Page 27 of A Whisper at Midnight
“How odd since we hardly knew each other at all.” Hadrian didn’t bother cloaking his irritation.
Standing beside him, Tilda inched closer so she could gently jab him with her elbow. “How will Chambers’ death impact your shop opening?” She looked about the space.
“Honestly, it will make things much easier.” Pollard shook out his shoulders and nearly smiled. “He was not as engaged as he ought to have been—as he once was. And he was not able to provide the financial support that he promised.”
“In what way?” Tilda asked.
“We have a written agreement for our partnership, and he’s required to provide certain monetary amounts at various stages. He’s been late in making those payments the past several months, which has delayed the work that needed to be done. We should be opening the shop next week, but we are still several weeks away.” Pollard spoke bitterly, his eyes flashing. The contention that Flanders had mentioned was evident.
“Do you have the entire investment now?” Hadrian asked.
“No, and I suppose I never will.” Pollard put his hands on his hips and looked about the not-quite-finished shop. In addition to work that needed to be done, the cases were mostly empty of items to sell. “It’s good that I have been speaking with another potential investor, though Louis didn’t want me to do that. He was very angry.” Pollard locked his eyes with Tilda. “Do not think I killed him over our disagreements. I did not.”
“I am not making any conclusions,” Tilda said evenly. “I am merely collecting information, and I greatly appreciate your candor. What else did you disagree about besides finances?”
“That was the prime reason for our conflict, though we ultimately had different visions for the store. I have always said I wanted a department store that would expand. Louis never thought big enough.” Pollard scoffed. “He imagined we would simply sell dresses and add men’s clothing later. I want customers to walk into Pollard and Chambers and be able to meet every one of their clothing needs, including shoes and boots.”
“How did you and Mr. Chambers decide to go into business together?” Tilda asked.
Pollard exhaled. “Louis had been looking for a way to distinguish himself. His older brother inherited their father’s engineering firm, and Louis didn’t have the skill for that anyway. His younger brother is a curate. Louis didn’t have anything, and then he suddenly had a wife, which I don’t think he reallywanted.” He shrugged. “We were friends at our club, and one night after drinking too much, I told him of my dream to open a department store. My uncle owns a drapery warehouse, and I’d been working for him. He would be able to supply the materials for the shop at an exceptionally reasonable price, and my wife is an accomplished dressmaker.”
“Is she making everything for the store?” Tilda asked in astonishment.
“Of course not. She has hired seamstresses, tailors, and milliners who are already working on items that will be here in the store when we open. We’d hoped to hire a cobbler, but there hasn’t been money for that.” Pollard’s eyes narrowed with anger again. “This is why it was so important for Louis to make his payments on time, and he did not.”
Tilda nodded sympathetically. “I can understand your frustration. Are you in debt with the store?”
Pollard frowned at her. “I think you are overstepping now.”
“I’m sure the police will ask the same question, and you’ll be obliged to answer them,” she said with a placid smile. “No matter.”
“Yes, my uncle has loaned me money as well as provided material in advance of payment,” Pollard said tersely. “I was expecting a payment from Louis this week. It was already late, but he promised that he would have it by yesterday.”
“Which he did not,” Hadrian said, thinking that another nonpayment of funds Chambers was obligated to pay was as good a motive for murder as anything else.
“Was he missing again yesterday?” Tilda asked Pollard. “You indicated that happens often.”
“He was here, but he came in late, which he does most days recently. He says he is ill.” Pollard’s lip curled slightly. “I suspect he’s just drinking too much. I deeply regret partnering with him.” He shook his head.
“You mentioned you were speaking to another investor,” Tilda noted. “Will he be taking Chambers’ place in the partnership now that he is dead?”
Pollard thought for a moment. “I suppose he could. I am sorry Louis is dead, but this is a boon for me. Perhaps now I can launch the store as planned, albeit late.”
“Who is this new partner?” Hadrian asked.
“I’d rather not say, as nothing is in writing yet,” Pollard said, notching his chin up. “I’ve already helped you enough, I think. If the police want to come calling, let them.”
The door to the shop opened, and Detective Inspector Teague entered along with two constables. Hadrian stifled a smile at the man’s impeccable timing.
Teague looked from Tilda to Hadrian. “I should be surprised to find you here, yet I am not.” He settled his gaze on Pollard. “I’m Detective Inspector Teague from the Metropolitan Police.”
“Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren told me what happened to Louis,” Pollard said. “I’m sorry to hear it.”
Teague looked around the shop. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to repeat whatever you told them.”
“I’m happy to help.” Pollard gestured toward the stairs. “I’ve a sitting area in my private office where we can speak if you prefer. Though it’s on the second floor.”
“Wherever is convenient to you,” Teague said. “First, however, excuse me for a moment whilst I have a word with Ravenhurst and Miss Wren.” He inclined his head toward the door.