Obsidian Dagger Secrets

Chapter 4: The Rival Collector

The gray London sky cast a pall over the grand Montague Manor as Detective Aidan Blackwood continued his quest for the truth behind the enigmatic murder of Edgar Montague. 

The mansion's silent corridors held secrets as heavy as the ominous rainclouds outside.

Blackwood's investigation led him to the study, where he had found a stack of cryptic letters that hinted at a hidden world. He couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious sender, and how Edgar Montague had become entangled in this shadowy realm.

The detective's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the study door, and in walked Victor Devereux, a distinguished art collector known for his ruthless ambition and bitter rivalry with Montague.

Devereux's presence was a stark contrast to the room's opulence, his dark eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and unease.

"Detective Blackwood," he began, his voice dripping with false sympathy, "I was deeply shocked to hear about Montague's murder. The art world has lost a great connoisseur."

Blackwood, ever the astute observer, noted the disingenuous tone in Devereux's voice. 

"Mr. Devereux, your concern for the deceased is duly noted. However, I believe there may be more to this than meets the eye. Would you care to enlighten me about your recent interactions with Mr. Montague?"

Devereux's lips curved into a semblance of a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

"Our interactions, Detective, have been nothing more than business as usual. We were in the midst of a heated competition for a rare Rembrandt that Mr. Montague had his eyes on."

Blackwood's curiosity was piqued. "A Rembrandt, you say? A painting that held such value as to incite competition between collectors of your stature?"

Devereux nodded, a trace of pride in his demeanor. 

"Indeed. It's a masterpiece, and I was willing to pay any price to secure it. Our rivalry was well-known, but it was all in the spirit of competition."

The detective continued to probe. "And what was the outcome of this rivalry, Mr. Devereux?"

A cloud passed over Devereux's face, a fleeting expression of discomfort. 

"I secured the painting just a few days ago. Montague was furious, but it was a fair transaction. I assure you, Detective, I had nothing to do with his murder."

Blackwood took note of Devereux's response and filed it away for further consideration. 

"I see. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Devereux. You may leave for now, but remain available for further questioning if necessary."

As Devereux exited the study, Blackwood couldn't shake the feeling that the bitter rivalry between the two collectors held the key to unraveling the mystery. 

The Rembrandt, the cryptic letters, and the shadowy world they hinted at were all threads in a tapestry of intrigue that he was determined to unravel.