14
It was after seven before they got to Mrs. Bryce's shop, and it took a few knocks to get her to answer the door. Even so, she peered out as if frightened. "Who is it? What do you want?"
"It's Constable Hanger. I'm sorry to bother you so late, mum. I have news about your son Herbert."
She didn't move, her eyes huge in the darkness. "What news?"
C.K. said, "May we come in?"
Her eyes darted to C.K., and Paix said, "This is Detective Senior Constable Kanhu. The one I told you about. We've been investigating David and Herbert's disappearances."
This seemed to shake her, and she opened the door, moving aside. "Of course. Come in."
The fabric store was dark, but a lone oil lamp burned in the back room, and the men followed Mrs. Bryce to it.
She faced them, wringing her hands. "What's h
