Short stories

~The Pocket Knife~

   You wake up with a yawn, stretching your arms out as far as they will go. Your heading slightly spinning. You're guessing it was because of  a bad night's rest. The scent of coffee drifted up your nose, encouraging you to get out of bed. You slid off the creaky old bed, and put on your slippers to head out of your bedroom, down the corridor and the regal staircase, following the aroma of breakfast. As you made your way there, you admired the old mansion that you, as well as some other guests, were staying in for the next two weeks. You looked over every painting you passed. There was just something about the atmosphere that made you calm. You were feeling an odd sense of relief. Possibly from going on vacation. You were glad you came, for you almost didn't know your irritating business partner Allen Mcconnell, would be staying there as well. Yet, satisfaction flowed through your body.
    You wandered into the parlor, where there were a few other guests enjoying tea, coffee, and muffins. A stubby curly haired maid hustled in no more than three seconds later, offering you food and drink as well, which you happily replied "yes" to. She then scurried back out of the room to go fetch it. You sat yourself down next to Alana Kapper who was gossiping twenty words per second to Julianne Longley. To your right, sat ian armchair was Mr. Eugene John Walker III, a man who kept to himself and was currently reading the daily paper. You looked across the room, to another man who was the only other person besides yourself who was still in their night clothes, Richard Peyton. He was a well built, jolly, man. He could make women swoon with just a single flash of his sparkling, snow white, grin.
    As the maid dropped off your drink, she scanned the room, counting how many of them were down, then asking the crowd, "Has anyone seen Mr. Mcconnell?" Nobody said a word, they just shrugged, she then went back out of the room announcing, "I guess it's best go wake him up, then." as she did so. The room was pretty quiet besides the chatter of the two girls and the ticking of the antique grandfather clock, that was until they heard an ear-piercing shriek. A few moments after, a tall man with dark slicked back hair and a suit entered the room. This person who you assumed to be the butler then stated, "I am so very sorry, but I must inform you, Mr. Mcconnell has been murdered."
    Everyone stared at him with wide eyes, stiff as a board. Ms. Longley even dropped her scolding hot tea on the golden hardwood floors with a gasp. Eugene John Walker III, was so shocked that he managed to pry his cold blue eyes from his newspaper. Even you, who heard about this all time being in your line of work, even began to shake. The butler then swiftly left the room saying again in his deep voice, "I am awefully sorry."
    Once he was gone everyone turned to look at you. "Um, aren't you an inspector?" Alana asked, breaking the silence.
    You nodded, sending a shiver down your spine.
    "Then, couldn't you perform an investigation?" questioned Richard Peyton.
    "I-I guess so," you stuttered in reply. Everyone continued to sit there, completely horrified. "We-well I guess I should b-begin by observing the-the scene of the crime." You weren't the only investigator staying at that mansion, Allen had been your partner for many years. You disliked him quite a bit, but it felt odd, him being murdered. As you made your way up to your own bedroom to get dressed first, you couldn't wipe away the strange sense that this investigation, would be done all by yourself.
    Once in your personal living quarters, you opened up your armoire to get out the outfit you set aside for today. You buttoned up your navy shirt, and pulled up your tan slacks. However, as you put on your belt, you couldn't help but notice, the pocket knife in which you keep hook onto it, was missing, It didn't you long to find though, for once you reached Allen's bedroom, the scene of the crime, you found it covered in a thin coat of blood on his dresser.
    You brought it down to show the group, who once again gasped at the news.
    "But who stole it?" Asked Richard Peyton.
    "No idea," you announced, "That's why I have to ask all of you a few questions. Starting with Mr. Walker."
    "That's Mr Eugene John Walker III to you." he mumbled under his breath, eyeing you nastily.
    "Would the rest of you be so kind and leave the two of us be for a few moments?" The others left immediately leaving the two of you in peace.
    "What do you need to know?" he asked impatiently.
    "Just a few things." You answered wondering what to ask first. "Did you know Allen Mcconnell prior to this event?"
    "No. I travelled miles upon miles to get here, I don't know a soul. And even if I didn't come from a place so far away, I would have no reason to be with your sort." He spat.
    "Very well then. Did you happen to know where his bedroom was or where the knife he was murdered with was placed?"
    "As I said, I have no reason to get to know any of you, why on earth would I know where he or you were staying? I had no reason to look for him or your knife."
    "I see. So, why is it that you are trying so very hard to avoid all of us? Hm? You haven't spoken to any of us yet, and keep coming with excuses to stay away from us as if we were all filthy rats."
    "In my perspective you might as well all be filthy rats. Not one of you has a dollar to your name do you? I thought by coming here I would meet more high class folks such as myself, but no. The five you all took up their spots and some of you didn't even care to get dressed before coming down this morning. I am in fact leaving tomorrow because I can't stand any of you!" At this point he was screaming. So, you thanked him for his responses and left the room to question the next person, who you decided would be Alana.
    You found her once again in a corner chatting to Ms. Longley. "Hello, ladies. I don't want to appear rude, but if you don't mind I would like to ask each of you a few questions." They kindly agreed and you pulled aside Alana Kapper, her short curly hair bounced as the two of you walked away. As soon as the two of you were alone, she pulled on a poker face.
    "Now sir, I'd like you to know, I pride myself in being truthful, and I'm going tell you now that I didn't, nor would I ever, kill somebody. You can ask me any questions you please, but there's no way that I would ever even hurt someone."
    "Thank you very much for your cooperation then." You replied. You then decide to start with the same questions as before. "Prior to this event did you know Allen Mcconnell?"
    "I did not. I never even heard his name."
    "Alright. Do you know where his room or the knife happen to be?"
    "I had no clue where the weapon was but i did in fact know where he was staying. He had a few too many drinks at dinner last night and I walked him to his room so he would trip up the stairs. But, I'll have you know that I was there for merely two minutes before returning to my own room."
    "You do know that it only takes those two minutes to stab another?"
    "Mr. Inspector, I told you I did not, I never have, nor will I ever, murder someone!" Her deep brown eyes, once soft and kind, now looked furious. Alana quickly calmed herself down before asking, "Do you believe me?"
    "Possibly." you answered simply she then stomped off without another word.
    As she left the room you heard another pair of high heels click-clacking on the marble floors, and then in through the french doors walked in Mrs. Longley.
    "Is she alright?" She asked, with a look of concern. You took a moment to answer, for you couldn't help noticing how beautifully her green dress looked with her hazel eyes,  and how nice and neat her dark hair looked in its tight bun. You quickly reminded yourself that there was a serious case to solve, and you cleared your throat.
    "Um, she'll be fine." You answered. "Although, I'd like to question you a little as well, if you don't mind."
    "Um, of course."
    "Splendid. Did you happen to ever meet or hear of Allen Mcconnell before coming here?"
    "Yes, in fact, I'm surprised you don't remember me. My husband's brother was a client of yours, and you and Mr. Mcconnell accused my husband Henry. You even got him thrown in jail." She replied with a quiver in her voice. You all of a sudden remembered the fragile women from court. You began to feel as if you were the guilty one in that scenario, but shook it off.
    "I'm very sorry." You told her in slight remorse, clearing your throat once more. "Did you know the location of Mr. Mcconnell's living quarters, or the knife used to kill him?"
    "No." She answered in a depressed tone. You pitied her, and wished you didn't, so you thanked her for her replies and walked away from the room. However, as you left, there was another guest waiting adjacent to the doors.
    "So who's your prime suspect so far?"
    "Mr. Peyton," you addressed him.
    "Oh, call me Rick. I mean, we are all friends here after all aren't we?"
    "Well one of the "friends" just happens to be a murderer."
    "Of course." He said, his bright, wide smile becoming slightly nervous looking. "You, know, as a child I loved watching those black and white detective shows, and I am very interested to know who you believe it is."
    "I'm not quite certain yet," you answered, "In fact, I would love to ask you a few questions, yourself."
    He seemed a little offended at first, but then chuckled. "Well, I guess I just as much as a suspect as anyone else in this house, aren't I? Ask away!"
    "Did you know Mr. Mcconnell Prior to meeting him yesterday?"
    "I didn't, but I sure got to know him quite well over dinner yesterday. Quite a friendly man he was."
    "Very well... did you know where his room was?"
    "I might have. I think I saw him going into his room with Ms. Kadden last evening." He recalled. "Although, I do not remember where it was."
    "Alright, did you know where the knife was placed?"
    "I actually didn't realize you had a knife with you."
    "Thanks very much for your answers." You told him with a false grin.
    "And you're very welcome." He smiled. You began to walk off, but he stopped you again. You then turned back around and gave the young blond man a look of annoyance. "If I were you, I'd question the butler, something about him seems off to me. Just a tip." You had always preferred to work alone, but you just happened to run into him next.
    "Uh, Mr. Butler sir?"
    "Yes?" He replied, in a deep voice. His dark hair was slicked back and the oil in it shined off the light coming from the arched windows.
    "Might I ask you what you know about Allen Mcconnell's death?"
    "Yes, especially if your first one is if I did it, which I can assure you, I did not."
    "Sorry, but there is more to it than that. Before yesterday, did you ever know Mr. Mcconnell?"
    "I did not." He answered simply.
    "Did you know where the knife was?"
    "Your belongings are not my concern."
    "Did you know what room he was staying in?"
    "Of course I did. It is actually, believe it or not, my job to know where you were all staying. A job I've had for nearly thirteen years. A job I would hope to keep. And speaking of jobs, I think you start getting yours done before one of the suspects has a chance to leave. For example, Mr. Walker is leaving tomorrow morning, and I can't say I blame him, but that means you should hurry up and finish your case!"
    You weren't sure that you believed Mr. Eugene John Walker III when he said he would be leaving the next morning, but now you knew for sure. You began to get very stressed but realized you only had one more suspect to question- the maid. So, after thanking the butler, you immediately ran off to find her.
    When you passed her by in the halls, you stopped her, asking to chat.
    "Of course I would mind answering a few questions." She said, the smile on her face mixed with her curly silver hair made her look very grandmotherly. You put that aside as you began to ask her the same questions you had asked everyone else.
    "Did you know Allen Mcconnell before all the guests arrived here yesterday?"
    "I did not, actually."
    "Did you know what room he was staying in?"
    "I did, I was actually the one who brought everyone's things their bedrooms."
    "And did you know anything about the knife?"
    "I actually admired your nice pocket knife when I saw it yesterday, it reminded me of my grandfather's." She said, beginning to look slightly dreamy, as if picturing her grandfather in her mind. "I bet George, uh, the butler, saw it too. He loves pocket knives. He actually once told me he'd love to have one of his own, but hasn't ever owned one because he doesn't want to get fired for seeing carrying a knife on the job. And believe me, he wouldn't give up this job for anything, especially after almost thirteen years."
    George seemed very young to have worked here for that long. You had assumed, just like with Mr. Walker, that he was lying. Yet, this was another presumed lie that turned out to be true.
    "Thank you so very much!" you told the maid. "You have been the biggest help. Can you do just one more thing for me?"
    "Yes, what?"
    "Prepare a coffee and bring it down to me in the parlor."
    "Yes sir!" She said and hustled off toward the kitchen.
    When you arrived in parlor you sat down in an old sprucewood rocking chair, and reconsidered what everyone had told you that day.
    A few moments after your coffee arrived, Rick waltzed into the room.
    "So who do you think it is?!" He asked thrilled with the idea of  "helping" solve the mystery.
    "That is none of your business." you said. You were beginning to get very irritated by this man's interest in your every move. However, within ten minutes everyone had entered the room asking if you knew who it was, although none of them were attempting to pry it out of you nearly as much as Rick. You then finally agreed to tell them all what you knew.
    "Well," you said standing up, beginning to pace the room. "I based my investigation on three key things. The murder would have to know which room Allen Mcconnell was staying, would have to have the knowledge to where I kept my knife, and, as with any murderer, would have to have a motive. Now, let's start with ladies first, shall we?" you then made eye contact with Alana Kadden.
    "It wasn't me I tell you!" she shouted. Her red face was burning with rage.
    "Calm down, Alana. I'm not accusing anybody just yet." she then sat down like the rest of the guests were. "Good. So, Alana, here, had only one of the key things. She knew where Mr. Mcconnell was staying. She even happened to be at the scene of the crime last night. Yet, she did not know where the knife was nor did she have a motive. Being in his room seems very incriminating indeed, but I do not think it is her."
"Someone else had a motive though, and that would be Mrs. Longley." You looked over at her, noticing she was beginning to look terrified. Her eyes appeared to be welling up with tears. "Allen and I were actually responsible for putting her husband Henry in prison. She had all the reason to kill Allen and myself as well. But she didn't kill me, and I don't think she killed Mr. Mcconnell either. For she had no clue where his room or the knife was." She then began to look less tense as a single tear ran down her face, slightly smudging her makeup.
"Now let's move onto Rick. You, in all honesty, have beginning to get on my nerves lately. You have been so very curious about every single step of my investigation process."
"Well, I am very sorry if I did. I assure you I had no intentions to." He said with his pearly white smile.
"You know," you continued, "I was beginning to believe you were just a very good actor. Trying to seem so overly nice, friendly, and helpful. You even tried to accuse others, which made me believe you were just trying to steer me away from you. Unfortunately, you had no idea where the knife was, you have no motive in the slightest, and you could barely recollect where his living quarters were. So, I guess you will have to remain innocent."
"Now, for the sweet little maid." You looked at her and she smiled again, this time very nervously though. "You would have been completely out of the question if it hadn't been for the fact that you were the only one of all of you who knew where I put my knife. But, like I said, that was the only piece of proof."
You then turned to look at Mr. Walker sitting in the armchair and George the butler standing in the corner.
"George, if you don't mind me asking, have you ever watched or read a mystery movie or book?"
"No I have not." He said staring you down. He had a look on his face as if he were wondering what game you were playing at.
"Oh that's too bad. If you did, you would know that it's always the butler who did it." You told him. "Almost always anyways. Everything seemed to point at you after a while. You knew where his room was, and, as I was told by the maid, you have an odd fascination for pocket knives. However, you had no motive. In fact, you only had a motive to keep him alive. Because, the maid also told me that you cared about this job more than anything else, and you wouldn't lose it for the world."
"And then there's you, Mr. Eugene John Walker."
"The third." he mumbled under his breath.
You ignored him and continued. "You, sir, had a bit of a motive. You don't like anyone who isn't first class such as yourself. You are even leaving tomorrow to get rid of, oh what did you call us, 'filthy rats'?" You paused for moment and watched as he began to grit his teeth in fury. "But, you still didn't know where his room nor the pocket knife were. So, before you explode like a timed bomb, I'll have you know I am not accusing you."
"So, none of us killed him?" Asked Ms. Kadden, obviously confused.
"Well, there is still one of us left." Said Eugene John Walker III.
At that moment, everyone all slowly turned to look at you. There was dead silence. Your palms began to sweat. Your knees started to wobble. You then sprinted for the door, running away from the dreadful mansion. You then made the same mistake as last night. You forgot something. The pocket knife.

~The End~