The Poisoned Pen: A Guardian Story

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Terrifying Climax

With his handgun raised, Zhao Yunlan charged into the bathroom.

Empty.

He looked around.  There was a small window.  It was open.  He walked over to it and scanned the grounds outside.

"He got out through there?" one of the officers behind him asked.

A pause.

"Not unless he was a contortionist or well below average size," the detective deduced.  "I can tell from here that it's too small for most men to use, especially our killer.  Remember he's managed to overpower and murder three healthy grown men that we know of.  Also, the earth outside hasn't been disturbed by any shoeprints."

"So he got out of the barricaded door and then arranged everything back in place to look like he was still in there?"

It was unlikely, but not impossible.  Zhao Yunlan stood completely still and thought for a moment.

"How did he hear the cry?" he said suddenly.  "Gao Han said he was coming down the drive and he heard a cry.  Even if the driver's side window was open, unless the car was creeping along at snail's pace and he was deliberately listening out for it, he would never have heard someone shouting inside Butler Lao's house.  It's set too far back."

"What are you saying?" one of the police officers asked.

"I'm saying I'm an idiot.  There was never any assailant.  It was all just a lie.  It had to be."

"But why?"

Immediately, Yunlan's face turned ashen.  Turning on his heel, he started racing towards the front door, calling over his shoulder as he did.

"To lure us away from the main house!  Don't you get it?  Gao Han is the killer!  And now he's alone with Shen Wei!"

***

Shen Wei looked out of the window, his heart racing.

When he had handed Gao Han a glass of wine earlier, he noticed the sleeve of the man's black jacket ride up, revealing an expensive watch.  On his right wrist.

Immediately, the writer had turned away to hide the shocked expression on his face.

'It was just a coincidence', he told himself.  Lots of people must wear a wristwatch on the other hand.  However, as the cogs of the mind that had spent years honing murder mysteries on the page started to turn, everything began to fall into place.

Gao Han was a journalist.  He spent most afternoons away from his newspaper office chasing stories.  That would give him plenty of opportunity to indulge himself in whatever stalkerish activity made him tick.  Also, he knew the layout of the estate, making it easier for him to sneak in and out.  Then there was the wedding.  He had been there with Shen Ling.  It would not have been difficult for the man to slip away and take the opportunity to lure him into his clutches.

No doubt there was more evidence pointing to his sister's boyfriend, but the author did not have time to make the connections, as a voice suddenly spoke up behind him.

"I see you've finally figured it out.  But it's far too late, for you at least."

Shen Wei turned to face the only other occupant of the house, and knew that he was in a world of trouble.  The man that he had welcomed into his home as his sister's chosen partner was now brandishing a fiercely sharp knife in his direction.

He tried to buy some time as he edged his way around the room towards the closed study door.

"I don't understand.  Gao Han, is everything alright?  Is there a problem I can help you with?  Please, just talk to me.  I will listen to anything you have to say."