Murders Without Motive by Harry Nankin Page A

to your suggestions of improving the income to the estate by selling off rights to private companies to build and otherwise erect certain industrial complexes.?”
    “No comment” said Crampton.
    “Is it correct that you once suggested to your father that he should retire and that you should take over the running of the estate even though you were not in fact the eldest son?”
    “No comment”
    I have here Mr Crampton an item found during the search of your room, I am holding the said note”.
    Pearson then read the note.
     
    Charles,  Your suggestions for the updating of the estate to a more financial footing that is to say importing wind farms, a blight on the landscape, the offer to permit a new rail link across and thus dividing the estate not to forget permitting a large itinerant site to be built. In truth, you sir, are a disgrace to the family. It has been a long held tradition that the Crampton family support not only this estate but the local community.
    Prices in agriculture have dropped leaving the estate in some financial difficulties. It is hoped to lease some land but for country sport and similar thus leaving the area to its rural setting. All your brothers and sisters are completely against the scheme. I am aware you have placed pressure upon them to agree with your plans due to their low income.
    I assure you sir that you have become no son of this family. It is strongly urged you pack your bags and leave as soon as convenient to you. Your most distressed mother and father.
    This letter Charles as you can see has been preserved. You will be finger printed whilst you are here to ascertain if your fingerprint are upon this letter found concealed at the back of a drawer in your room.
    “In addition your DNA will be taken and if necessary a Court order will be applied for to exhume your father to check if the DNA of your late father is also upon the letter.”
    “I now ask you Mr Crampton what you have to say regarding this letter and it’s contents”
    He was about to reply when Templeton nudged him, a glance saw the lawyer shaking his head.
    “No comment” replied Crampton.
    I now turn to other matters I have to inform you Mr Crampton that your shoes, boots and personal clothing here at the police station but also from the hall have been seized to check if there are any matches to put you at one or more of the scenes of these atrocious murders. For example mud, and sand, petrol and similar, this is an opportunity for you to come clean and tell what you know of these deaths”.
    Crampton replied, “No comment”.
    “May I just say something” said Gibson. “Surely Mr Crampton if you have nothing to hide you would here and now give some explanation”
    “No comment” he replied
    Gibson asked, “May I suggest if you are considering waiting until you have an opportunity to confer with your solicitor, then realising what evidence is mounting against you? Then, come back with some concocted story, this will not only help you but go against you”.
    “I say Inspector, that is a disgraceful comment it amounts to an allegation I as a solicitor, an officer of the court, a respected person from a respected firm am in the business of colluding  no more, aiding, abetting ,counselling or procuring a client to commit a serious offence,”
    He added, “I suggest that unless you have further questions and evidence, legal ones that is, to put to my client this interview should come to an end. As for you sergeant I intend to make an official complaint as to his over bearing attitude and unwarranted allegation”.
    The interview came to an end.
    They arose and then left the interview room arriving in the charge office where Pearson said to the custody sergeant, Striker, “Bail this man under part four of the police and criminal evidence act, say for two months that should give time for the results to be known.”
    “What is that” asked Crampton; part four bail, what does it cost I don’t have any money