Obsidian Dagger Secrets

Chapter 8: A Broken Alibi

The relentless rain had not let up as Detective Aidan Blackwood pressed further into the investigation of Edgar Montague's murder. 

He had already uncovered a complex history of family disputes and a recent reconciliation with Nathaniel, the estranged son. 

Now, Blackwood's attention had shifted to Amelia Montague, Edgar's wife, as he discovered inconsistencies in her alibi.

In the grand study of Montague Manor, where the room seemed to close in with each burst of thunder, Blackwood sat across from Amelia, her face etched with a mix of anxiety and weariness. He had requested her presence for a re-interview, his gaze unwavering.

"Mrs. Montague," the detective began, "I have some concerns about your alibi for the evening of your husband's murder. Can you walk me through your whereabouts once more?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment before recounting her actions that evening. 

"I had been in the drawing room, reading a book, until I retired to my bedroom for the night. I was alone the entire time, and I didn't hear or see anything unusual."

Blackwood leaned forward, his voice measured. 

"Mrs. Montague, we have evidence that suggests you may not have been in your room at the time of the murder. Can you explain these inconsistencies?"

Amelia's eyes widened with genuine surprise. 

"Detective, I assure you, I had no reason to leave my room that evening. I was distraught by my husband's recent death, and I sought solace in solitude."

The detective, however, presented evidence of a footprint found in a corridor leading to the study, a footprint that did not match Amelia's shoes. 

"Mrs. Montague, this footprint was found in the corridor outside your bedroom. It does not match your shoes, and it suggests that you left your room that night. Can you account for this?"

Amelia's face paled as she examined the evidence. "I...I don't understand, Detective. I'm certain I didn't leave my room that evening. There must be some mistake."

Blackwood's gaze remained unwavering. 

"I believe you, Mrs. Montague, but this evidence raises questions that we must address. Can you think of any reason why someone would want to create the impression that you left your room that night?"

Amelia's voice trembled as she responded, "I can't think of anyone who would want to harm my husband or frame me. It's all too bewildering, Detective."

The detective couldn't help but feel that the shadows of the manor concealed more secrets than had been revealed. 

The broken alibi raised new questions about the events leading to Edgar Montague's murder, and Blackwood was determined to find the answers.