CHAPTER 9
NEW SCOTLAND YARD AND BELGRAVIA, LONDON
Back at headquarters, Vance passed Max Wright’s work station and enquired casually, “Any progress, pal?”
“I’ve made contact with the Registrar’s Office in Richmond upon Thames, sir. They are digitalising their archives, so they’re not open to me at the moment. I spoke with a very helpful clerk, though, and asked her a set of questions that she’s prepared to answer as and when she can.”
“I hope that you impressed on her how urgent our investigation is. That as and when sounds too lackadaisical for my liking.”
“I’m sure she’ll do her best. She seemed very pleasant on the phone.”
“Give her half an hour. If she hasn’t got back to you by then, threaten her with obstructing a murder inquiry. That should put a rocket up her proverbial! If ne
