The Murder House Mystery

Chapter Eleven

    Steve had locked Pete in the basement. Steve emerged and announced, "I am sorry to say that the cliche has proven true. Pete Ozwald, the butler, had indeed committed the murders of Thompson Clarke, former CEO of Pear Computers, Bella Goose, the maid, and John Johnson, Lina's ex-husband. As soon as the snow has melted, I will take the murderer to the police myself."

    Grandma spoke up next, "But why can't you just call the police right now?"

    Steve replied, "The roads are slippery and the police station might not even have any wifi. Besides, the esteemed criminal might attempt to make a run for it."

    Almost as quickly as the remaining people were gathered, they dispersed. Mom and Tammy went to discuss how we were going to get home, 'just in case there are any more murders'. Great Uncle Bill went to cry and mourn and roam the house. Steve went down to the basement to secure Pete. This seemed too easy. Pete couldn't have been the murderer, right?

    "Toby," sighed Grandma, "Am I the only one who doesn't think that Pete is the murderer?"

    I sighed and said, "No, in fact, I don't think so too. Honestly, the evidence seemed to be almost cartoonishly obvious. No one leaves that much evidence, not unless they were trying to frame Pete."

    "Exactly!" exclaimed Grandma. "And for what reason would Pete even want to commit those murders? He was always a very kind and just person. He got along with Thompson and Bella swimmingly. He might not have approved with the way that John was trying to court with Lina or the way he tried to convince you to let him into your family, but he would never murder for that!"

    "Yeah," I agreed. "No murderer would even claim the rope as eagerly as he did. Besides, he looks like someone who works out with a jump rope."

    "You know," began Grandma, "I think you should really check out the basement. I don't trust that Steve Witherman. It makes only logical sense to call the police. I wonder what his game is."