Ann Granger by The Companion Page A

spare the money or thought it worth the expense. Dr Martin’s original intention, when he knew us to be without employment, was to find us labouring work. But when he heard that both Joe and I could read well and write a fair hand he declared our education should not be wasted.’

    Ross pulled a wry face. ‘I remember very well how he came to our house and sat listening to both of us read aloud to him and write at his dictation. He quizzed us both at great length and eventually dismissed us. We went outside and asked one another what on earth that had all been about! We later learned he had offered to pay for our proper schooling. Joe’s parents were hesitant at first but when my mother told them she meant to accept the offer for me, they agreed to it. So Joe and I, wearing new boots paid for by your father,’ a smile flickered across his face, ‘started our studies at the town’s grammar school where we soon found out how ignorant we were! We had to work hard if we were not to sit on the younger boys’ benches indefinitely and it was a powerful incentive. I admit we found those first weeks tougher going than any shift down the pit. But thanks to that, I was able to find work as a clerk for some years on leaving school. Then, when I reached eighteen, I came down to London to try my luck.’
    He smiled broadly and suddenly looked quite different, relaxed and glad to escape his official duties if only for a moment. But for the second time I had a memory of having seen that grin before. ‘Like Dick Whittington,’ he said, ‘I was persuaded that the streets were paved with gold. But they were not, being mostly mud, and the living expensive. I joined the police. They were anxious to recruit men at the time. Thanks to your father, I not only had enough education but more than most recruits. I had worked hard of an evening over my books to improve it further. I reached the rank of sergeant quickly and, last year, that of inspector, one of the youngest in the Force.’ There was a modest pride in his voice to which he was in every way entitled.
    The action of my father which had so benefited Ben Ross was typical of him. His charity in this and other ways had left me penniless but I did not criticise him for it.
    ‘My father would have been both proud and happy to know you have done so well,’ I said.

    ‘It has been my determination to do well,’ he said seriously, ‘since Dr Martin’s kindness opened the door for me.’
    I had no doubt of his sincerity and of his determination. I wondered if my father had unwittingly unloosed the monster of ambition in the collier’s son he had taken under his wing. But I should not criticise Inspector Ross. I had seen the awful place where he had begun his working life as a child. Who would not want to escape it for ever?
    Aloud I said, ‘I am glad to have met you again, though perhaps the circumstances could be pleasanter.’
    He hissed in an annoyed way. ‘It’s the devil of a business, begging your pardon, Miss Martin, and I wish you had nothing to do with it!’
    ‘You will be coming back to speak to Mrs Parry again and let us know how you progress in your investigations?’ I asked. ‘She will want to be kept informed. I had better go now and comfort her.’
    ‘Yes, yes, of course you must. She was angry at Miss Hexham for the way she behaved but to learn she is dead, well, that’s another matter, and that she died as she did.’
    ‘It is not only that,’ I said unthinkingly. ‘But she owned some property in Agar Town and sold it to the railway company. My late godfather invested in a good deal of property and I believe my Aunt Parry owns houses all over London.’
    It was only when I finished speaking that I realised the full import of my words. It could not be coincidence that Madeleine Hexham had been found in Agar Town. In some manner, her death was linked to this house. I knew my sudden realisation was written on my face.
    Ross said slowly, ‘Did she,