One of them had stepped to the bench to look down at Nobby. He asked, “Have you touched the knife?

“No.

“Was Leeds here with you?

“Yes.

“Did he touch the knife?

“I don't think so. If he did I didn't see him.

The cop turned to his colleague. “We won't move it, not now. You'd better stick here. Right?

“Right.

“You'll be getting word. Come along, Goodwin.

He marched to the door and opened it and let me pass through first. Outdoors he crossed to his car, got in behind the wheel, and told me, “Hop in.

I stood. “Where to?

“Where I'm going.

“I'm sorry, I said regretfully, “but I like to know where. If it's White Plains or a barracks, I would need a different kind of invitation. Either that or physical help.

“Oh, you're a lawyer.

“No, but I know a lawyer.

“Congratulations. He leaned towards me and spoke through his nose. “Mr Goodwin,

I'm driving to Mrs Rackham's house, Birchvale. Would you care to join me?

“I'd love to, thanks so much, I said warmly, and climbed in.

Chapter Five

The rest of that night, more than six hours, from half-past midnight until well after sunrise, I might as well have been in bed asleep for all I got out of it.

I learned only one thing, that the sun rises on April ninth at 5.39, and even that wasn't reliable because I didn't know whether it was a true horizon.

Lieutenant Con Noonan was at Birchvale, among others, but his style was cramped.