Page 88 of A Whisper and a Curse
“He was blackmailed recently, just like Eldred,” Hadrian said. “He suspects the spiritualism society, as Eldred did.” He went on to relate what Joslin had told him. Tilda did not enjoy listening to the tale a second time.
“If Mallory is responsible for the blackmail, I am very curious how he collects this information,” Teague said. “The extortion for Eldred and for Joslin was about events that happened not at all recently.”
Tilda slid a look toward Hadrian. They could not tell Teague the truth—that Mallory had seen these people’s memories. “I’ll be anxious to hear what Mallory says when you ask him that.”
Indeed, Tilda wanted to know if Mallory would expose his ability, though she had to think he would not. How, then, would he explain how he obtained the information he’d used to blackmail people?
Teague nodded vaguely. “This blackmail gives Joslin a motive for murder.”
“It does indeed,” Hadrian agreed. “I told him he would need to provide his alibis to you. He was thoroughly indignant when I suggested he might be a killer.”
“I will call on him shortly.”
“We learned of another blackmail victim from Grenville the other day,” Tilda said. “I apologize that we didn’t share that information yesterday. There was much going on.”
“There was. Who is this victim?” Teague asked.
Tilda explained what Grenville had told them about Mrs. Horace Tarrant. “I’m inclined to think she is not the murderer, given the strength that is needed to levitate the bodies.”
“Still, we will interview her.”
“Discreetly, if you can,” Tilda urged him. “The blackmail was because she’d been having an affair. I’m sure she won’t want anyone to know why you are speaking with her.”
“Understood,” Teague said with a nod. “I am sensitive to such matters.”
“Thank you.” Tilda glanced toward his desk. “I’d like to review Mallory’s diary. I saw Joslin’s name inside when we looked at it yesterday. Now that we know he was blackmailed, perhaps there are other victims listed in the diary.”
“That is good to know.” Teague gave her an apologetic look. “However, I’m sure you understand that I need to review it first, since it is already evidence against Mallory.”
Tilda had been afraid he might say that. “Of course. It sounds as if you’ve much to do in pursuit of Mallory’s blackmail.”
“We do, and I deeply appreciate your help. I have to think Mallory will be helpful, particularly if it will help his cause. He maintains his innocence and claims he loves nothing more in this life than the London Spiritualism Society. He says he would never do anything to harm it or its mediums, whom he cherished as family.”
“Do you believe him?” Hadrian asked.
Teague shrugged. “He’s very convincing. He confessed that the society employs various tricks to entertain people during séances, which gave him a modicum of credibility. He argued that people expect a thrilling spectacle.” Teague’s brows rose briefly. “I wanted to tell you that we’ve sent a telegram to his father, Captain Vale. In all the commotion yesterday at the spiritualism headquarters, I didn’t have a chance to ask you if Thaddeus Vale was related to Captain Vale, who leased the property. I have since learned he is the man’s son.”
“We met with Captain Vale when we traveled to Swindon the day before yesterday,” Tilda explained. “I expect he’ll come to London. Captain Vale was concerned for his son because of the murders.”
“He didn’t think his son might have committed them?” Teague asked.
Hadrian shook his head. “No. We didn’t ask him, but I am confident he would have said no.”
Tilda crossed her arms over her chest. “I have to say that I’m not convinced Mallory is the killer.”
“There is a disappointing lack of direct evidence,” Teague said with more than a hint of frustration. “The fact that he sent you a threatening letter does not prove he is the Levitation Killer.” Teague cursed under his breath. “Pardon me. I do not care to use that ridiculous term the press has given this heinous murderer.”
“I understand, though it is difficult with so many news stories about it and so much discussion,” Tilda said. Mrs. Acorn had said many people were talking about it at the market that morning.
“If the killer intended to create a spectacle, they have succeeded,” Teague said grimly. “But why? What would be the point?”
“The obvious answer would be to scare mediums and perhaps prevent them from continuing their work,” Tilda replied. “However, they haven’t done so.”
“On the contrary, they’ve continued as if nothing is amiss.” Teague shook his head in disbelief. “The constable who was stationed at the society headquarters this morning reported that they are overrun with people wanting to attend séances and to see where the murders occurred.”
Hadrian wrinkled his nose. “How ghoulish.”
They fell silent a moment, everyone seeming to contemplate the case. Teague exhaled. “I’d best get back to it. I’ll let you know what I learn from the diary. We will find this killer.”