Death at Kimbal

Chapter 14

"Murder?" Judge Lennox gasped, looking at Effie with a face of pure shock.

"Yes." Effie agreed quietly, small tears collecting in her eyes.

"Forgive me my Lady," A man stood up at the very back of the room, "It may not be my place to question; but what proof have you to offer us?"

"Detective Burge." Effie frowned, recognising the tall, serious man. He looked much the same as he did when the two had first met, though perhaps with slightly greyer hair.

"What proof have we to examine?" Burge asked again, "It has been a full year. Any evidence will have long been destroyed."

"I'm afraid that I must agree with Giles." Lennox said firmly, sending Effie an apologetic glance, "There is nothing to base and work theories from."

"We do happen to have some proof for you." Luc said, seemingly addressing Burge more than the rest of the court, "Jenna, come here."

He beckoned her forwards with one hand, not breaking his gaze with the detective.

"We call the first witness forwards." The judge announced, "Step up to the box please and tell us your name and position of work."

"My name is Jenna Omell and I'm the maid of all work in the house of Miss Kimbal." The young girl said nervously, desperately trying to flatten out her wisps of hair.

"What have you to tell us?" Burge asked, his voice sickeningly sweet.

"A few days ago," Jenna started quietly, "I was told that Lady Miriam had not died of choice. The murderer boasted of it to me, laughing and giving every detail. He threatened me at knife point, said that he would kill me if I spoke."

"Its awfully brave of you to do this my dear." The judge said, smiling down at her with genuine kindness, "Many girls your age would be too scared."

"I am scared Miss." The maid said seriously, "But this is the right thing. What has to be done must not be avoided for any reason."

"Well said." Burge grunted, sending a ripple of approval through the crowd, "Can you tell us who the murderer is?"

"Its obvious isn't it?" Ed stepped forwards onto the main stage, silencing everyone instantly, "Its Lucian."

"What?" Effie gasped, unable to stop herself. This action was repeated by every person in the room, judges and detectives included. Luc took a step back, his eyes widening in horror.

"He arrives, and our mother is found dead in her room." Ed explained menacingly, "He returns from America and all of the old suspicions are resurfaced. Does no one else make this link?"

"I do as well young master." Burge said triumphantly, looking at Luc in disgust, "Hold him."

Two men rushed forwards from their position by the door and grabbed Luc, forcing his elbows back. The whole crowd jumped from their seats, crushing in on the scene and forcing Effie and Doctor Maddock backwards.

"No!" Jenna screamed, running out from behind the witness box and trying to push her way to Luc, "It isn't him! Please, believe me! Leave him alone you monsters!"

"Hold your tongue serving girl!" Burge bellowed, causing instance silence as he walked up to stand beside Judge Lennox, "Remember your position."

"Sorry Sir." She curtseyed, blushing bright red as Effie pulled her away.

"Take him away." Judge Lennox said, her voice completely clear of any emotion, "Leave us please Miss Kimbal."

"Of course Miss." Effie said, bowing her head as they walked past to avoid making eye contact with Luc.

"It isn't him." Jenna sobbed as the three women left the building, heading to the coach with Ed and Luc still inside, "Please Miss. You must believe me, he has nothing to do with it."

"I believe you my dear." Doctor Maddock said kindly, climbing up into the carriage and taking a seat, "But it may be too late to save Lucian. A woman's word convinces none in the dignitaries of court."

"We must save him though." The maid persisted, sitting next to the doctor with a terrified expression on her pale, porcelain like face.

"We will never make it out alive." Maddock shook her head despairingly, pulling the door shut once Effie was inside and directing the following question at her, "What do you think?"

"We need to discover who the actual murderer is." She murmured in response, "Turn them in and release Luc before he is killed."

"Any thoughts on who it could be?" The doctor quizzed the two younger girls as the carriage began to move, "Who would have a motive, opportunity and perfect alibi to carry it out?"

"Anyone could." The maid admitted, hanging her head in defeat, "So much time has passed, alibis will be rock solid and there is no clear motive other than the want for money."

"They must be male." Effie said firmly, "I am just sure that it links with the letter of complaint Ross gave me. Age is anyone's guess, as is how they carried it out. It must have been in the few short minutes between when Luc came to fetch me and when I met Ed at the foot of the stairs." Of course she'd memorised every detail, such a life changing wouldn't be forgotten overnight.

"Oh forget it." Doctor Maddock said, "It could have been anyone at all. We have no help, no clues unless of course, someone does know who it was and is retaining information for whatever reason."

"Of course." Effie gasped, rising a hand to her mouth, "How could I have been so stupid? It couldn't have been anyone else. My dear friends, I do believe I have the answer."

"He'll still kill me." Jenna said nervously, "I'll be dead by morning."

"I need time." Effie said grudgingly, "Three days at least to make sure that everything fits. But I promise you Jenna. You will survive this. Trust me."