Chapter 26

When he saw Tyler’s bike approaching, he stood and left enough money on the table to cover his pot of tea, and went outside. By the time he had crossed the road, Tyler was pushing the contraption down the narrow alley to the side of the building. It opened into the small rear courtyard behind the laundry and the open doors of the establishment spilt out warm, moist air and a variety of clanging sounds interspersed with raised voices and laughter.

Tyler barely acknowledged him as he secured the ‘cycle with a length of chain and a padlock.

Alec stood patiently, hands in his pockets, as the other man removed his cap and motoring goggles.

“What can I do for you, Inspector Carter?” Tyler ran a hand through his disordered hair and rummaged in his pannier.

“I want to go over exactly what you saw last night. Your first impressions when you got to the crime scene.”

Tyler looked at him levelly. “Haven’t you got that from Sergeant Grant and the others?”

“Yes. And now I want it from you.”