Page 29 of Copper Script
The mockery dropped away from Wildsmith’s face on the instant.Aaron almost wished it wouldn’t: he looked suddenly rather vulnerable.“Oh.That’s a relief.It was good of you to take the trouble.”
“Not at all.I spoke to Hollis too, and you needn’t worry further there.It was a misunderstanding.”
“Even better.Just milk, yes?”
“A splash.”Aaron came up to take the mug of tea, rather than Wildsmith carrying it over.That put them close for a moment, close enough for him to see a hint of copper stubble, a look of weariness around the light eyes.
He retreated to his chair in haste, and let the other man sit before he went on.“And I went to Marylebone Station to ask about Constable Sefton.”
He could all but see Wildsmith’s hackles spring up.“Did you.And what did you conclude?”
“I didn’t have to.He’s been suspended for gross misconduct.”
Wildsmith’s eyes widened.“Hashe.Has he really.”
“Not related to your business.I mentioned it, without your name, to the officer dealing with the case, but—”
“Don’t tell me.He didn’t want to know.”
“You could still make a complaint.”Aaron hesitated, but had to add, “I don’t know if it would do you much good.”
“Of course not.It’s my word against Sefton’s, admission to indecent acts, blah blah, nobody cares.”
“Yes,” Aaron said.“I’m very sorry, but, yes.”
Wildsmith let out a long silentwhew.“But you asked.Which was good of you.And they’re doing something about the swine, whatever their reasons, which is better.So I will chalk it up as a victory.Cheers.”He held up his mug.Aaron startled himself by leaning over to clink it.
“Cheers.I’m sorry it’s not more.”
“Oh, well, my philosophy is to take your wins where you can get them.Thank you, Detective Sergeant.I do appreciate all that very much.And I am now madly curious to know about this proposal.”
“It’s...perhaps not a proposal.More of a challenge.”
“I struggle to resist those,” Wildsmith said.“As you know.Go on.”
Aaron took a deep breath.“How would you feel about a blind test of your abilities?”
“Meaning?”
“I’d like you to look at some writing from a number of potential suspects in a case, and give me your opinion.”
Wildsmith opened his mouth, then hesitated.“Is it a murder?A Molesworth thing?”
“I don’t know.”
“Sorry?”
“I don’t know what the case is, or any of the people involved.And it’s ongoing.Nobody knows who the culprit is, except himself.Or herself.”
“Oh.So I can’t draw any information out of you with my—” Wildsmith wiggled his fingers to indicate mystical powers.“And, what, you want me to look at a lot of suspects and pick the villain for you?Seriously?”
“I’d like you to give your opinion, which I won’t pass on to anyone until the case is resolved by normal means, and never if it isn’t solved.This will not be part of the investigation process in any way.It’s purely a test.”
“For what purpose?”
“Satisfying my curiosity,” Aaron said.“You’ve made remarkable claims and shown remarkable results.I’d like to see you repeat them in a controlled manner.”
“Um.”Wildsmith frowned.“Let me think about this.You’ve got samples of all the suspects’ hands?Ones written after the crime?”
