Whitehall 1212 - The Case of Sydney Wolfe

Chief Inspector Leslie Cameron Underhill of Scotland Yard is called to Margate, a seaside town in the Thanet District of Kent, by authority of the Chief Constable who had asked for the CID's help. Inspector Charles Hatcher, of the Margate Police, informed Underhill as to what was happening. Hatcher says "We've got him safe in jail on a charge of unlawfully obtaining credit. We shall be able to put our hands on him when we want him, alright". Underhill says "I don't understand what you need a CID man for a charge like that one, a misdemeanor". Hatcher says "Inspector, it isn't a misdemeanor we want him for, sir. It's murder. We can't prove it, of course, yet. So, we can't charge the blighter, but as long as he's in jail, we can look about a bit, and we're hoping that perhaps you can find out if we're right in our suspicions". Underhill asks "What's it all about? I know nothing, of course". Hatcher says "Well, he did the hotel people, the Metropole, here in Margate, out of 8 pounds, and 13 shillings, food and lodging for himself and the old lady for a week. Then, he got an advance of 40 pounds on her insurance". Underhill asks "Was she dead?" Hatcher says "Of course, in the fire". Underhill asks "What fire?" Hatcher says "When her room caught on fire, last week". Underhill asks "What happened?" Hatcher says "She died. Suffocated. Carbon dioxide, smoke, etc. Two doctors certified her dead by misadventure. He took her away to bury her, but instead he rushed up to Norwich". Underhill asks "Did he bury her at Norwich?" Hatcher says "Her home was at Great French, but he didn't go there. He went to Norwich, where the headquarters of the insurance company is located. There he got an advance of 40 pounds, but he didn't bother to come back here and pay his bills". Underhill says "Ah, I see. You arrested him there and brought him back here". Hatcher says "He's in jail here now, awaiting trial on the fraud charge". Underhill says "Well, then...." Hatcher says "We have an idea that the old lady didn't set herself on fire accidentally". Underhill says "You think he murdered her for her insurance?" Hatcher says "With your assistance, we hope to prove that".