Obsidian Dagger Secrets

Chapter 6: The Art Dealer's Connection

The unyielding rain showed no signs of abating as Detective Aidan Blackwood and Constable Harris awaited the arrival of Mrs. Amelia Montague. 

The grand study of Montague Manor was steeped in an uneasy silence, save for the soft pattering of rain on the windows.

When Mrs. Montague entered the room, her face still marked by the traces of tears, Blackwood rose from his seat and offered a chair. 

The widow's eyes were red and tired, and her voice was laden with sorrow as she spoke.

"Mrs. Montague," Blackwood began gently, "I appreciate your willingness to speak with us. We've discovered an intriguing piece of art in your husband's study. It appears to bear a striking resemblance to the scene of his murder. Can you shed any light on its origins?"

Amelia Montague's eyes flickered with surprise, and she directed her gaze toward the painting. 

"I...I've seen that artwork before, but I have no knowledge of its origins. Edgar was the one who acquired it for his collection."

Blackwood's keen observation noted the hint of discomfort in her voice, a trace of something she was reluctant to reveal. 

"You say your husband acquired it, Mrs. Montague. Do you recall where or from whom he obtained this painting?"

Amelia sighed, her shoulders slumping. 

"I'm afraid I don't. Edgar often kept the details of his acquisitions a secret, even from me. He cherished his art collection, but he was a man of few words when it came to his sources."

The detective pressed on. "Were you aware of any recent dealings your husband had with art dealers or collectors? Anything that might connect him to this painting?"

Amelia's brows furrowed as she considered the question. 

"There was one dealer he had been in contact with recently, Isabella Carrow. She visited our home several times to discuss potential acquisitions. I believe she may have been assisting him with procuring certain artworks for his collection."

Blackwood's interest was piqued. "Isabella Carrow, you say? Can you tell me more about her, Mrs. Montague?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment, her gaze distant. 

"Isabella is a respected art dealer in London. She and Edgar had known each other for years. I can't speak to the extent of their business dealings, but they seemed to have a professional relationship."

With the mention of Isabella Carrow, Blackwood's mind raced. 

He couldn't help but wonder if the art dealer held the key to unraveling the mysteries that encircled the Montague family. 

As Amelia Montague continued to speak, her words painted a picture of secrets hidden within the world of art and commerce.

With the rain still falling relentlessly outside, Blackwood knew that the threads of this enigma were becoming more intricate and tangled. 

The connections between the cryptic letters, the butler's unease, the rivalry with Victor Devereux, and the mysterious painting were all converging toward a truth that remained just out of reach.