Ten Years Ago

Chapter 8 : The Cook

A strong, but old mind . A mind that could wind up any memory and openly leave it out . But a great support to the good , this mind . Always contradicted the evil - there was no defence. Life was passion , death was just like glass crushed into bits . It was no fear - there are few who possess this type of nature . But the lady's weakness was tea .
Altheda Thompson, a middle aged woman , worked in a grand restaurant as the head cook .
An appointment with her was quite needed .
Charlotte Lavingham entered the little but neat living room , which had a single couch and an extra chair . The middle aged lady entered the room , and they greeted as Lavingham introduced herself.
'Well ? What is it that you really want to know ? The Brown case , wasn't it ?'said the lady .
'Yes . I'd like to know what you witnessed and what you heard , Miss Thompson.'
'I can't really remember much .'
'As a sophisticated lady yourself, you do understand that this matter is of vital importance, don't you ? '
' Yes , I do .'
'There is evidence that Mr.Julian might've been innocent. Now , I find who actually killed Miss Lucinda. What is your opinion of Julian Brown ?'
'I have no opinion. I didn't like the young man personally . He was the type of young lad to have girls around him - I  had seen . He didn't have affairs with them - but hung out with them a good deal . He had this girl in her life - I still remember her face - Vanessa - very pretty. I could say , he had a thing for her . She was sweet and his classmate - they did their assignments together. It was sweet , yes . The girl was well mannered . Miss Lucinda liked her as well . Well , Mr.Julian was handsome , but despite his charming face he was rather a malicious natured man . He was guilty - I find no defense even if you do . I had seen his face after his sister's death , Miss Lavingham. He wasn't shocked at all . He looked as if - as if it was somewhat a déja vu . It was rather odd . He usually expressed his feelings through his face , but that time he hadn't. It was just so plain - and quite normal. He wasn't sad , or surprised...just plain .'
'I see . D'you remember the conversation that took place in the morning by any chance?'
'Why , Miss Lavingham that was ten long years ago ! However I do remember faintly of what was said .
Mrs.Whittekar said to Miss Lucinda quite calmly "There is no chance of Sarah going to that wretched place ! She'll be in discomfort and she's too pampered to live in that slum !"
Then Miss Lucinda said , "It's for her best , she'll live in a simple place where she'll have some experience of the real world out there . Her education will be better and she'll think only about it." Then Mr.Julian entered, and asked what was going on . Miss Lucinda said "Julian, please tell me you're not insisting Sarah's stay here !"
"Nonsense, she'll stay ." said Mr.Julian , and Miss Lucinda looked at him in a queer manner , hinting at him or something. Well , I saw this because I peeked out of the kitchen and Miss Lucinda was facing towards me . She didn't see me , of course . Mr.Julian was a very fickle minded young man , and it wasn't unusual , because he always took his sister's side .'said she. 'Well , I've another question , Miss Thompson . Why is it that you still treat the Brown family so formally ? They were quite rich at the time , I understand , yes . Yet now , why ?'  

'I suppose - that the way those children were ripped - they didn't deserve it . Miss Lucinda was a poised , honorable young woman who had self-esteem . It was like she was killed twice - and I feel Mr.Julian didn't deserve his death either . His neck squeezed in that fashion ? Why , it's incredibly pitiful . He was guilty of killing her , yet he didn't deserve his death . He was very fond of his sisters and loved them very much . It was seen quite clearly .'

'Ah , I see .' 

'Well , I'll continue . In the afternoon the family had their lunch , at around one , but I asked the maid Wendy to deliver Miss Lucinda her lunch at around half past two . It was not unusual for her to have her lunch late , for she was always busy with her work . A businesswoman , she was . Wanted to pursue science - for some reason she didn't . Never knew why . I also sent a glass of water . I might seem the suspect - that I could've put the arsenic in the glass and sent it to her , but I am honest and loyal to those who help me , and I bore no grudge against Miss Lucinda . In fact , I adored her . I told her that once to cheer her up .She was a brave lady . Kind to everyone . She never insulted anyone , even sarcastically . After I told her that I adored her , she smiled - just smiled and went away . It was right after the morning's argument , as a matter of fact . She wasn't very happy in that house ever since she inherited . She was always looking uncomfortable , and sad . She never admitted it - she tried to hide it - but I could make out . I didn't meddle , but I had known for more that seven years - she knew me . And then the poor thing was brutally killed . This day was rather horrible .'

'I understand . But - is there anything else you wish to tell me - something you've hidden ?'       The lady was silent . She was thinking deeply .

'Words . Miss Lucinda told me something before she left . "Life's like a stream of water - there are many rocks that hit the water - but yet it flows . When water emerges it's very young and sweet. It chuckles and - " she just got lost in her words and then apologized . She then smiled - she was so beautiful - yes she was . I really , honestly wish - those children were still together - alive .'