Zemblanity

Chapter 4

William Snowdown's Residence

A black Scorpio enters in the compounds of the residence and from it steps down Detective James and Bob. Both of them studiously observed the surroundings.

"This is a freaking mansion!" Bob said in awe. James trod past him ignoring his comments. He climbed the front stairs and rung the bell. The door opened a bit to reveal a middle-aged lady in a maid's outfit through the narrow space.

"From the police headquarters." He says showing his personal identity card. The maid opened the door and let the detective and his assistant in. While Detective James sat, Bob, in the meantime was studying the indoors.

"Yes?" Both of them turned to the direction of the voice they heard. Laura Snowdown comes down and takes a seat before them.

"I am Detective James Schilberd and this is Bob Klensky...I hope you might be Laura Snowdown."

"Yes, it's me. What brings you here Detective?"

"Well, we have many things to be cleared and I hope you can be of help to us."

"Fine, but before that, tea or coffee?"

"Save it for later Miss. We are not here to have gossiping chit chats." Bob cuts her in between. Detective James shows her the paper that has reported the murder of Peter Cart. She takes it from him.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes. He had worked in our company and resigned two months ago. I was surprised to see the news of his death."

"Why did he resign? Do you have any idea?" 

"Of course not! We haven't asked him either. Dad was the one who approved his resignation."

"How did your father die?"  Suddenly Laura's expression changed into a sad one.

"He was a cardiac patient. We did not know about the past mild attacks, else we could have saved him." 

"I am sorry. Do you live here alone other than your maids and servants?"

"No. I have my other relatives along with me."

"I hope you don't mind me taking their details."

"Absolutely not. You are free to do your duty." 

Detective James motions his assistant to get their details while he was interrogating Miss Laura Snowdown. Soon Bob left according to the instructions given to him. Facing again at Laura,

"So what kind of a guy was this Peter Cart?" 

"He was more like a family to us. Genuine and hardworking, my dad trusted him. He worked at the office, offering his assistance to Dad." Detective James takes out his cigarette from the pocket of his leather jacket.

"May I?" 

Laura gestures him it was fine with her. He lights the tip of the cigarette with the lighter and takes in two puffs.