# VI: Kate Came to the Flat explained — Kate Plus 10

> Chapter companion for Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Michael Pretherston reports the attempted stabbing of Kate Westhanger at Sebo's Club to Commissioner T. B. Smith, who assigns him to investigate. Michael deduces Kate's deeper scheme involving Reggie Boltover and confronts her at his flat, where she reveals her ambition to execute a grand theft. Their conversation oscillates between flirtation and rivalry, culminating in Michael's unexpected proposal of marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Kate adopts the alias Miss Vera Flemming and poses as a chorus girl to manipulate Reggie Boltover, while Michael conceals his true investigative purpose.

### Crime and Morality

Kate openly discusses her criminal plans as a 'hobby' and 'excitement,' challenging conventional moral boundaries, while Michael struggles between his duty and his attraction to her.

### Love and Romance

Michael's unexpected proposal to Kate introduces a romantic tension that complicates their adversarial relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Pretherston

Files a report on the Sebo's Club incident, receives assignment from T. B. Smith, investigates Kate's motives, and proposes marriage to her.

### Kate Westhanger

Posing as Miss Vera Flemming, she survives an assassination attempt, visits Michael's flat, and discusses her criminal ambitions and disdain for marriage.

### Reggie Boltover

Dining with Kate at Sebo's Club; later interviewed by Michael about his business and Kate's interest in his properties.

### Commissioner T. B. Smith

Receives Michael's report, approves his investigation, and secretly assigns Sergeant Barr to shadow Michael.

### Emil Tolmini

Italian waiter at Sebo's Club who attempts to stab Kate, is disarmed and escapes after having his wound dressed.

### Barr

Sergeant assigned by T. B. Smith to follow Michael discreetly.

## Key lines

> I think you did right... I wonder what her game is? I have a good mind to detail a man to take the whole case up.

Commissioner Smith approves Michael's handling of the case and considers assigning a dedicated officer.

_T. B. Smith's cautious but supportive response to Michael's report._

> I am going to make the most wonderful steal that the world has ever known.

Kate declares her intention to commit an unprecedented theft.

_Kate reveals the scale of her ambition to Michael._

> I was thinking I'd marry you.

Michael abruptly proposes marriage to Kate.

_A pivotal moment blending romance with their ongoing cat-and-mouse dynamic._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters/vi-kate-came-to-the-flat
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters