Mysteries in Mountain Village

A Shot in the Dark part 2

The wind was becoming stronger and it was becoming difficult for Agent Peter and Sheriff Rudolph to walk against the wind. The little hand-held lantern was useless. They stopped at the huge iron gate, aged with time, that led into the property. Their view was hidden by many trees, fences and vines. Up on the hill they could see the round, stained glass windows but the lights were off. Sheriff Rudolph reached for the padlock which was usually locked but it was not on that evening and the gate opened.

"The padlock, Agent Peter!" He exclaimed to his assistant.

"Let's go, Sheriff Rudolph! We may just catch the fool yet!" Suggested the agent, reaching for his weapon.

"Take it easy, Agent Peter! We don't know what we may find inside", he replied shaking in fear.

"But Sheriff, we heard a shot. As Law Agents it is our duty to act".

" Y..y ... yes, of course!" He stammered. "You go on ahead, and I will protect the rear".

Peter opened the worn gate that creaked and squeaked and walked into what appeared to be a jungle. They reached the great main door. The door was large and dark and above it had a large stained glass window.

"Knock on the door, Agent Peter!" Ordered Rudolph.

Agent Peter knocked on the door three times. They heard no noise within.

"Is anyone at home?" Shouted Agent Peter. He placed his ear against the door but could not hear any noise.

"It seems no-one's home!" Concluded the Agent.

"It is better to come back tomorrow", suggested the Sheriff that felt his heart beating faster.

"But Sheriff, we need to find out what happened. There was a gunshot and the noise came from here, I am certain!"

"But how do you know that the noise came from there, Agent Peter?" He questioned impatiently and rolled his eyes.

"Well, because of the direction the wind was blowing..."

"Stop making up stories Agent Peter. Besides, I'm the Sheriff here so I'll decide!"

Deep down he was quite furious with his Agent's perceptiveness. He turned the door knob of the main door, opening it slowly. The Sheriff tried to be courageous and peeked inside, but couldn't see anything.

"Use the flashlight, Sheriff", suggested Agent Peter.

"That's what I was going to do", he replied visibly angry. He switched on the flashlight and found himself in a long corridor, with many pictures on the wall. Agent Peter walked close behind Sheriff Rudolph not to miss a thing.

"Agent Peter, can you back off a little?" He demanded, changing the tone of voice.

"I'm sorry", answered the Agent with embarrassment.

He aimed the flashlight ahead trying to see if there was some movement within the mansion. It looked abandoned and after a few seconds, looked thoughtfully down the long corridor.

"Colonel Arthur was probably trying out one of his weapons", speculated Sheriff Rudolph.

"I don't know, Sir, I have never heard any noise coming from this mansion. Colonel Arthur has not left this house for some time. The last time I saw him out and about on the streets was a good few years ago. We'd better find out what happened", proposed the Agent.

"I have an idea, you go ahead and I'll follow behind, protecting you." Indicated Sheriff Rudolph, aiming the flashlight down the long, wide corridor. Agent Peter walked on tiptoes, holding the gun out in front of him, followed closely by Sheriff Rudolph. The whole house echoed and their slow footsteps were heard clearly. An intense odor of mold mixed with wood hung in the air.