Tsing-Boum by Nicolas Freeling Page A

citizen, her status was regular. No political motive for her killing has been uncovered or is likely to be. So much for that.’ His voice took on the ritual drone.
    â€˜No particular friendships or suspect associations have been found. Her personal life was quiet, retired, and free from anyhint of scandal. Since there are no gangsters, there is in consequence no gang. Full stop. Paragraph. The killer – we don’t know him, we have no picture of him. He is certainly mentally deranged, which does not mean that he is dangerous or a criminal lunatic. No danger exists for the population and you can print that. This man has disappeared without apparent trace. No details can or will, repeat can or will, be given of actions either afoot or envisaged to find him. Lastly, no spectacular developments can be expected in the near future. Patience and a long boring checkup of several lines of inquiry. Very well, questions.’
    â€˜Are you yourself conducting the inquiry?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Leaving the country?’
    â€˜If need be.’
    â€˜Had the woman Nazi sympathies?’
    â€˜Didn’t you hear me the first time?’
    â€˜What about her past?’
    â€˜Being looked into, naturally – that’s routine.’
    â€˜She met her husband in France – is that a pointer to your future movements, Commissaire?’
    â€˜Not necessarily.’
    â€˜What about the little girl that your wife is caring for?’
    â€˜No mention of the child will be made. Contrary to ethics, and has no bearing or relevance – get that clear.’
    â€˜Has her husband produced any constructive ideas?’
    â€˜He has no idea whatever why his wife should have been killed.’
    â€˜Commissaire, you’ve ruled out gain, sadism, politics, passion. What motive in your opinion is the right one to base your inquiry upon?’
    â€˜None at all.’
    â€˜A meaningless murder?’
    â€˜I said the man was certainly deranged mentally if not actively certifiable.’
    â€˜You’re sure it’s a man?’
    â€˜No. The gun makes it a probability; that’s all.’
    â€˜Your theory of yesterday – a professional killer – it doesn’t stand up in the light of what you now know?’
    â€˜I’m heaving great patient sighs. It looked and looks as if we have to deal with a man of calm, skill and quick wits, who is probably used to handling firearms. The rest remains to be seen.’
    â€˜Commissaire.’ A last effort at tugging. ‘Are the military authorities helping you in your inquiries?’
    â€˜When I see any need I’ll ask them. At present. And now if you’ll allow me I’m going home to supper.’
    He was in the outer office when he was called back.
    â€˜Telephone, chief. Shall I say you’ve gone?’
    â€˜Who is it?’
    â€˜The French Embassy, it says.’
    â€˜Give it here … Van der Valk … Thanks.’
    â€˜I hoped I’d catch you,’ said a light rapid voice in French. ‘I only just heard myself. She was in Hanoi at the time. Convoyeuse de l’Air. She certainly made trips out there to the high plateau. Wasn’t of course present at the siege. I give it you for what it’s worth.’
    â€˜Thank you.’
    The house was as still as it usually was at this time. Arlette had gone to her hospital and Ruth was drawing.
    â€˜Hallo. How did you get on with your school?’
    â€˜I can go tomorrow. I’m weak on history and geography, and Arlette says I’ll have to do extra and you can help me.’
    â€˜What’s she going to do – sit back and criticize?’
    Ruth had been instructed to put the supper in the oven at half past six; at twenty to seven Arlette’s deux-chevaux made a loud noise outside.
    â€˜Her arithmetic is passable, Mr. Thorbecke says, and her French is only fair because her grammar is poor and he made faces at her written