Detective and mystery stories; England -- Fiction; Murder -- Fiction; Secret service -- Fiction
"All except Kirk."
"Yes, Mr. Kirk used to call at all hours, and they used to sit together
arf through the night sometimes--after Mr. Langton 'ad gone to bed.
'E's never up very late, 'e ain't."
And then, after a few more questions, I allowed the cockney girl to
return to the house, first, however, impressing upon her the need for
secrecy, and adding another five shillings to that I had already given
her.
Half an hour later I saw the front door open, and Flynn, in dark
overcoat and hard felt hat, ran down the steps and turned towards Oxford
Street.
Soon I was at his heels. He presently turned into Wigmore Street,
crossed Cavendish Square, and continued through Mortimer Street into
Wells Street, quite unconscious of being followed. He walked with an
air of preoccupation, twice stopping to light his cigarette.
Now that he was under my observation I did not intend that he should
escape me. Besides, there was nothing suspicious about me, for I was
merely a plain motor-mechanic, such as is seen about the London streets
in dozens at all hours.
Continuing down Wardour Street he came into Coventry Street, where he
ascended the carpeted stairs to a saloon well known to a certain class
of the habitues of the West End. In my mechanic's clothes I knew that
the uniformed janitor at the bottom of the stairs would direct me to the
public bar, therefore I was compelled to remain outside and await the
doctor's exit.
The place was evidently crowded, as it usually is, for it is one of the
recognised nocturnal rendezvous in the neighbourhood of Leicester
Square.
I crossed the road and stood near the entrance to the Motor Club, of
which I was a member. Many men I knew passed and repassed within its
swing doors, but none recognised me. Therefore I was quite satisfied
that, with my dirty face, Doctor Flynn would not easily identify me.
At last he came forth, and alone.
I saw by his hesitation on the kerb that he was disappointed. Someone
he had expected had not turned up, and he was now undecided in which
direction to walk.
It was then about half-past ten, the quietest hour of the evening in
that neighbourhood, yet the illuminated signs lent an air of gaiety to
that scene so typical of London as the middle-class know it.
Having lit a cigarette the doctor strolled down the Haymarket, and
turning up Charles Street, passed the "Junior," crossed St. James's
Square, where he entered the "Sports," made inquiry for someone, but
found the person was not in. Then, continuing his way--while I walked
at a respectable distance behind--he turned into Duke Street, where at a
door about half-way up he paused and tugged at a bell.
I took careful note of that door, one with a semi-circular fanlight
above and a painted number, and then turned quickly on my heel to avoid
passing him as he stood in my way upon the pavement.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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