AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Precisely,” Montagu repeated. “Poor chap is absentminded.”
After a long moment, there was a slow look of understanding on Niven’s face. He sighed.
“Of course,” he then said. “Well done.”
Charity Hoche pointed to the table. Martin’s dog tags—what the Brits called “identity discs on braces”—were next to some jewelry.
“The Saint Christopher and the silver crucifix there,” she said. “They’re nice touches. Any reason why both?”
Montagu nodded. “I believe both really quote makes unquote Martin a Roman Catholic. And with those Spaniards being the devout believers they are, the fact that Martin is anointed could very well be what keeps them from performing an autopsy. Why abuse the sacred holy body of the deceased when it’s clear the poor chap simply drowned?”
Charity nodded.
“And the snapshot of the lovely ‘Pam,’” Jamison said. “Where did it come from?”
“The Duchess,” Charity said. “It’s some third cousin of Liz, twice or thrice removed. She offered it.”
Montagu began putting the items in the briefcase.
There was a blank sheet of bond on the table next to the briefcase, and as every item was added to Major Martin, Montagu added it to an itemized inventory list.
When he finished, he had written:
* * *
MOST SECRET
NOT FOR DUPLICATION
PERSONAL EFFECTS OF:
MARTIN, WILLIAM, MAJOR, ROYAL MARINES
1. Identity discs (2) “Major W. MARTIN, R.M., R/C” attached to braces
2. Silver cross on silver chain around neck
3. Watch, wrist
4. Briefcase, containing:a. Photograph of fiancée
b. Letters from fiancée (2)
c. Letter top, torn
d. Letter from Father
e. Letter from Father to McKenna & Co.
f. Letter from McKenna & Co.
g. Letter from Lloyds Bank.
h. Bill from Naval and Military Club, receipted
i. Bill from engagement ring
j. Book of stamps (2 used)
