The Madman's Room

‘I know it wasn’t very elegant, but I couldn’t see any other way. And I’ll tell you something: Bessie was very happy to meet me at that moment. She needed someone. She never admitted it, but I learnt afterwards that the separation had been very painful for her. It was her self-respect which suffered more than anything. And I’m sure it was Meadows who broke it off, so he could pursue one of her best friends.’

‘It wasn’t very elegant, I concede. But I notice you’re quick to climb on your high horse when other people’s principles are involved.’

‘She came to see me in London once or twice a week,’ continued Patrick after an embarrassed cough. ‘And we really did amuse ourselves. There wasn’t much between us, if you want to know, just comradeship.’

‘As far as comradeship is concerned, there’s nothing you have to learn from anybody.’

‘Paula, please. Listen to me. We saw each other once or twice and then she suggested I spend a few days with her, in order to meet her family and friends.’

‘If it was comradeship, I don’t see why—.’

‘And her friends,’ stressed Blue Reed vehemently.

‘I see, she wanted to parade you in front of her ex-fiancée as a sort of revenge. I imagine her reaction was anticipated in your plan?’

‘More or less,’ confessed Patrick, looking down. ‘But at that time I had a lot of work and couldn’t leave it all to L… my associate. Likewise, I told Bessie that, by an extraordinary coincidence I knew you… so we put off my surprise visit until later. You must have had a shock when you saw me last week?’

‘I’ll say. But I immediately suspected something fishy was going on. You’ve always had that guilty look when you were preparing a dirty trick.’

‘And I’ll admit that at that moment I was scared stiff, and later, too. You were there next to me, but Bessie and Francis were there as well and… well, I don’t have to draw a picture, do I?’

‘So you’re remorseful. All is not lost. And did you manage to sleep at nights?’

‘Not very well. I was always thinking about you, about that evening in the cove, about our midnight swim, about—.’

‘That’s enough.’ She cut him off. ‘And afterwards?’

‘There were Brian’s predictions, which intrigued me enormously. I didn’t know what to think, everything was bubbling around in my mind. And then there were Sarah’s death and Brian’s disappearance. I had no idea that Bessie was hiding him in the workshop. I’d noticed a change in her attitude recently, without knowing why. Yes, Paula, she’s really taken a liking to Brian, but I don’t know if she realises it. Be that as it may, it’s a very good thing for Bessie and, in addition, it takes a weight off my shoulders.’

The sound of flapping wings punctuated with shrill cries interrupted the peace of the park. A swarm of birds flew up towards the clouds, in an operation confusing at first, but which White Camellia and Blue Reed eventually realised was a disciplined flight with variable geometry.

‘The great departure,’ observed Patrick, at once admiring and nostalgic.

‘What I don’t understand is what you want from me. That I leave Francis for you?’

‘That was part of my plan at first: to approach you gently at first, then try and convince you. Sheer madness, I admit. But I’m honest and I confess it to you.’

Paula gave a long sigh.

‘You’re starting to sound reasonable, Patrick. But because we’re sharing confidences, I must tell you that I get on well with my husband and I’m very happy with him.’

‘Paula….’

‘Do you know who you remind me of, Patrick? A spoilt little child who only wants what’s forbidden to him. In real life—.’

‘No lectures on morality, please.’

‘Very well. What do you plan to do now?’

Patrick pursed his lips and brought out his cigarette case.

‘Continue your investigation?’ continued Paula in an incisive tone. ‘You’re scared stiff, aren’t you? Do you know who it was who looked like Harris and whom you discovered in the coffin?’

‘It was Harris’s body….’

‘Have you all lost your minds! You, your police friends and even Francis. For Brian to believe in ghosts is understandable. But for the rest of you — and you above all, Patrick! You’ve always told me that there’s a rational explanation for every mystery. Have you changed your mind?’

Patrick shook his head and crushed the cigarette he’d just lit under his foot.

‘I — that is, we — know nearly everything, Paula. There’s no ghost or anything like that. Dr. Twist even has an idea about Brian’s prophecies.’

Stunned, Paula looked at him wild-eyed.

‘Harris died last year. And the body you discovered is his?’ she mumbled.