Fragment of Fear Page #2

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in this overheated crematorium. Yes, I would have had

an affair with her, if my legs had been in better shape.

Oh, no offence. None taken. Would you care for a small cigar? Ah, fortunately, I've managed to

give them up, so I won't. I have one a day,

and two on Sundays. I'll follow your good example

until after supper. Er... you wouldn't care to give me

a wheel in the fresh air? Certainly. Yes, he was an army man. He was killed just three months

after he and Lucy were married. - That was during the war, was it?

- No, no, no, no, no. You're probably too young to remember.

There wasn't a war then. No, he was killed by a burglar. You mean he was murdered, too? Yes, god works in

a mysterious way, doesn't he? If Lucy's husband hadn't disturbed

that burglar and got himself shot, she would never have started taking

an interest in the criminal classes. And thirty or forty young delinquents who've managed to make their way

in the world, thanks to her, wouldn't be blessing her name today. Care to stay for a spot of dinner? I'm uncommonly grateful. Well, I'd love to, but unfortunately

the Sunday trains won't let me. I think the last one goes

at 7:
10 to London. Ah. I'm nothing but an old box. Ah, nonsense. I hope we meet again. You may have to hurry. {Thunder) I'm a Roman catholic. Are you? No. Well, it's just that... I'm terribly sorry,

but I can't stop crying. I've lost a very great friend. Here we are. Were.

Together at frinton. She looks very strong. The friend I left was older than me, and the friend I live with is young. The young don't understand. What does she do? She's a typist in whitehall. And you? Well, I keep the flat nice for her,

run errands and things. I'd like to do more,

but I have a heart condition. My friend, who died, left me

fifty pounds in premium bonds. Now that shows she still cared,

don't you think? Yes. She left me a barometer too,

but I never got it. The family made a fuss. Well, if you'll excuse me,

i must rush. It's been so nice talking to you. You've been a help to me, and here's something

that may be a help to you. I pray it will. I really do. No, don't read it here.

Wait until you get home. Read it at peace. Thank you very much. Hello? Hi. How's that prospective

uncle-in-law of mine's leg? Well, tell him not to keep

taking the bandages off and showing it to everybody

like a levantine beggar. Tell him it'll drop off. Do you think you can get away

from him tomorrow night? Lovely. Yeah, I can do with

seeing a young face. I've been stuck with

two old squares all day long. No, not really. I learnt that her husband

was killed by a burglar about three months

after they were married. It seems to run in the family,

doesn't it? I also met a pathetic old dyke

with a face like a bun on the train. She gave me a religious tract. Possibly. What? Well, I'll tell you. What? No, it's... Listen to this, will you? "Investigations into the background

and death of mrs Dawson "are a matter for the

Italian police and nobody else. "Investigations by other persons "can only be regarded

as unwarrantable intrusions. "It is hoped and believed

that you will appreciate this." No. I've never seen her before. Oh, I shouldn't think so.

She was about as harmless as a... As a newborn lamb. She must have been used as a courier,

i suppose, by somebody. Hotel, maybe. Well, what am I going to do?

I'm going to find out all there is to bloody well find out

about aunt Lucy's death. Yes. No, of course not. I shall

do what doctor Watson said. I shall bring the criminal to book. No, I'm all right, I promise you. Look, you come

round here tomorrow, and I'll book a table

at the tratt or somewhere. Okay? All right love, take care. Did he want to conceal

the existence of the stepping stones, or did he want to test the extent

of my curiosity about aunt Lucy, by dropping the card as bait, and

seeing whether or not I'd pursue it? I did pursue it and, um... Tomorrow, I propose to pursue it further

by visiting the esplanade hotel. And tomorrow,

i propose to pursue it further by visiting the esplanade hotel. Oh, it's you again,

you little blighter. Come on then, Columbus.

Come on. Tch-tch-tch-tch. Come on, come on.

I've got some food for you somewhere. Look!

Look what I've got you. See? Come on. Hello, Juliet? Feeding the pigeons, mr Brett? You've shut the window. Who is this? I take it you got

my letter last night. What letter? The one delivered by hand. Oh, yes? Yes. Look, I don't know or care

who you are, but I'd be very grateful if you'd stop

your bloody stupid childish tricks. Now, listen to me. I've no intention of

listening to anybody. I should listen if I were you. What do you want? Nothing. Nothing as regards Lucy Dawson,

from you or by you. All right, who are you? I am seven.

Like the devils in the Bible. Or seventeen, or seventy,

or seven hundred. Anything you choose, really,

and you are only one. Yes, well, if all seven hundred

of you will excuse me, I'll go and shave now,

and then go on down to the police. It was nice talking to you.

Remember me to Juliet. Sergeant Matthews, sir.

Kensington police. You saved me a telephone call. - Um, will you come in?

- Your milk, sir. If you don't mind

talking in the kitchen, I'm just making some breakfast.

I'll give you a cup of tea if you like. No, thank you, sir.

I've just had mine. - Sorry, would you like to sit down?

- Thank you, sir. I take it you're not

altogether surprised then, sir. No, I'm not.

I was away all day yesterday, and when I got back last night, there was evidence that someone

had broken into the flat. Nothing was actually stolen,

but it's a very complicated story, so I thought I'd phone the police.

I had a couple of calls this morning... We will get to that later, sir.

That's not exactly the reason for my visit. You are mr Timothy Brett, sir? Yes. And did you travel

on the 7:
10 train last night from burlington to Victoria station? Yes, I did. Yes. And did you have in your compartment a female between the ages

of forty and fifty wearing a camel sweater,

a brown jacket and a tweed skirt? Oh, god, she's not gone and

done herself in or anything, has she? Yes, I did see her, yes. At about 11:15 last night, sir, a person answering the above description

called at the police station and laid a complaint against a person

of your name, and of this address, alleging that you made improper

and indecent suggestions to her. She declined to give

her own name and address, sir, or make a formal statement. I have to inform you that in the circumstances,

and failing further evidence, it is not the intention of the police

to take any further action. It is felt that you should nevertheless

be informed of this matter, and if you wish to make a statement,

i am authorised to take it down. It's a bit difficult to know

what to say. - You sure you don't want a cup?

- No, thanks. Did you actually

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