Part 79 (2/2)
As the tale unfolded, his open features reflected shock, outrage-and, eventually, a dogged determination.
”The cads!” Slightly flushed, he glanced at Harry.
”You say you intend taking out a warrant against them?”
Salter answered.
”We've cause enough for a warrant provided we can find evidence on this guardians.h.i.+p business-- without that, their motive's uncertain.”
”So.” Harry fixed Mr Mabberly with a flat green gaze. ”The question is will you help us?”
”I'll do anything I can,” Mr Mabberly vowed, his voice ringing with fervour.
Even he heard it. A trifle shocked, he hurried to excuse it.
”Mrs Babbacombe's been very good to me, you understand--there aren't many who would appoint someone as relatively young as myself to such an important position.”
”Of course.” Harry smiled, endeavouring to make the gesture as unthreatening as he could at that hour of the morning.
”And, as a loyal employee of Babbacombe and Company, you would naturally be anxious to a.s.sist in ensuring your princ.i.p.als' personal safety.”
”Indeed.” Obviously more comfortable, Mr Mabberly sat back.
”Mrs Babbacombe is indeed Miss Babbacombe's sole legal guardian.” Again, a slight flush rose in his cheeks.
”I'm perfectly sure because, when I first took up my position, I was uncertain as to the point--so I asked. Mrs Babbacombe's always a model of business etiquette--she insisted I see the guardians.h.i.+p deed.”
Salter straightened, his expression lightening.
”So-- not only do you know she's the sole guardian--you can swear to it?”
Mr Mabberly nodded, swivelling to look at Salter. ”Certainly. I naturally felt obliged to read the doc.u.ment and verify the seal. It was unquestionably genuine.”
”Excellent!”
Harry looked at Salter--the big man's face was alight, his frame suddenly thrumming with harnessed energy.
”So we can get that warrant without further delay?”
”If Mr Mabberly here will come with me to the magistrate and swear to Mrs Babbacombe's status, I can't see anything that'll stop us. I've already got friends in the force standing by--they'll do the actual arrest but I, for one, definitely want to be there when they take Joliffe into custody.”
”I'm prepared to come with you immediately, sir.” Mr Mabberly stood.
”From the sounds of it, the sooner this Joliffe person is a guest of His Majesty's government the better.”
”I couldn't agree more.” Harry stood and offered Mr Mabberly his hand.
”And while you two are tying up Joliffe and his crew, I'll keep Mrs Babbacombe under my eye.”
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