It was a warm sunny day as I left home for the police station where I was summoned. I had to de-route to the post office first where I posted the letter to detective Vardhan. And eventually I made it to the police station.
I entered the station to see David, Tom and Maria already seated. “You’re 10 minutes late Mr.Wright” said the chief. “My apologies, chief. It was rather a long walk from home” I replied. “No worries, we’re running late ourselves, you’ll have to wait another 10 minutes.” Replied Mr. Frederick.
“Did they question you too?” I asked, as I walked towards David.
“Apparently, we are all suspects in this case, they think we are criminals” Replied Tom with irritation and frustration, who was sitting next to David. David spoke as he finally got a chance to reply; “everyone is suspect until the culprit is caught, it’s a standard procedure of police and we’ll have to follow it.”
The cops called us one by one. I followed one of the cops into the room when finally, it was my turn. It was a small cabin with a table and chair. Another cop accompanied Mr.Frederick along with a diary and pen.
“Yes, Mr.Wright, tell us your part of the story, how did you get to know about Murder?” Said the chief.
“Maria called me with the news,” I replied.
“How long have you known him?” he followed up with the questions to which I replied” almost 6 years now sir.”
“And where were you at the time of the murder?” “At home sir, reading a book”.
“Rather odd time to read the book isn’t it?” I kept quiet and didn’t react.
Another question followed “When did you meet him last?” and so did my answer “At 12 AM sir. I dropped Arthur at the mansion, we had a few drinks together and I left”
Chief: “Who else was there at home when you dropped him”
Oliver: “Not sure sir, we entered the gate as security personnel opened on our arrival. We went inside into his study for a few drinks and then he saw me out.”
Chief: “And did you notice something different at that time?”
Oliver: “Not really but, there was something; Arthur never really left his study door open and it was open at the time we went in for drinks.”
“That’s all Mr.Wright, you may go now.” Said the officer.
I walked out with a bit of relaxation but I was equally confused, this didn’t seem like a real investigation. I was worried if the case was being taken seriously. I walked out and went straight to David asking him with a bit of frustration “That is all? That is all they will ask everyone and let them go? How are they even going to find the culprit this way?” “Be patient my friend, police also need time to investigate” replied David.
In the next one week every one of us was called up at the station multiple times and everyone had answered different or similar questions. Sometimes our handprints and shoe prints were collected as well. While everyone was getting quite frustrated, David assured everyone, he knows the officer and the team, they will get to the bottom of it.
One week later we were all asked to gather once again at the mansion. The chief superintendent was going to speak to us today. The mansion was filled with people, all of whom had some connection to the late Arthur. Arthur’s attorney Mr. Clarke was present too. And seeing him there raised a question in everyone’s head, but no one was going to speak up over it for sure.
The chief Mr. Frederick began to speak, thank you all for being here today. As you all can see we have Mr. Clarke with us today. He’s going to share a few words with us. “Mr. Clarke, you may continue please.”
There was a pin drop silence as Mr. Clarke came up to speak. “First of all, I am sorry for your loss, everyone. Today I am here to tell you a part of Arthur’s will.” Everyone looked at each other. Mr. Clarke continued “Hope you will cooperate with me in listening to the same. As per the last wish of Mr. Arthur Noah, everyone will be invited to stay in the mansion for next two days. A party will be arranged by Maria and Mr. Eric; and they are to make sure to comfort all the guests. At the end of the party, mentioned members will gather in the study to discuss the will of Mr. Arthur and the list goes on as Mark, Maria, Eric, Tom, David, Mrs. Pettersen and Oliver.”
We were all confused at this point and some chatter in the crowd started rising. Mr. Frederick came up ahead and mentioned “That’s the least you’ll do for your Mr. Noah, isn’t it sir David?” Everyone kept quiet. “There is a room allocated for each one of you here, request you to cooperate with the team and they will help everyone out.”
“And where would my room be?”
A strong voice appeared from behind, as we all turned towards the person, to my pleasant surprise it was Detective Vardhan.
I was glad to see him and I was about to rush myself to him until Mr.Frederick said
“So, you found your way here finally Detective Vardhan.” Please come. “There is off-course a room allocated to you, we made arrangements as soon as we met you this morning!” Mr.Frederick continued.
I was confused and I kept sitting where I was.
Mr.Vardhan came forward and introduced himself.
“Hello everyone, I am Detective Devaj Vardhan, I received a request to visit the details of this case a few days back from my old friend Oliver. I assure you I have come prepared and I will bring your loved Arthur to justice.”
Everyone looked at each other in all the confusion and nervousness. I kept sitting where I was without reacting much. Meanwhile, David pulled me aside and asked “You brought him here!!”
“Yes, I am quite relieved.” I replied.
“Do you really think he can get to the culprit better and faster than cops” he continued
“Indeed, I do,” I responded.
“I prefer to have my faith in the police department but I trust your instinct Oliver,” said David.
I knew my lack of faith in the officials would be a bit offensive for David but this statement made me smile with a bit of relief.
David further walked towards Vardhan and spoke to him for a few minutes.
David: “So, when did you arrive?”
Vardhan: “Last night!”
Vardhan continued, “I arrived at the mansion early in the morning, I looked up into the study and I even visited Arthur’s office. Quite a large life was built here by Mr. Arthur.”
David: “So, you have any lead to go on? Have you found anything yet that might be useful?”
Vardhan: “Not yet sir but I will let you know as soon as I am on to something.”
David: “Great, do let me know where I can help.”
As he walked towards his room.