Dead Ringer by Roy Lewis Read Free Book Online

I knew it was important that Bulstrode should be hooked.
    ‘Shadowy figures, yes,’ the solicitor murmured sagely,making an eager note in his pocketbook. ‘I would agree, we would be well advised to attack those who are working behind Colonel Peel.’
    Cockburn frowned. He knew it would be a dangerous sea to venture upon. His slim fingers touched his freckled cheek: he had a passion for sailing and had indulged himself over the weekend in his yacht, the
Zouave
. His skin burned easily, and there was an angry redness about his forehead despite the precautions he had taken with a wide brimmed hat. Somewhat testily, he said, ‘Just so … but how are we to bring these issues out? Mr Wood can of course testify to the original dispute between himself and Lord George Bentinck over the age of the horse. After all, that is what this case is all about, in essence.’
    Bulstrode nodded vigorously. ‘Yes, but it seems Lord George earlier lodged an objection before the Jockey Club, claiming that
Running Rein
was not eligible for the Derby. At the ensuing hearing the Chief Steward, Baron le Tissier, refused to countenance the objection.’
    ‘We’ll need to bring that out,’ I suggested. ‘And that means we must put Lord George and the baron on the witness stand.’
    Cockburn’s narrow little eyes shifted to me, as he noted the determination in my tones. ‘That would be a strategy of high risk,’ he suggested.
    ‘But necessary,’ I insisted boldly. Bulstrode’s eyes gleamed.
    Cockburn was doubtful. ‘We need to be careful. Lord George Bentinck and Baron le Tissier are supporters of Colonel Peel; if we call them, we’d be in danger of giving them a platform on which they could launch an attack on Mr Wood’s case.’
    ‘The Solicitor General will surely call Lord George to give support to Colonel Peel,’ I suggested. ‘We’re going to have to deal with him on the witness stand in any event.’
    Cockburn opened the snuff box on the desk in front of him, tipped some snuff on the back of his hand, indulged himself and sneezed, then took out his pocket handkerchief. He listened as Icontinued, ‘The Solicitor General won’t want to call Baron le Tissier, if there really was a dispute between the two of them about
Running Rein
, before the running of the Derby.’
    Cockburn nodded slowly. ‘You’re thinking we could quickly establish both Bentinck and Baron le Tissier as hostile witnesses—’
    ‘And treat them accordingly,’ I added.
    Cockburn smiled thinly. He could see I would want to get my forensic teeth into two hostile witnesses and perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea to give me the opportunity. Slowly, he nodded. ‘Were you to be addressing the jury, how would you describe the nub of the case, James?’
    ‘A conspiracy by senior members of the Jockey Club, against an honest corn merchant, to deny him his rightful winnings after a fairly run race.’
    Bulstrode almost bounced in his chair and beamed. He truly was in the presence of Great Men. ‘I’ll make sure the necessary papers are served as soon as possible.’
    I smiled. ‘I think we should also attack Lord George’s own history, as far as the Turf is concerned.’
    Cockburn’s glance was cool and calculating. ‘You think we can raise some … ah … interesting issues here?’
    ‘I’ve heard a number of rumours over recent years. There are people I can talk to,’ I said confidently, while Bulstrode wriggled in delight.
    Cockburn pursed his lips. Like me, he had a reputation as a sporting man. He was himself well enough aware of the information that could be picked up in the clubs as well as at the racecourse and the prize ring, although of late Cockburn himself had tended to somewhat distance himself from such obvious pleasures. Women and sailing, yes, but the gaming tables and the night houses were now a distant distraction for him ‘You’re suggesting we should be trying to muddy the waters.’
    ‘It will serve our purpose.’
    ‘Hmm.’