recent history, one can hardly blame them.
Although I’d said much the same thing to Kit when he’d suggested calling in the police, I was too angry to view the situation rationally.
“What should I do, then?” I demanded. “Tear Aldercot Hall apart with my bare hands?”
The destruction of private property would certainly attract the attention of the police, but not in a way you would find helpful. If you wish to conduct
106 Nancy Atherton
a successful investigation of the goings-on at Aldercot Hall, you must first calm down.
It was sound advice. The DuCarals would undoubtedly set the dogs on me if I showed up on their doorstep breathing fire, so I relaxed my grip on the blue journal and rubbed my cheek against Reginald’s ears until the red mist before my eyes dissipated.
“All right,” I said fi nally. “I’m calm.”
You must remain so when you and Kit visit Aldercot Hall. While there, look for evidence that supports Lizzie’s story. See how many kernels of truth you can glean. There may be more than you expect.
“But I should focus on the murder, shouldn’t I?” I asked.
You should gather as much information about the DuCarals as you can.
If a member of the family died accidentally, or of natural causes, and the family chose not to report it, there’s no reason for you to be unduly alarmed for your sons’ safety. If, on the other hand, a passing stranger was killed in a savage attack and the family chose to cover it up . . .
“Then I’ll have something to take to the police,” I said grimly.
Speak with the servants if you can, Lori. There’s no better source of information than a chatty servant.
“I know how to handle chatty servants,” I said.
Do you? Apart from an occasional committee meeting, you haven’t spent much time in Finch lately, honing your news-gathering skills. I’m afraid you may be losing your edge.
“I’m not losing my edge,” I said, stung by Aunt Dimity’s lack of faith in me. “I’ve just been more interested in what the boys are doing at school than in what Peggy Taxman is doing with the greengrocer’s shop in Finch. Don’t worry, Dimity. I’ll get the skinny on the DuCarals.”
Please remember, Lori, that the DuCarals are not fond of visitors. You must approach them with great delicacy. If you find it difficult to keep your temper in check, you must allow Kit to do the talking. His charm is irresistible.
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“Right,” I said. “And while Kit keeps them occupied, I’ll run upstairs and break into the attic.”
I do hope you’re being facetious, Lori.
“I am,” I said, with a wry smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior tomorrow, Dimity. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut.”
There’s a first time for everything, I suppose. I’ll be very interested to hear what you discover.
“I’ll keep you informed,” I promised.
I know you will. Run along to bed, now. You’ve had a busy day, and I suspect that tomorrow will be even busier.
“Good night, Dimity,” I said.