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MYSTERY IN MAYFAIR

Lord Robert Gospell suffocated in Taxi

Who was the second fare?

Colombo Dimitri in his smart flat in the Cromwell Road drew the attention of his confidential servant to the headlines.

‘What a tragedy,’ he said. ‘It may be bad for us at the beginning of the season. Nobody feels very gay after a murder. He was so popular, too. It is most unfortunate.’

‘Yes, monsieur,’ said the confidential servant.

‘I must have been almost the last person to speak with him,’ continued Dimitri, ‘unless, of course, this dastardly assassin addressed him. Lord Robert came to me in the hall and asked me if I had seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett. I told him I had just seen her go away. He thanked me and left. I, of course, remained in the hall. Several of the guests spoke to me after that, I recollect. And then, an hour later, when I had left, but my men were still busy, the police rang up. He was a charming personality. I am very, very sorry.’

‘Yes, monsieur.’

‘It would be a pleasant gesture for us to send flowers. Remind me of it. In the meantime, if you please, no gossip. I must instruct the staff on this point. I absolutely insist upon it. The affair must not be discussed.’

‘C’est entendu, monsieur.’

‘In respect of malicious tittle-tattle,’ said Dimitri virtuously, ‘our firm is in the well-known position of Caesar’s wife.’ He glanced at his servant’s face. It wore a puzzled expression. ‘She did not appear in gossip columns,’ explained Dimitri.