The Black Seraphim by Michael Gilbert Read Free Book Online Page A

was reported to us.”
    “By whom?”
    “I’m afraid I can’t tell you that, sir.”
    “Why not?”
    “We never reveal the sources of our information.”
    “But if the matter comes to court, he or she will be called on to give evidence.”
    “If it comes to court.”
    The Dean considered this in silence for a full minute while the Superintendent fidgeted. He had never felt comfortable with Dean Forrest. His predecessor had been a great deal easier to deal with. A very agreeable old man. Not a gaunt ruffian like the present incumbent.
    “And was this the matter that your Sergeant Telfer came here this morning to discuss with the Archdeacon?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Why?”
    “I’m not sure I follow you.”
    “Why was a matter affecting the discipline of the Close discussed with the Archdeacon and not with myself?”
    “Well, sir, I suppose in this case it was because—” He broke off, realising suddenly that he had nearly been trapped into an indiscretion. He changed the end of the sentence smoothly “—because we don’t quite appreciate these fine points. We thought that administrative matters would be the concern of the Archdeacon.”
    “That’s a very curious idea, Superintendent. Tell me, if I had information which affected the reputation of your force . . . I say, if – I’m not implying that I have any such information. Would I not then go to the head of your force? To your Chief Constable, Valentine Laporte? I would not discuss it with a sergeant, or even—” the Dean paused delicately “—with a detective superintendent.”
    “I suppose not, sir. If this was a mistake, I must take the blame for it.”
    “On general grounds? Or was it perhaps you who suggested that Sergeant Telfer should see the Archdeacon?”
    The Superintendent felt himself being forced into a corner. Also he was aware that he was losing his temper and that if he lost it he would put himself at a disadvantage. He said, “On both grounds. And now could I revert to the two points I’ve already mentioned.”
    “Two points,” said the Dean, placing the tips of his fingers together.
    “First, will you ask Masters for an explanation?”
    “Certainly not.”
    “I’m afraid I must insist, sir. If you won’t question the man, someone else must. An accusation has been made.”
    “All that you have told me so far is that an unnamed informant has told you that they saw Masters selling unidentified silver objects in the marketplace. You have no case at all, and unless you can produce some more substantial evidence, I won’t have one of the Cathedral servants bothered with it.”
    “I’m afraid I can’t leave it at that, sir.”
    “If you should ignore my direct instructions and seek to harass Masters in any way, I will make it my business to see that he is legally protected.”
    The Superintendent hesitated. He was aware that he had no more than suspicions. If the stall keeper had been anyone but Alf Carney, he wouldn’t have given the matter a second thought.
    While he was hesitating, the Dean said, “You had a second point?”
    “Yes, sir. I had. Sergeant Telfer wants his car back.”
    “He shall have it. On payment of the stipulated fine. For a first offense, five pounds.”
    “Aren’t you being a little unreasonable, sir?”
    “Not in the least. When you were calling on me, I notice you parked your car in my drive. Very reasonable. Why should Sergeant Telfer not have parked his car inside the Archdeacon’s gate, instead of leaving it in a position where it blocked three other cars which were legally parked?”
    “Being on duty, I expect he thought it would be in orde”If he thought that, I would suggest a medical check.”
    “Sir?”
    “Because he must be stone deaf. Mullins informs me that he told him not once, but twice that he was breaking Close regulations.”
    Bracher got up abruptly, put down a five-pound note on the table and said, “If you’ll kindly tell me where the car is, I’ll have it