Murder on the Orion Express

Interrogation

Due to the interruptions of the normal morning routine, precipitated not only by the heinous goings-on of the night, but also Beckett's interviews, breakfast was not served until almost 7.15am, a fact which vexed Beckett considerably, in particular, for the prominent part he himself had played in the outcome. The dining room had been reconfigured into its usual layout and Beckett took a seat by himself, while trying to avoid the gaze of the other passengers who whispered conspiratorially. It wasn't long before Frankenstein relocated himself to Beckett's table.

"Rumour has it, Beckett, that you're going to help Pilkington find the murderer. Who do you think it is?"

From a nearby table, Grey, who was imbibing her morning sustenance through a vapour tube, spoke via her translator, "Leave the man alone, Frankenstein. Two people are dead. This is more important than your cursed media feed."

Frankenstein looked wounded. "My dear Grey, one must be prepared. Once we get to Earth and back online, the potential of this is unlimited. Make hay while the sun shines, and all that. If I play my cards right, I'll have billions of new followers. This will draw interest from all over the galaxy."

"It seems to me that this tragic course of events has proved most favourable to you, Frankenstein," said Grey accusingly.

"Lamentable and tragic as it may be, one must be opportunistic when the occasion arises. Listen, Beckett, I would, of course, be willing to share some of the benefits, should you play ball."

Beckett took another sip of his coffee, which had just arrived. "As tempting as that sounds, I will have to decline. Fame, I do not crave and wealth is something of which I have quite enough already. Reputation, however, is something I am most eager to maintain, and I'm afraid broadcasting the details of this case in such a vulgar manner, will not enhance me in that respect."

Frankenstein stood up and shrugged. "Fair enough. No hard feelings, old man. You have your way of doing things, I have mine."

Beckett enjoyed his breakfast as best he could under the circumstances, which was hardly at all. Having relocated himself to Pilkington's office, Dr Purchase arrived at 8am, as requested. He looked tired and had obviously spent the night working. Beckett returned a photograph of the Colonel and his wife to a shelf, before calling for more coffee.

"Thank you, Beckett. I'm not sure I will be of much help, but regardless, here's what I've learned. Black died around 1am. Maybe an hour or two either side of that, but that's my best guess. It seems most likely that he died from poisoning. There was alcohol in his system, but not nearly enough to kill a man of his size, especially not one who was so well-acquainted with that particular drug. Right now, I can't say anymore until we get him back to a proper lab. One thing's for certain, I don't see any evidence that a fight of any kind occurred. Suicide may be a possibility."

"Then, what of the other man?"

"In terms of the second man, name of Cox, I concur with my initial analysis. He died from a single sharp blow to the head, time of death approximately 4am. In other words, at the time most of us heard him cry out. The death of this man was most definitely not by his own hand, possibly indicating that Black's death was also not suicide."

"Is there any indication as to what the murder weapon may have been?"

"None that I can tell, although it may be there. I can't confess to being an expert in this area of medicine, Beckett."

"I see. Thank you, doctor. May I enquire as to your particular specialty?"

"I've spent my career in general practice up until now. I didn't think pathology would be a skill required on board the Express."

"I imagine not. And how long have you worked on board the Express?" asked Beckett.

Purchase did not answer immediately. "Am I a suspect now, Beckett?"

"A simple question, doctor," smiled Beckett.

"Very well, I take it that I am. Still, I have nothing to gain by not answering. This is my first trip. Nothing like this had ever happened and as soon as I join the team – a double murder. An unusual circumstance, I suppose."

"Unusual circumstances happen all the time. This does not make you a murderer. But why give up a comfortable position on Earth for a life of endless travel? If you do not mind me saying, you seem a little too old for the draw of excitement beyond the stars."

Purchase laughed knowingly. "Why indeed? Why does anyone ever agree to do something uncomfortable? For the money of course. I earn triple my old salary. Who could turn down that opportunity? A few years here and I can retire a rich man."

"I appreciate your honesty, doctor. One final question, if I may? What happened to the last doctor on board?"

"There wasn't one. I'm the first."