Death And The Maiden

56

Rheinhardt and Liebermann’s music making was over, but a fragment of Schubert’s Abends unter der Linde — ‘Evenings under the Lime Tree’ — had lingered in Liebermann’s mind, transparent but curiously persistent.

‘Commissioner Brugel was unimpressed by Mathias’s supplementary report,’ said Rheinhardt. ‘He said he thought that the results were inconclusive.’

‘I suppose there’s an element of truth in that,’ said Liebermann. ‘A man committing suicide might have kicked up some mud.’

Rheinhardt sipped his brandy and replied, ‘I was advised, in no uncertain terms, to leave the Saminsky affair alone.’

‘What are you going to do?’

The inspector turned to his friend and said, ‘I keep thinking of the Crown Prince.’

‘Another suicide,’ said Liebermann with suggestive emphasis.

‘Did you know he was seen at the opera shortly before his demise? The overture had already begun when the curtain was pulled aside and his father joined him in the royal box. A significant occurrence: the emperor rarely patronises the opera. They say the two of them were whispering throughout the performance. The conversation they were having was apparently very serious. Expressions were grave. After the second act the emperor rose abruptly and departed. A week later the troublesome prince was dead.’ Rheinhardt emptied his brandy glass and placed it on the table. ‘I think, on this occasion, I will obey orders.’

The silence that followed was deep and protracted. Liebermann could still hear the Schubert melody, endlessly repeating. Beneath it he discerned the beat of his own heart. Liebermann offered Rheinhardt a cigar but the inspector refused.

‘Another brandy, perhaps?’ Rheinhardt ventured.

‘Yes, of course,’ said Liebermann, obliging.

The inspector took the replenished glass and swirled the contents. ‘I have some news that will make you happy,’ he said, without turning. ‘I have received authorisation to exhume the body of David Freimark.’