Je te Plumerai

Tertiary

"Well, if anything, that proves that I was right. The two murders are connected!" exclaimed Cadence gleefully. "I knew it from the start! And you doubted me."

"I never said that they weren't related. I just wanted to explore every option," Arthur said defensively.

"Yeah, right. Well, let's see what other clues we have."

When they returned to the hotel, they found Amère Dupuis sitting on a bench outside.

"Oh, there you are!" she exclaimed, rising. "I've been waiting for you!"

"I certainly hope we haven't kept you waiting long," said Cadence. "We were just out talking to Mme et M. Bellamy to see if they know something that could be useful."

Amère swallowed. "That's good. These murders are so horrible. And that's just what I wanted to talk to you about. There's been a third murder."

"Why, no! That's horrible!"

"Where was the feather?" asked Arthur rudely.

"Feather?" questioned Amère. "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean."

"Where did you find out about the murder?"

"Well, I was in the café and I overheard some of the other customers discussing it. It caught my interest because I thought you might want to know what they were saying. At the time, I thought they were talking about one of the other two, but when I realized that there was a third, I went over to ask. I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer."

"What was the cause of death?" demanded Arthur persistently.

"His eyes were gouged out. Quite horrible." Amère shivered.

"And was there a feather at the scene of the crime?"

Amère looked surprised. "Why, I don't know. Why would there be a feather?"

"No reason," said Arthur. "No reason at all. Unless, of course, there was one. Who was the victim?"

"Garin Prideux. Eleventh grade. You know, it's strange. He was Aceline's girlfriend. Do you think he could have been so distraught over her death that he killed himself?"

"Sure, if people now gouge out their own eyes to take their life," said Arthur caustically.

"Oh. I suppose you're right. That was a stupid theory."

"No, Amère dearest! There is no such thing as a stupid theory! Just as a stupid question. It is important to take into account every possible eventuality."

"Funny, how when I said the same thing, you laughed at me for being wrong."

"What's gotten into you today Arthur? You're not normally this cruel."

"Am I not allowed to express what I feel?"

"Will you just let Amère and me talk?"

"Fine. Just one more question. Where is the home of the Prideux family?"

"Are you going to do investigating without me?"

"Since you haven't been much help so far, yes."

"Give us one more minute, then I'll come with you."

"Thank you, Amère, for bringing this to our attention. We will go investigate right away. Would you like to come with us? I'm sure you have some detective skills!"

"Oh, I'm afraid I can't. I do wish I could once. These murders are so horrible, I would like to do anything to put the murderer in his or her place, but, unfortunately, I have some work to do out of town. I should be back in a couple of days. So in case I don't see you again, I just figured I would tell you that any time you want to come visit France, you are welcome to stay with me. Both of you are."