The Name Of The Game

Name of the Game

“Murder! Bloody murder!” The major’s iron fist came crashing down upon the table. The crimson liquid in the glass swirled around; it was a miracle it didn’t spill. The chess board trembled but no casualties. “You are murdering me, madam.” The major smiled and picked up an ebony bishop. Madam LeCroux now closed the fan that had covered her face, revealing a mouth opened in astonishment. “You had me on the run for a while there, my lady. But I am afraid the game is over. Checkmate.” Madam LeCroux returned the major’s smile with one of her own, but hers was a bitter one. With the tip of her index finger, she lay down her ivory king. She rose from her seat with the fan in her hand reopened. The major rose as well. She bowed and walked away from the board and more importantly, away from the major. He watched her walk away, wondering if he had offended her in some way. Behind the major, sitting upon the window sill, was a man staring out into the night. The weather was uncommon for winter. Instead of white flakes of snow, this winter sky brought rain. That queer weather was as queer as the ensemble of characters within the study. These characters (for aren’t we all characters in the large play that is life?) could hardly have come from a Shakespearian work. There was Major Barrow, the seasoned veteran dressed to the nines in his military uniform, lest we forget he served his majesty with honour. The charming ( and I use the term loosely) lady( again, rather loosely) whom the major sat with moments before was none other than Madam Morgan LeCroux, duchess of something or other, no one really knew nor did they care. All they knew, and indeed all she wanted them to know, was that she had wealth and plenty of it. Lady Catherine Mead, the other fair lady of the group,

2 was certainly not be outdone. When in the company of other ladies, her green gown instilled that emotion so often associated with that color. To be fair, the color of the gown never seemed relevant because she instilled envy regardless of what she wore. Standing near one of the bookshelves at the back end of the study was Lady LeCroux’s nephew. He was the sort of man one invites to a party, not for his high status or for any charming demeanor, but rather out of pity or, as was the case here, out of a sense of debt. The one time anyone could say Madame LeCroux was a lady and, perhaps a human being, was when she was in the presence of her sister Countess Vaughn. It was out of respect and love of that bond that she (rather hesitantly) agreed to bring her nephew with her. Dominic Vaughn looked more like a ghastly butler than a man as he stood glancing at the collection of books behind the glass. So ghastly was his figure that every once in a while he would jump at the sight of his own reflection upon the glass. He glanced over his shoulder, watching his aunt pass by. He shifted his head towards Major Barrow and then back to the shelve in front of him. The man peering out of the window shifted his gaze away from the darkness outside towards the major. He smiled. “She is not used to losing, Major. The men she often meets are far more preoccupied with other matters to give her a worthy challenge. She is a good player from what I understand.” The major felt a hand on his shoulder. “Give her a couple of minutes. Play her again.” The major turned to face his advisor. “I suppose. Say Andrew, where is your father anyway? Everyone else has gone home and as much as I enjoy your father’s company, I have some business to attend to early in the morning.” Andrew shrugged.

3 “I don’t know.” He searched his trouser pocket and pulled out a silver pocket watch. “Let us wait a bit. I’ll go check on him in a couple of minutes. You know how he gets.” The major nodded. He sat down in front of the board invited Andrew to take a seat. “Care for a game?” Andrew shrugged again. “Might as well.” Dominic made his way towards the two gentlemen. They looked up at him, acknowledged his presence, and went back to the game. The match soon began to draw a crowd, if two people can be considered a crowd. Lady Mead now stood a few feet to the right of Dominic. The young man glanced at her blue eyes, her lightly freckled face, and her long blonde hair and almost blushed. Lady Mead noticed the glance but was more uncomfortable than flattered by the attention. The silence of the room was only broken by the sound of the rain upon the window. Heavy footsteps from above made Andrew and the major look up. “What the devil is he doing up there?” asked Major Barrow. “I haven’t the foggiest. Might have something to do with that medal of his.” Major Barrow looked at Andrew with wide eyes. “You don’t mean...?” Andrew nodded. “Yes. The very same medal he was awarded when he was in the service with you. He apparently lost it some weeks ago at Colonel Shepherd’s party. You remember the one? He has been racking his brains over the thing ever since. To tell you the truth, I think that’s why he had this little party tonight.” Major Barrow was taken aback by the statement. “What do you mean?” “He thinks someone that was at the party took it. So he went out of his way to throw a party and invite the same people that were there that night. He had it in his head to question

4 everyone. Since all but you four guests remain, I guess he didn’t have much luck. I think he gave up after talking to a handful of people.” The major shook his head. “He really thinks one of us took it?” “No. Not anyone of you four at least. He trusts you too much. As for the ladies…well he knows as well as we do that they steal hearts not priceless medals.” He smiled as he looked up at Lady Mead. She about to return the gesture when the sound of the clock startled her. The cuckooclock above the fireplace struck one o clock. She was about to speak but was interrupted by a voice from behind. It was Madam LeCroux. “Excuse me Andrew, but might you have a room in this house were I could powder my nose?” He rose from his chair and Dominic moved aside so that Andrew could address the duchess. “Why yes. It is just up the stairs outside this door. Second door to the right.” The duchess bowed. As she was leaving the room, Lady Mead called out to her. “Please do hurry. I’d like to freshen up too.” Madam LeCroux gave no inclination of having heard the Lady. The game between the two men continued. The silence in the room unbroken until the steps began again. “Knight takes bishop. I am at your heels, my boy.” Andrew laughed. “So it would seem unless I…” He picked up an ivory tower. “Check.” He leaned back into the seat, arms crossed, and a triumphant smile on his face. He would have noticed the major’s increasingly frowning brow had his attention not been drawn by the opening of the door. He half expected his father but, upon hearing the continued steps upstairs and seeing Madam LeCroux’s face, he realized he was mistaken.

5 “Hold the door please” said Lady Mead as she sprang past Dominic. Her golden hair had missed his sharp nose by an inch but her sweet perfume did not. He didn’t know much about flowers but he imagined their fragrance took after Lady Mead’s, not the other way around. He watched her close the door behind her, catching a glimpse of a corsage on the right side of her bosom. Perhaps he had mistaken the source of the scent? Madam LeCroux noticed where her nephew’s eyes were. She shot him one of those glances that speak volumes without ever needing so much as a moment of the mouth. He met her eyes and at once his eyes met the floor. The hands on the clock continued their circular march. By now the little hand had reached the number four while the big one had stayed comfortably in place. The footsteps upstairs had now subsided. “Finally decided to take a break from the pacing eh?” said Andrew half to himself and half to everyone else, the annoyance in his voice at once apparent. No sooner had Lady Mead returned that the Major excused himself to place a call. There was a phone in the study of course but he wished privacy and to ask the others to leave a room not entirely his own seemed far too rude. Upon his return, he decided to take up Andrew’s advice and asked Madam LeCroux for another game. She agreed. Her mood had lifted considerably since her defeat and why should it not have? She was winning. Yet the Major found more enjoyment in this almost inevitable defeat than he ever did during his previous victory. Upon a couch near the study door, Andrew was deep in conversation (as deep as a young bachelor could be expected to be with a woman he had nothing but a physical attraction to) with the Lady. Dominic now sat in Andrew’s former place in the window sill. Dominic wasn’t much for parties and parties were seldom much for him. The glass window reflected his empty green eyes but within it, he could see the entire goings on behind him. Something was off. He could not explain the feeling…he just knew something

6 wasn’t there that was supposed to be there. The clock broke the silence of the room for the second time that night. Andrew’s gaze shifted from the blue eyes of the lady to the yellow bird of the clock. It was 1:30. “I can’t believe this. I’m sorry my lady. Pray excuse me.” He rose and turned, took three short steps, and was out the door. Dominic turned his head over his left shoulder. The feeling was there again. “What the deuce is it?”

He couldn’t be sure. He shook his head in an attempt to drive the

matter out of his head. For the moment…he succeeded. Loud foot steps. They didn’t come from above but from out the door. It opened slowly revealing…a ghost. It had the face of a man, the threads of a man…but it lacked the vitality of a man. Andrew’s face was as ethereal as Dominic’s, but where one had simply drawn the genetic short-straw the other had been terrified into his present state. He struggled to get the words out but after five attempts he managed to speak: “He’s dead…my father is dead!” Lady Mead threw her hands in the air and almost fainted. Madam LeCroux was struck by the news but maintained her composure, a testament to the strength of her heart (or lack of the aforementioned organ). Major Barrow slowly rose. His strong commanding voice came in whispers now: “Are you sure?” Andrew nodded gravely. “He’s just laying there. He isn’t moving Major.” The Major put his hand on his forehead and began to pace for a few moments. The concerned and grief-stricken man gave way to the collected and veteran officer. “Andrew, call a doctor. Ladies, stay here with him.” The newly drafted soldiers nodded in unison, they had understood their orders. He turned back to Dominic.

7 “You…” “Dominic” “Yes. Dominic. Come with me. If the Colonel is still breathing, we may need to bring him down. Come.” Dominic nodded and followed. Dominic wasn’t a physically strong man but, to a stranger, his tall frame and broad shoulders might have suggested strength. The two men climbed the stairs swiftly. They took a right and another right. Down the hall third door on the left, the Major knew, was Col. Barker’s study. He stopped in front of the doorway. Andrew had undoubtedly left it wide open upon seeing what the Major now saw. The body of Colonel Louis Barker lay on his stomach in the middle room. A shatter wine glass, all its contents soaked into the rug, lay a few inches away from him. Major Barrow would have hurried to his friend’s aide, like any other person in his position, but he knew it to be pointless. Years of service, years of fighting, years of pain had given Major Barrow a unique (if not entirely unwanted) power. Like many men who have starred it in the face, like many men who have been exposed to it far more than anyone ever should, Major Henry Barrow instantly recognized death. The major took a few steps towards the body. He knelt beside it and closed the Colonel’s wide opened eyes. Dominic had never understood that custom. Were the eyes closed to keep the dead from staring into the eyes of the living? Or where they closed in order to aide in the illusion that death is just an eternal kind of sleep? He walked inside the room towards the major. The room had an odd smell to it…almost familiar. He looked to his left and saw numerous liquor bottles upon a table, one of them was open. He recognized the name on the label and at once recognized the smell, he was almost embarrassed at his lack of recollection of that smell. He should know it by heart so often was the smell upon his father. “No you fool! It’s not that!

8 He now stood over the major’s shoulder, awaiting further commands. The Major rose and turned to face Dominic. He looked into Dominic’s eyes and nodded, answering the obvious question in Dominic’s mind. “No use in moving him. Let us await the doctor downstairs.” He moved towards the door and stopped when he realized Dominic stayed behind, set like a statue. “It is a horrid thing death is. Do not let yourself dwell on it too much. Come on.” Dominic did not move. His eyes where set on the Colonel’s head. He tilled his head slightly to the right. Something came over him. He straightened his head and knelt down. For some reason, he found himself looking at the pieces of glass across the floor. A few of the shards had small pieces of something on them, Dominic could not let what they were. He went to pick one of them up but the major’s booming voice made him jump. He regained controlled of himself. “What in the devil are you doing? Let him be.” Dominic rose. His head was throbbing. “I…need some air. I’ll join the rest downstairs shortly.” The Major nodded. Dominic walked out with him still the former made his way down the stairs. Dominic had recalled there was a balcony somewhere on the second floor. He looked around and finally found it. He opened the double doors with their clear glass panes, and walked out into the winter night. The rain was no more. His head was throbbing fiercely now. He trashed about, his hands upon his temples. He caught the hand rail with his right hand, his left still upon his head. “The smell wasn’t from the scotch, you fool.” The voice sounded like Dominic’s, but slightly deeper and with a command Dominic’s voice had seldom ever achieved. “What? Of course it was.” He turned around looking for the owner of the voice. “What are you doing? You won’t find me there.” His eyes widened. He looked all about…but no one was there.

9 “Where are you?” “I am hurt, Dominic. I know I haven’t been around much but I didn’t expect you to forget me.” Dominic let his left hand fall. He turned to face the night sky and shook his head. “Who…what are you?” “You know exactly who I am. You know exactly what I am. Dr. Freud and his bunch have given your current predicament a name. Of course, the problem was apparent before there was a term to describe it. It’s always that way with unexplained phenomenon. Almost as if the thing never existed because it lacked a name, but once it is given one…it is at once discovered for the first time. My name is Dominic.” “What?!” The sound of his voice dissipated in the cold winter air. “No you are right. You are Dominic. Well then call me…Alphonse.” Dominic had both hands on the rail now. “You are the one…I have been hearing all these years?” “I knew you could not forget me. You tried your hardest to but it didn’t work. Do have some gratitude old boy. I did step aside and left you alone for the most part.” Dominic stood staring at his feet. “Why now? Why bother stepping back in?” “You are in need of higher function my boy. Your meager brains can’t help you now. There is analytical thinking to be done tonight and you, my dear chap, are not fit for the job.” “What do you mean?” Alphonse laughed. “The mere fact you are asking such a question should be answer enough. There is no need to worry Dominic. You are not going anywhere. It will just feel like you are watching the

10 coachman stir the coach rather than driving it yourself.” His hands were at his temples once more. He felt himself slipping. “NO! What are you doing?!” “Don’t be so stubborn. I was here long before you. It’s your turn to step aside.” Dominic shook his head fiercely. “No! I won’t—“ “Fine! Have it your way you imbecile. If you thought I was a nuance before…you are in for a terrible surprise.” Silence. Dominic stood for a second, searching, listening. Nothing. He took in a deep breath and let it out. He stood up straight and adjusted his coat, chest puffed out as if he was proud of some perceived victory. He made his way out the balcony, down the stairs, and into the study. “Is the Doctor back yet?” Major Barrow was speaking on the phone as Dominic entered the room and took one of the seats near the chessboard. Andrew had resumed his post at the window, the ladies sat on the couch near the door. Dominic surveyed the room. The headache returned. Again his hands clutched his head. All eyes were on him now. “What are you….stop that!” exclaimed Madam LeCroux, ever the comforting aunt. “Sorry lad. I was going to go the slow and steady route but my patience has run out.” Dominic

slowly

raised his head. “Sorry, Aunt Morgan. Dreadful headache.” He turned to face Major Barrow. He was hanging up the phone when Dominic spoke: “The doctor has been called?” The Major nodded. “Good. As long as you are there major, mind phoning Scotland Yard for me?” All eyes were once again on Dominic.

11 “Why in heaven’s name do you want Scotland Yard?” said the Major. Dominic grabbed a Queen off the chessboard. “Don’t you see Major? We are all part of a game.” He put the piece back and rose. “And the name of the game is…murder.” He began to pace from the bookshelf back to the fireplace with hands behind his back. He now stood straight, shoulders leveled, no longer hunched over, his green eyes were sharp and aware, no longer empty and dull. He stood in front of the bookshelf now. The silence left by his announcement was now broken by Andrew. “What do you mean murder? You don’t really believe…?” Dominic nodded. He turned his head towards Andrew. “I do. Here is a man, somewhat advanced in years certainly, but in perfect health. Do you really believe he just keeled over and died? Major, I am aware of your astonishment but if you could manage to be astonished while phoning the police, I would truly appreciate it.” Major Barrow could not believe his ears. He made his thoughts known. “You are mad. Louis…the Colonel was a tough old bird. He would not have gone down easy. Surely we would have heard a struggle of some sort.” “I am not in anyway questioning Col. Barker’s resolve to stay alive. Had he a chance to face his assassin, I’ve no doubt he would have fought to the last.” “You mean he didn’t see who killed him?” asked Andrew. “You mean if he was killed” Major Barrow answered although he was not the one being addressed. Dominic had his hands in his pockets now as he gazed into the burning firewood behind him.

12 “Ohh Maaajoor” said Dominic in a sing-song voice “I still can not help but notice your mouth isn’t addressing the phone. Why is that?” The Major was about to pounce on him but Andrew stopped him. “We’ll call them but first…how are you so sure my father was murdered? Why was he murdered…and by whom.” Dominic grabbed a steel poker and began prodding the fire. “Hold on just a minute! You really think one of us killed that man? Stop this nonsense you fool. You are enough of an embarrassment as it is.” Madame LeCroux had been mute long enough. Dominic laughed. He looked over his shoulder at Andrew. “You must forgive her. It seems wealth and manners have a negative correlation. As one goes up the other inevitably goes down.” He turned back to the fire. Had it been any other day, Madam LeCroux would have surely reprimanded her nephew. So shocked was she to hear those words uttered by the nephew she most certainly knew had no backbone that she stood there speechless. It seemed to her as if her nephew was someone entirely different. Dominic continued: “I must admit the discovery came as a bit of serendipity. Then again…most great discoveries are like that.” “But how do you know it is murder?! Surely you could not tell that from a simple wound?” Lady Mead refused to be the only one without an opinion on the matter. Dominic put the poker down. His arms were behind his back once more. “You are quite right my lady. If you would be so kind as to allow me to finish, perhaps I can make my line of reasoning known.” He turned to face her and, upon receiving a nod from the lady, he continued:

13 “There are five people within this room. Out of the five, only three left the room within the course of the night. So we can safely—“ “Are you accusing us of murder?! Why you ungrateful—“ “Yes, Auntie Dearest I am!” Dominic shot a glance at his Aunt not unlike the one she had given him earlier. “Anymore interruptions? Major? Andrew? No? Good. Let us continue. As my Aunt so elegantly deduced (I use both terms infinitely loosely) there are only three possible culprits. I hope to make those possibilities into probabilities as I progress.” He cleared his throat before carrying on. “Trifles. You may ask the highly effective Scotland Yard when they arrive, but until then you must trust my words, that trifles are as important if not more so than the more obviously important details. The reverse is also true more often than not but one can never be too careful. One particular trifle along with one large detail led me to the conclusion that Col. Barker was murdered. Sure each fact, individually, would not very significant. As the great chemists teach us sodium is but a metal by itself and water a most valuable liquid, but when fused together…its unity elicits more of a reaction within us than either one by its lonesome.” “Shortly after Aunt Morgan, Lady Mead, and the Major returned I felt something was off. Something that should have been present was not. Then the good Colonel was dead. I could not and was not certain how he had met his end, but upon seeing his figure lay upon the floor, I knew his death was not a result of chance or fate but of deliberate calculation. “How then? How did he die?!” Andrew’s clenched fists were white. Dominic was not annoyed by the interruption. The question was valid; it was his own flesh and blood that had just perished after all.

14 “I am almost there,” said Dominic soothingly. “I said that there are only three possibilities as to our culprit. Lady Mead, Aunt Dearest, and Major Barrow.” Dominic threw a hand in the air, a pre-emptive strike upon the Major; for he knew the veteran would not stay quiet after being accused of killing his close friend. He won the battle, the major was quiet. An outburst from Aunt Morgan was not expected but not entirely impossible (she had made her distaste at the accusation previously). From Lady Mead he expected no reaction whatever. What he received from her was a pair of blue eyes steadily studying his every feature. Had it been the same Dominic that gazed upon her features before, he might have blushed at the newfound attention. Since it was not, however, the same Dominic (It was in fact Alphonse) he met her stare with as much indifference as she had met his. He smiled not at her but at a thought. He went on: “Since Andrew and I never left the room, I can say with much confidence, and I believe you all will agree, that we are above all suspicion. “But Andrew did leave the room” said Lady Mead. “That’s right, he did” said Madam LeCroux, nodding in agreement. “What? I did no such thing! I was here all the time!” Dominic chuckled and shook his head. “They are right, Andrew. You did leave the room…once.” Andrew’s jaw dropped. “But you just said…” “I did but the fact of the matter is you did leave the room. Tell me Andrew…did you murder your father? Did you have a large inheritance long over due? You left the room at exactly 1:30. You rushed up the stairs in the pretense of fetching your father, walked into the room, and killed him. You then came back here and pretended to be shocked at the sight of your dead father. Did I peg you right, Andrew Barker?” All eyes were on Andrew now. If his jaw was on the floor

15 previously, it was now all the way to China. He stammered for a while, searching for words that would not come. The fire was beginning to die out. Dominic at once grabbed a poker and stabbed the fire back to life. “I believe that says it all. Major, Scotland Yard if you please.” Dominic pointed to the telephone. The Major did not move. He looked at Andrew and then back at Dominic. “You are wrong. What proof do you have?” said Major Barrow. “Proof? My good man…I do not need proof. That is a matter for the courts. Let them sort it out at the inquest. No Major I deal in probabilities and I believe I have established one.” Andrew had been searching for words all the while…he finally found them. “What about LeCroux and Mead? They had every chance of doing the deed. Why not them?!” Dominic chuckled. “My aunt is harmless. She is bad tempered and cruel to those who she can control but she is harmless. As to Lady Mead…well look at her man. Such beauty could not be capable of taking a person’s life. Am I right, my lady?” She shifted her eyes away from his and said nothing. “See? I am afraid the game is up, Andrew. Please, do not make this any harder than it has to be.” Major Barrow looked at Andrew again. “I am…I am truly sorry Andrew but I do believe he is right.” He began to dial. “What?! You can’t possibly believe this rubbish! You!” He pointed at Dominic. “If I did murder him…how did I do it? There were no wounds on his body whatever. Tell him Major! Tell him!” The Major had gotten through to the Yard but placed his hand on the receiving end of the phone. “He does have a point. Not so much as a drop of blood in the room.” “Poison” said Dominic calmly.

16 “Bullocks! What sort of poison then? Did I slip it into his drink? Is that it? Dominic turned and walked up to the window. “I am not well versed in poisons Andrew. I really have no idea how you did it aside from the fact that you did. The courts will get to the bottom of that.” The minute he uttered the last word Andrew was ready to pounce. Major Barrow dropped the phone and held him back. “You bloody bastard! I did not murder my father! Unhand me you brute! Why the hell aren’t you smashing his teeth in! He blamed you for his death too!” The Major gradually let go of his grip on the man. Andrew was still white with rage. The officer on the other end of the line had apparently heard everything. He was sending some men down immediately. The Major hanged up. He held his head low as he said: “They are on their way.” Andrew looked towards Dominic. The latter could see the reflection of the former in the window. Dominic took a deep breath and let it out. “I had hoped you would not let the matter get so out of hand. I was hoping you would intervene. I was too optimistic I suppose. What truly bothers me is that…you were willing to let an innocent man be accused of murder. Aunt Morgan,” he looked over his shoulder,” tell me…do you recognize the flowers on Lady Mead’s corsage?” Madame LeCroux looked at Mead, shifting her eyes, searching. She found nothing. “What corsage? She doesn’t have one.” “Oh?” exclaimed Dominic. “Well that IS odd. I could have sworn she had one. Am I mistaken my lady?” She hesitated for a moment and looked down at her feet. “Well…I…no I don’t recall…” “Wait…he is right. I do remember an odd sort of flower but what the devil does that have to do with anything?” asked Andrew.

17 “It has to do with everything. Well Lady Mead? Where is it?” Dominic’s eyes were like daggers. “I…I don’t know. I lost it.” “Where?” “I…I don’t know! Why does it matter?” “Do you recall what the flower looked like?” Dominic addressed Andrew now. Andrew thought for a moment. “Well… it was violet. Look like a bell of sorts.” “Like a bell” Dominic repeated the words in a whisper. He turned to Madame LeCroux. “ A violet flower that is shaped like a bell, does that sound familiar Aunt Morgan?” She pondered the question. She nodded slightly. “Well I should think so. Your mother is always cautioning me about it. It’s foxglove.” “Foxglove, witches gloves, and my personal favorite…dead man’s bells. All different names for the plant genus Digitalis.” His eyes were fixed on Lady Mead but he addressed Madame LeCroux. “Why is mother always cautioning you about that plant?” “Well she says it’s highly toxic. Says I should be careful because many people brew it into tea. It is often mistaken for a harmless plant that looks similar to it.” Her eyes widened. “Wait a minute…you don’t think—“ “Even a small leaf from the plant can cause death if ingested. The leaflets of the upper stem are the most potent. Tell me Lady Mead…how many missing leaves is Scotland Yard going to count when they find your corsage?” Had she been any other woman, the anger upon her face

18 would have robbed her of all her beauty but, luckily for her, she had beauty enough to spare. She was on her feet at once. “I did not murder—“ “Stop.” Dominic put a hand up in the air. “I require your input for one thing and one thing only. Until then…I kindly ask you to keep your mouth shut.” His speech was quick. To allow a pause would be to allow Lady Mead to continue speaking. He would not allow that. “Shortly after one o clock you left the room. Till that point we know the Colonel was alive, his footsteps above told us so. That eliminates my Aunt as a possibility. We are thus left with Lady Mead and Major Barrow. The footsteps were not heard after you returned. When Major Barrow left the room immediately after you entered it…the Colonel was already dead. Major Barrow is thus above suspicion. That leaves us…with you my dear lady. The minute Aunt Morgan entered the room, you left in a hurry. You spoke to the Colonel didn’t you? He was drinking when you entered…the opened bottle of spirits and the shattered glass on the rug is proof of that. Drinking and pacing…what does that tell us? He was anxious perhaps even nervous. While he was distracted ( and such a feat could hardly be difficult for you), you dropped the leaves into the drink. Those green leaflets are what I saw stuck upon the scattered shards of glass. I imagine the poison took only a few minutes to take effect. The Colonel was a tall sturdy man…I was wondering why we did not hear him collapse. We heard his footsteps so why not the sound of his body hit the floor? You waited until the poison set in…the minute the glass dropped you rushed to his side. By then he was as good as dead but nonetheless…you set his body down gently. All of that gives us the how and the when…what is left ( and this is where you come in) is the why. So, Lady Mead…regurgitate your motives…tells us why.” For the third or fourth time

19 that night, all eyes in the house shifted simultaneously. The anger had all but left her. She lowered her head. “It isn’t fair you know? All those months ago…he was so charming. He had lost that medal of his at Col.Shepherd’s party. He was looking for it everywhere. I just so happen to have found it. He was so grateful.” “Wait you mean he found it?” asked Andrew. Lady Mead opened her mouth to speak but it was Dominic’s voice that came out. “It was in his breast pocket, I saw its outline when I went upstairs. I imagine he kept it with him at all times.” He nodded to Lady Mead to continue. “I found it lying around. Like I said, he was most grateful. He immediately took a fancy to me. And I to him. We grew close…at least that’s what I thought. Then you came to stay at the house Andrew. We started sneaking around. He thought you would think ill of him for choosing someone so much younger than he. I did not care what anyone thought…I loved him. And then about a week ago…he said he was done with me. And after I gave myself to him—“She stopped for a moment, her eyes with a slight hint of tears. “After all we had been through, he said he was not going to marry me. I was a ruined woman but what did he care?! He told me he was going to have a party tonight and that he wished to see me. I wanted nothing to do with him…but I could not resist…even after he rejected me my feelings lingered. He did not wish to arouse anyone’s suspicions about us-especially your suspicions-so he told you that fib about the medal and arranged it so that we could meet alone at a designed time. He would dismiss all but a few of the guests and we were then to meet at one. Although I a part of my heart loved him still…the rest hated him. Whatever he had to say to me...I was going to make certain it was the last time he

20 ever said anything.” She stayed silent for a second. She looked up, her eyes full with anger…and sorrow. “ ‘I want you to go some place nice. I’ll pay for everything,’ he said. He wanted me to stay quiet. Like he…like he was ashamed of me!” She sunk her head in her hands. She was crying now. A knock at the door. Everyone stood speechless…half astonished and half full of pity for the lady. Dominic had felt pleased with himself. He had felt a sense of pride at achieving victory…but he felt none of that now as he saw the lady shed her tears. He had thought her to be a villainess, cold and cruel. She was not. He had prepared himself to smile triumphantly the minute Scotland Yard entered the mansion. He felt no such inclination now. A knock at the door. All were silent, they heard the sound but would not lift their eyes from the lady. Dominic went up to Lady Mead and gently whispered some words into her ear. Her crying came to an end. She looked up at him and he smiled. A faint smile began to form in her face too. The knocking was louder now. “I believe those are our friends from Scotland Yard. Better not keep them waiting Andrew.” Andrew walked out of the study. Dominic walked back towards the fireplace. His right hand was upon his head. His shoulders slumped and his eyes became dull and empty. “You are your own master once more” said Alphonse. Madame LeCroux, Lady Mead, and Major Barrow were all still there but only Dominic could hear him. “What happened?” “What do you mean?” “I remember I was sitting down and then…darkness. I could hear faint voices…but I couldn’t make them out.” “You remember nothing?”

21 “No.” “Interesting. I am aware of what you do…but you aren’t aware of what I do. Hmm. That is going to be a problem.” “What do you mean?” “I rather enjoyed being in control after all these years. I am sure you will need me again…but if you can’t remember what I do…well that is going to pose quite a sticky-wicket for you old boy. You are going to be asked about things you won’t have any recollection of. You will be asked to do things you can not possibly do. Seems we are stuck like this.” “Like what?” asked Dominic. “Schizein phren.” The door of the study opened and Andrew entered with two policemen behind him. Dominic asked Alphonse what he meant by that but there was no answer.