Kerry Tombs - The Worcester Whisperers

‘They are in a secure location?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘Absolutely, Inspector; only the librarian and myself have a set of keys which opens the door leading into the library.’

‘Are the public allowed to view the library?’

‘No. Visitors are only allowed access to the library by prior appointment, and once there are closely supervised by the librarian. Could I offer you gentlemen a glass of sherry?’ said Touchmore, rising from his seat behind his desk.

‘Not for me, thank you, sir,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘Nor me, sir, don’t touch the stuff,’ added Crabb.

‘Then you won’t mind if I do? I find a glass of sherry taken at this time, strengthens one’s resolve for the rest of the day. Now let me see, where were we?’

‘I believe we were talking about the disappearance of the Whisperie , Dean. When did you first notice that it had been taken?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘One of our minor canons came to my office in the morning, to say that he had found the door to the library open, and that there was broken glass everywhere. I immediately went to investigate and found that the cabinet that housed the Whisperie had been broken into, and that the book was missing,’ replied Touchmore pouring himself a large glass of sherry and resuming his seat.

‘I understand that your librarian is also absent?’

‘That is correct, Inspector. Nicholas Evelyn has not been seen or heard of since the book was taken. It is all most worrying.’

‘Do you think he could have taken it?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘At first sight, it would seem most unlikely. He has been librarian here for over forty years. I’m sure that if he wanted to steal the book he would have done so many years ago. Also as he had a set of keys to both the library and the cases, he would not have needed to smash the cabinet to acquire the book.’

‘Nevertheless both he and the book seemed to have disappeared at approximately the same time,’ said Ravenscroft. ‘What can you tell us about Evelyn?’

‘I can’t tell you a great deal about the man I’m afraid. I have been here less than a year, and during that time have only spoken to him on perhaps three or four occasions. He kept very much to himself, but I suppose that was the nature of his occupation,’ replied the dean, replacing his handkerchief.

‘So, he was a very lonely man?’

‘Yes, I suppose so. I do not remember him attending any of the social or ecclesiastical events of the cathedral.’

‘Was he married?’

‘No, I believe he lived alone, in lodgings near the old Cornmarket.’

‘Has anyone been to see if he is there, sir?’ asked Crabb. ‘He could have been taken ill.’

‘Those were exactly my own thoughts at first, Constable. No, I have been to his lodgings, and checked his rooms, but his landlady has not seen him since the night of the robbery.’

‘What else can you tell me about him?’ asked Ravenscroft.

Touchmore sipped his sherry and thought for a moment, before replying, ‘I can’t in all honesty add anything else at all. Dear me, I find it rather sad that I do not know more about the man. I should have taken the time to engage him in conversation and found out more about his concerns.’

‘Do not reproach yourself, sir. I’m sure you are a busy man,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘There is perhaps one thing: I know that the vestry has been concerned that perhaps Evelyn has been finding the job somewhat arduous of late. It was suggested to him that he should consider taking on another, younger assistant, with a view to eventual retirement.’

‘And what was his response to this suggestion?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘I understand that he became quite annoyed, and rejected the proposal, after which nothing more was said on the subject.’

‘Thank you, Dean. I wonder if we might now visit the library?’ asked Ravenscroft, easing himself out of the comfortable armchair.

‘Of course, Inspector; I understand how important it is for you to view the scene of the crime. If you would care to follow me, gentlemen, we will make our way over to the cathedral.’

Touchmore led the way across the lawns of the Cathedral Close.

‘It is certainly an impressive building,’ remarked Ravenscroft, as the three men entered through the south doorway.

‘It is one of the finest cathedrals in England, Inspector. Ah, I hear the choristers practising.’

The three men stood in silence, listening to the sound of boys’ voices drifting down into the nave of the cathedral, and looking upwards at the fine stained-glass windows and impressive arches.

‘The boys come from the adjoining King’s School. They attend morning and evening services in the cathedral, and often come here, at quiet times in the day, to practise,’ informed the dean.

Ravenscroft smiled, as a bewildered Crabb looked around in awe. ‘A magnificent building; I had not expected it to have been so large, and inspiring.’

‘If you would care to follow me, gentlemen,’ said Touchmore leading the way across to an old oak door in one of the walls. ‘This will take you up to the vestry, after which another wooden staircase will enable you to reach the library. You will find that the room has been left exactly as we found it. If you will excuse me though, gentlemen, I will not come with you. I have a meeting to attend, and I find the ascent somewhat difficult at my age.’

‘Thank you, Dean. I am sure we can manage,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘Till later then, gentlemen.’

Ravenscroft and Crabb began their climb up the stone steps.

‘Well, our Mister Touchmore seems to have done very well for himself,’ said Crabb, following behind his superior.

‘Good fortune always shines on the righteous — or so they say.’

‘No wonder they wanted old Evelyn to retire. These steps are worse than the main street in Malvern!’ muttered Crabb.

‘Ah, here we are. This must be the vestry,’ said Ravenscroft, pausing to steady his breathing.

‘Bit of a dusty old room,’ remarked Crabb.

‘And there are the steps up to the library. You can go first this time, Crabb.’

The two men made their way up the old wooden steps. Eventually they could see a heavy oak door ahead of them at the top of the flight. Crabb pushed open the entrance to the library and they stepped inside.

Ravenscroft took a large spotted handkerchief from his coat pocket and mopped his forehead. ‘I must be out of training, Crabb,’ he said, between gasps.

‘You’ll have to go back to Malvern for another water cure, sir,’ laughed Crabb.

Ravenscroft gave his colleague a look of disdain.

‘There are certainly plenty of books up here. Rows and rows of them,’ said Crabb.

‘Well, whoever broke in here, certainly made a mess of the place. Broken glass everywhere,’ said Ravenscroft walking over to the case. ‘Mind where you tread, Crabb. This was obviously where the Whisperie was kept, and it looks as though this candlestick was used to break the glass, as it is lying here in the case.’

‘I have just found this discarded candle on the floor nearby,’ said Crabb.

‘So it looks as though the robbery took place at night. It is surprisingly quite light in here with the sun coming in through the windows. I noticed the candlestick on the desk over there also contained a candle, so whoever broke in, lit some of the candles so that he could carry out the deed,’ said Ravenscroft examining the broken case.

‘Seems as though our Mr Evelyn is in the clear then?’

‘Maybe, but I tell you something odd, Crabb. This case is still locked, but the door to the library is unlocked. There is no way a thief could have got through that door other than by using a key. But this then raises the question: if he had a key to the room, then probably the thief would also have had a key to the case, so why smash the case if he had a key?’