The Epic Casebook - Identification for Death

Farley Hall, a large country residence nestling amongst the Chilton hills in the county of Gloucestershire, was broken into and Sir Edward Farley was shot dead. The fingerprints of a man known to the underworld as Slapsy Mitchell were found at the residence. He was arrested and charged, as his fingerprints were already on record for previous crimes. Later, Inspector Carr receives a call from the Sergeant at Operations. He says "It's about the Farley murder". Carr says "What about it? They can't be asking us for assistance, the man's been arrested". The Sergeant says "Well, it's Mrs. Mitchell, sir. She's phoned twice while you're out. She wants to know if you'll see her". Carr says "Oh dear, Mrs. Mitchell. Yes, I remember her. Slapsy married her soon after he came out of Brixton for the Bayswater job. Ah, she probably wants me to give evidence for her husband in mitigation. Well, I'll see her. Fix the time for three o'clock this afternoon". At three, Mrs. Mitchell arrives. Carr says "Oh come sit down, Mrs. Mitchell". She says "Good of you to see me, sir". Carr says "Not a bit. I haven't forgotten your many little kindnesses when I was a sergeant at Vine Street and you managed the Regent Cafe". Carr pauses for a moment, and says "I'm sorry, Mrs. Mitchell. I really am. I thought Slaps had gone straight". Mrs. Mitchell says "But he had. He...." Carr says "Now let's be honest with each other, Mrs. Mitchell. I'm not going by the newspapers. I read a clear and comprehensive account of the investigation and the arrest of your husband in the Police Review. He's guilty as all get out". Mrs. Mitchell says "He's been framed, I tell you". Carr says "Framed? No, Mrs. Mitchell, I'm afraid you'll have to face up to the fact that the evidence against Slaps is too strong". Mrs. Mitchell asks "What have they got against Slapsy?" Carr says "His fingerprints on that cigarette lighter". Mrs. Mitchell says "You know Slapsy alright, he's been a crook all his life, but would somebody with his experience leave his fingerprints lying around?" Carr says "Well, frankly that surprised me when I read about it".