William and Julia arrived at the Pendrick manor for luncheon the next day. James Pendrick had won and lost more than one fortune over the years, but he had been able to hold on to most of the profits from his recent inventions. William was glad to see his friend living in style once more. Although he knew James had forgiven him, he had a hard time forgiving himself at his role in ruining the brilliant inventor, more than once. He pushed the guilt aside and appreciated how the two story Tudor style mansion in Rosedale with its formal gardens, stained glass windows, and broad stone driveway, perfectly represented the his friend's good taste and success. As a servant took their hats and coats, they could hear two women talking with Pendrick from another room.

Miss Fisher's voice carried into the hall, "...the firm represents many inventors, not just you and Murdoch, but Mr. Wilson, the Fairchild aviation company, and many others. I would hazard there were many people interested in advanced aviation and engineering who were in attendance at the barnstorming exhibition."

Miss Williams mused more quietly, "You don't suppose the dead man, Mr. Morton, could have been trying obtain or sell information to a rival inventor? And what about these finger marks? I'm not familiar with them."

James said, "Murdoch's the one who first convinced the constabulary to rely on fingermarks to identify suspects. It was really cutting edge science at the time." He sighed, remembering when he'd had to submit finger marks the first time he was arrested. His mouth twisted slightly and and he said, "I've no doubt mine were the first set of finger marks they compared to those on the weapon."

William and Julia entered the elegant parlor to see Miss Fisher, Miss Williams and James Pendrick standing comfortably around an invitingly warm fire. Miss Fisher wore a silk navy dress with low scooped neck and elegant oriental earrings framing her face. Miss Williams worn a more modest brown suit. William could see that their attire showed the women were opposites in terms of social standing and wealth, but the casual way they stood near each other betrayed their intimacy and trust. Their relationship was a puzzle and he made a mental note to ask Julia about it later.

"Good to see you William, Julia." James greeted them, "You remember Miss Fisher and Miss Williams?"

Julia smiled warmly, "Yes, how could one forget? You made quite a … bold impression."

Miss Fisher took it as a compliment and answered, "Why, thank you."

Miss Williams couldn't resist teasing her friend, "One of Miss Fisher's oldest friends is fond of saying that Impatience is her middle name."

Miss Fisher gladly gave the punchline, "Virtue was already taken."

William said seriously, "It is one thing to be strong-willed Miss Fisher, and another to disregard the law. "

Miss Fisher said confidently, "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."

James cleared his throat and interrupted, "Shall we take our seats for luncheon?" He swept his arm out, indicating the paneled door to the dining room,

After the group took their seats, Phryne turned to Murdoch, "I hear you used to be a detective in the Toronto constabulary. Do you think it was a crime of passion or premeditation?" She asked.

Uncomfortably, William said, "Miss Fisher, it is still very early in the investigation. I appreciate your curiosity for crime but …

Miss Fisher interjected, "Well, every lady needs a hobby."

"I doubt murder is a suitable hobby for…"

Miss Fisher addressed Julia, "Doctor, you noticed the victim had fresh scratches on his knuckles and a some contusions on his face indicating there had been a struggle. Also, he was struck in the side of the head with a large wrench. Few people carry wrenches with them, but more likely the tool was simply within reach. That, and the fact that the killer tried to cover up the murder by shoving the deceased at a spinning propeller to make it appear to be an accident, makes me suspect it was not a planned killing. It must have been a fight that escalated, so ... a crime of passion I think."

Julia nodded, "The evidence does line up that way."

A servant moved around the table offering white wine and sparkling water.

William's mouth tightened, resigning himself to the woman's train of thought. He had to admit what she was saying made sense, even if she was an amateur.

Miss Fisher passed on the shrimp salad but accepted some ripe olives, "So, how do you feel about this case Mr. Murdoch? Do you think the crime was about love or money? It is usually one of the two, or both." She was bound and determined to get the retired detective's insight on the case. One good tip could solve a case and the more information could gather the better.

William answered, "I don't feel anything about this case. In an investigation, one must keep an open mind. To jump to conclusions before all the facts are collected and analyzed is rash and irresponsible."

James said, "Murdoch, like myself, is a man of science, not emotion."

William said "Exactly, investigation of crimes relies on the proper collection of evidence and analysis of the facts of the case. Logic and sound science are what will solve the case." He took a bite of the trout amandine.

Miss Fisher warmed to the topic, "I agree that one must examine the evidence, but evidence can be misleading. Insight and an understanding of the human psyche are more important when solving a mystery."

William frowned, "Motive is one aspect to a crime, but you must take into account more than just that. A suspect must have means and opportunity as well. If we find a suspect's fingermarks on the murder weapon, then we look for a connection between the victim and the suspect. The evidence is paramount."

Miss Fisher set down her fork, "But surely you don't interview all your witnesses the same way Detective Murdoch. There are times when it takes a gentle approach and others when you must be firm or even intimidating. That takes intuition."

William set down his glass of sparkling water and leaned forward, engrossed, "Actually, there are scientific studies on how physical clues during an interview betray a witness's state of mind. A person's body language can be read and used to adjust one's approach. Did you know most people look to the left when they are lying?"

Miss Fisher touched a linen napkin to her mouth and countered, "For the average person, yes. However there are people with different mannerisms and some who are just good liars. Plus there are nuances to body language." William was about to answer when Miss Fisher continued, "What about the example of a person of interest who acts suspicious? He is gripping his tightly hat too tightly, sweating, swallowing frequently and refusing to make eye contact. Of course his body language reveals that he is nervous. But is he nervous because is being interviewed by a scary policeman, because he has some unsavory vice to hide, like gambling, or is he, in fact, a murderer? You can't use logic in that situation, it takes human intuition to see past the surface to the subtle emotions beneath."

William was getting frustrated and not making any inroads with Miss Fisher. The woman was stubborn and clever. He turned to Julia hoping to include her in the debate and recruit her to his side. When he discussed cases, or anything, with his wife, she was encouraging and wise. She was so precious to him and as time passed, he'd come to appreciate her more and more.

But now Julia eyed him over the top of her wine glass and the corners of her mouth quirked up. He could read that look. The restrained laughter in her face made it plain that Julia liked Miss Fisher and her style. His wife was enjoying this verbal sparring match. In his head, he heard Julia saying 'detective work is as much an art as a science,' but his wife said nothing now and set her glass back down on the table. In this arena, Julia would let him fight his own battle. His heart filled with renewed affection for his wife, and resignation to Miss Fisher.

William settled on a truce, "Miss Fisher, we must agree to disagree."