Murder on the Off Chance

PART 1: Chapter 1 - Broken down

The thick white flakes drowned the rolling hills of the Devon countryside. The roads had been neglected and not been salted, making it particularly troublesome when private Detective Jason Slayden's car came to a slow and feeble, smoking halt, killed by the falling snow. He would not make it to London on time tomorrow it was already getting late. On the hill top, just in view, was a building with smoke flowing out of the roof. His phone was dead. Perhaps they would have one to help get him of the situation or mabye even put him up for the night.

Grabbing his briefcase with recent case notes out of the seat next to him and throwing on a overcoat he began to trudge through the white sea, leaving deep imprints in it.

It was a good half hour of walking before he reached the building. It was white, almost perfectly matching the snow with black beams and a overhanging second floor. A Tudor house by the looks of it. Over the half submerged door, a swinging sign lay with the house's, now revealed as an Inn's name. The Royal Oak. In the door, through the rippled glass, was a lit sign in bold saying declaring the inn was open.

After grabbing the door handle and forcing it open, he stumbled into the inn. He was met by a small desk in the centre of a dated and cosy room with a chaise lounge on the right where a corridor started with a sign saying living room and dining room. To the left of the counter was a staircase leading to rooms 5 to 8. Next to the staircase was another corridor with rooms 1 to 4. The walls, which were configured of merky brown wooden panels had old oil paintings of the Devon scenery as well as lights which lit the room. The floor was a vermillion red carpet with a gold embroided diamond design.

After approaching the desk and placing his leather briefcase on the floor. Mr Slayden rang the brass bell which hung from a pillar attached to the wall before stepping back slightly as to not seem to impatient by leaning on the desk like he had been waiting a long time. Even though no one would think that, he had a great tendency of overthinking little things. On the desk, along with the guestbook and a black pen was a, oversized for the small space available, vase with an assortment of different fake flowers in them. After around 30 seconds an elderly woman came staggering through the door with a burgandy floral cane in her hand with a black handle.

When she spoke her voice was horse and croaky. "Hello love. You looking for a room while the storm passes."

"Acctually my car broke down and I was wondering of you could lend me your phone to call someone,"

The elderly woman pursued her lips, making her wrinkles even more prominent. Her grey hair was Curley and in a bun. She was wearing a pink shirt and a navy blue jumper over the top which buttoned up. Sighing and sucking her teeth she responded.

"Ooh sorry love, no reception with the storm. Ya not the only one stuck here. In fact I'm almost full for the first time in years, it's a miracle I'm still open actually . Should probably retire since buisness is slowly dieing. Everyone likes these fancy -otels in the town now. Just pass me by without a second glance. Tell ya what. Stay -ere for night and well see how it is tomorrow. No point worrying. Ya cant do out about it now can us love,"

Sighing Mr Slayden gave a weak smile and uttered. "Ok, how much."

"£40 pound a night including breakfast Mr... errr,"

"Slayden,"

"Oh right. Sorry I forgot to ask. I'm Miss Buquet by the way."

After handing over the money and receiving the key for room 7, Miss Buquet advised him to got to the living room where the was a fire and tea to warm up. She started to lead him down the corridor and started in a bit of small talk.

"So what is it ya do anyway love. Oh and theres a coat stand for your coat just in the hall for when ya go to your room,"

Politely he responded. "Oh. Thank you. And I'm a detective,"

Miss Buquet stopped and turned around abruptly. "A.. detective... WOW I've never met a detective before. You will have to tell me about one of your cases before you go. Any way. The living rooms just through there I'll be off. Night,"

"Night,"

Mr slayden continued through the bright archway into the living room.

~~~~~NOTES~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to anyone who has bothered reading this. It isn't very good but I really wanted to try writing a murder mystery. I know there hasn't been a murder yet but there will be. Of course first you need to meet the suspects and the victim. I wont say any more. Spoilers. And sorry for the many spelling grammar and probably awful typing mistakes in this piece that are bound to be there.