The Dark Palace

‘What else has this misguided operation of yours uncovered?’

‘You will excuse me if I don’t answer that. Not now. Here.’ With a curt nod, Qui

Hartma

‘That’s right, Herr Hartma

‘You already know who I am? Should I be worried?’

‘Not unless you have a guilty conscience.’

‘Don’t we all have something on our conscience?’

Qui

Waechter interrupted, with a click of his heels and a bow. Unlike Hartma

‘No, Herr Waechter,’ said Qui

‘I know the man. Of course. He is something of a celebrity within the German community here in London. Does he have something to do with what has happened tonight?’

‘You will forgive me, but you do not strike me as a man who is much in need of a barber’s services.’

‘I appreciate a good shave as much as the next man. But really, do you believe Dortmunder to be behind the outrageous attack on that poor woman?’

‘You were seen handing Dortmunder a package.’

‘I say, Inspector, have you been spying on me?’

‘We have been watching Dortmunder’s place. I think you know that.’

‘I did drop off a script. The other day.’

‘A script?’

‘Yes. Herr Dortmunder has been trying for some time to break into motion picture scenario writing. Like many who go to the picture palaces, he imagines that it will be a way to easy money. Unfortunately it is not as easy as many people believe. However, I will say one thing for Dortmunder. He is persistent. Over the years, he must have asked me to look at literally hundreds of scripts. He will not be discouraged.’

‘And you return the scripts to him personally, yourself? Have you not thought of using the Royal Mail? I am sure you have junior staff who can take care of such things.’

‘As you said, he is a compatriot of mine. Besides, he shows promise. He has not come up with anything I can use yet, but perhaps one day he might.’

Qui

‘Many people were invited. I do not know all of them.’

‘There must be a list?’

Waechter shrugged impatiently. Such things did not concern him. ‘Hartma

‘Yes, of course. I will see that it is sent to you, Inspector. Where may I send it?’

‘New Scotland Yard. For the attention of DI Qui

‘What you must understand, Inspector, is that sometimes people pass on their invitations. We ca

Qui

‘Please inform me of the details when you know for certain.’

‘Do you have any kvestions for me?’ Waechter spoke in a curt, aggressive growl. He had the habit of giving extra emphasis to the words he had most difficulty in pronouncing, as if his struggles with the language were the source of his anger.

Qui

Waechter bowed in expectation of praise.

‘There are certain similarities between the theme of your film and the crime that was committed tonight.’

‘I am ein Künstler! You know? An artist. Ja? Every artist is also – how do you say – ein Profet?’

‘Prophet. It is the same word,’ put in Hartma

‘Ja, zere is prophet in every artist.’

‘And profit too,’ observed Qui

‘Are you looking for investment opportunities, Inspector?’ asked Hartma

‘I am not looking to invest. A policeman’s salary does not run to gambling on the stock market.’ Qui

There was an exchange between Waechter and Hartma

Hartma

‘I am considering submitting a legal application to have the film withdrawn from public exhibition.’ In fact, the thought had only just occurred to Qui

There was an outraged exchange between Waechter and Hartma

It was up to Hartma

‘The one thing I ca

Waechter drew himself up to intimidate. ‘The public vill not allow it! You vill have ein revolution on your hands if you forbid the people from seeing my film.’

Qui

Qui

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lord Dunwich engaged in an intimate tête à tête with the brunette who had played the part of a dancer in the film, the fake ingénue Qui