The Unbelievers Read Online Free Page A

in.
    He shook the Inspector’s hand, wincing at the firmness of the policeman’s grasp.
    â€œPlease, Inspector, I’ll be delighted to help you in any way I can.”
    â€œI appreciate that, sir. May I introduce my colleague Sergeant McGillivray?”
    The tall sergeant bowed. As he did so, Arthur noticed the purple ribbon on his chest.
    â€œVictoria Cross, Sergeant? I must say, it’s an honour to meet you.”
    â€œMany other brave men deserved it more than me, sir.” Arthur was struck by the force of the sergeant’s clear Highland diction.
    â€œI hardly think a Victoria Cross is an excuse for modesty, Sergeant. Where did you earn it? The Crimea? India?”
    â€œIndia, sir. Lucknow. A bad business. I prefer not to dwell on it.”
    â€œVery well, and I’m sorry to have caused you discomfort. Shall we retire next door to the manse and I’ll see how I can help you?”

    Arthur led them through to the parlour. A fire had been lit in preparation for his return, and a decanter of sherry had been set out on top of the embroidered lace cover of the little round table at the window. The room still felt chilly, though, and the single sherry glass must, he thought, look pathetically inhospitable. He pulled the braided bellcord beside the fireplace.
    â€œWon’t you take a seat, gentlemen?”
    â€œMuch obliged,” said the Inspector, sitting on a delicate silk-upholstered Chippendale at one side of the fireplace. The sergeant stood for a second until Arthur motioned him towards the matching chair on the opposite side of the fire, and the huge policeman sat gingerly as if scared that his frame would break it, holding his top-hat in front of him on his lap.
    An elderly manservant came in and bowed.
    â€œWilson, would you be so kind as to help these gentlemen to a refreshment. Tea, gentlemen? Or perhaps something a little stronger?”
    â€œNothing thank you, sir. We need only detain you very briefly,” said Allerdyce.
    â€œVery well.”
    The servant bowed again and left, pulling the door silently behind him.
    â€œHow,” continued Arthur, “might I be of assistance?”
    Allerdyce took his notebook out of his pocket and flicked through several pages before speaking.
    â€œWe were hoping you could help us, sir, with a missing person case.”
    â€œHow intriguing? I most certainly will help you if I can. Who is it?”
    â€œYour brother, sir, His Grace the Duke of Dornoch.”
    â€œGood grief!”
    â€œYou are surprised, sir?”
    â€œSurprised, Inspector? I should say so. I had heard nothing about this. My brother is a man of the highest public profile. I cannot see how he could possibly go missing.”
    â€œThe Duchess is most concerned, sir. She says he has not returned to Dalcorn House for three nights, and no-one in the household knows of any business that would have required his absence. We wondered whether you might be able to indicate some possible lines of enquiry.”
    â€œLines of enquiry, Inspector? Such as?”
    â€œWell, sir, perhaps you know of a place your brother was in the habit of frequenting? Somewhere where we might be able to find someone who has had recent sight of him?”
    Arthur paused. The only places he could think his brother might have gone were thoroughly dishonourable, and he was unsure that he should mention them. The detective, though, must have read his mind.
    â€œI can promise you, sir, that all enquiries will be made in the strictest confidence.”
    Arthur stood up and paced the room. He strode over to the little table and put his hand on the stopper of the sherry decanter. Deciding not to pour himself a drink he turned back to face the policemen.
    â€œInspector,” he said, “I appreciate your discretion, but I judge it appropriate that what I have to tell you should only be shared between gentlemen.” He motioned towards the sergeant, who glanced at