Edward Marston - Inspector Colbeck's Casebook

‘Don’t be put off by Draycott’s manner,’ she said, airily. ‘He’s always rather prickly, even with us at times. It’s just his way.’

‘I see, Mrs Colbeck.’

Anstey attempted a smile but there was no warmth in it. He was still simmering. In the irascible gardener, he’d clearly made an enemy.

For the rest of the day, Madeleine heard no more from him. Whenever she glanced through the window, she saw him working away at the various chores he’d been given by Draycott. She sent out refreshments on a tray and didn’t forget the promise of a bone and some water for Sam. Colbeck had suggested that he was paid at the end of each day so that he had money in his pocket. Madeleine could see the pleasure Anstey felt as the coins were pressed into his hand. He and the dog went off happily.

When he got back that evening, Colbeck asked his wife what had happened. On hearing about the clash between Anstey and Draycott, he was disturbed.

‘It’s just as well that you were here to hold them apart,’ he said worriedly. ‘I know that Draycott has given us good service but I’m not having him threatening anyone with a sickle. When I next see him, I’ll have a word with him.’

‘I fancy that he won’t be around for a while, Robert. He loathed Anstey and may well wait until he’s gone.’

‘The superintendent is bound to ask after Anstey. What will I tell him?’

‘Say that he’s been an asset to us. He worked really hard.’

‘What about his brush with Draycott?’ asked Colbeck.

‘Oh, I shouldn’t mention that to him. It’s all in the past now. We won’t get any more unpleasantness like that.’

Joel Anstey arrived early the following morning so Colbeck had the opportunity of making his own estimation of the man. Though he wore the same clothes, Anstey had paid to have his hair cut and beard trimmed. He’d also bought a pair of second-hand boots. He removed his hat when he met Colbeck and thanked him time and again for taking him on. He promised that the dog would keep well away from the lawns and the flower beds. For his part, Colbeck was impressed by the man’s manner and by his willingness to work at a tedious job. Unlike many who lived on the streets, Anstey could read, write and had served an apprenticeship in a reputable trade. Army life had equipped him with other skills.

‘You deserve better than we can offer, I fear,’ said Colbeck.

‘I’ll take what I can get, sir.’

‘Then I’ll leave you to get on with it.’

It was a glorious day with the sun beating down on the garden. Sweating profusely, Anstey worked steadily on. Madeleine made sure that he had plenty of water to drink and gave orders for food to be sent out to him. She was able to immerse herself in her own work and forget all about her assistant gardener. Draycott’s absence allowed peace to reign in the garden. It was late afternoon when a servant came up to her studio. The gardener was asking to speak to her. Madeleine went downstairs at once. Expecting to meet Anstey, she was put out when she was confronted by the bristling Nathaniel Draycott.

‘Call the police, Mrs Colbeck,’ he advised.

‘Why ever should I do that?’

‘You’ve got a thief on the premises.’

‘I don’t believe that, Mr Draycott.’

‘You heard me,’ he said, impatiently. ‘I warned Anstey not to poke about in my shed. I let him borrow some of my tools but he was not to touch anything else. He disobeyed my orders.’

‘I can’t believe that,’ she said.

‘It’s true, Mrs Colbeck. He’s the only other person who’s been in that shed.’

‘I know. I watched him put all the tools carefully back in there before I locked it. I opened the shed again this morning and he took out the same things. Whenever I’ve glanced into the garden, he’s been nowhere near the shed.’

‘He’s a sly devil,’ said Draycott. ‘He sneaked in there when you weren’t looking, I daresay. I wouldn’t trust him an inch.’

‘Did you challenge him about the missing items?’

‘No, I didn’t because I’d only have lost my temper. I need you present, Mrs Colbeck.’ His lip curled. ‘I hate thieves. They’re the lowest of the low.’

If there was going to be another explosive meeting between the two men, Madeleine wanted to be there. While she retained her trust in Anstey, she didn’t think that Draycott would make empty accusations. She went with him into the garden and summoned the other man. As he walked towards them, Anstey looked defensive.

‘What have you done with my pipe and tobacco?’ demanded Draycott.

‘Let me handle this,’ said Madeleine, exerting control. She turned to Anstey. ‘It seems that certain things are missing from the shed. Do you know anything about them?’

‘He stole them — it’s as clear as day!’

‘If you keep shouting like that, Mr Draycott, I’ll have to ask you to leave.’ He took a step back and glared sullenly. ‘Let me repeat the question, Mr Anstey.’

‘There’s no need,’ said Anstey. ‘I haven’t touched his pipe and tobacco.’

‘What about my trowel, my sickle and the knife I use to sharpen sticks? Yes,’ Draycott went on, ‘and other small things have gone missing as well.’

‘Well, I never took them.’

‘You’re a thief and a liar!’

‘I told you to keep your voice down, Mr Draycott,’ said Madeleine, sharply. ‘Since you can’t do that, I suggest that you go home until you can speak in a more civilised manner. Go on — off you go.’

Draycott issued a flood of apologies but Madeleine was immune to his pleas.

‘ He’s the thief,’ he protested, ‘and I’m the one who has to go.’

Shooting a look of disgust at Anstey, he slunk off. Madeleine waited until he’d left before she repeated her question once more. Anstey spread his arms.

‘What possible use do I have for a trowel, a sickle and a knife?’ he asked. ‘I’ve got all I need for my work. If you still think I’m a thief, search my coat. It’s hanging on the trellis.’ He pulled out the pockets of his trousers. ‘As you can see, I have nothing about me. You and your husband have been good to me, Mrs Colbeck. I’d never let you down, I swear it.’

Madeleine was in a quandary. She wasn’t sure whether to pay Anstey off so that she could get rid of him altogether or to give him a day’s wage and invite him back for the morrow. The latter course of action would infuriate Draycott and suggest that she rated the word of a casual labourer above that of a loyal employee. Whatever decision she made would upset one of the men. She even toyed with the idea of paying Anstey for another day’s work but telling him not to return. To know that the man had been effectively dismissed might assuage Draycott’s anger a little but nothing short of arrest would really satisfy him.

She wrestled with the problem for a long time before asking herself a simple question. What was the point of being married to a famous detective if she didn’t make use of him when a crime had allegedly taken place?

‘Come back early in the morning,’ she said to Anstey, ‘before my husband leaves for work. I’ll pay you for today, of course, then there’s another day’s work if you wish to take it.’

‘I’ll take it,’ said Anstey, gratefully. He studied her for a few moments. ‘Before I go, I need to ask you something, Mrs Colbeck.’

‘Go on.’

‘Did you believe what Mr Draycott said about me?’

Feeling great discomfort, Madeleine searched hard for a noncommittal answer.

‘Let’s discuss it tomorrow,’ she said.

Because he got back home very late, she didn’t burden Colbeck with the problem she’d encountered. Madeleine waited until they were having breakfast next morning. She freely confessed that she didn’t know if she’d done the right thing.