Zemblanity

Chapter 5

Snowdown Residence

James is interrogating Laura Snowdown and meanwhile, Bob is collecting statements from other people of the house.

"Do you think Peter Cart had any enemies?"

"Maybe not. But he had worked for my dad. And since my dad was a businessman, he had a lot of enemies. There were instances where Peter had to help him."

"Before he went missing, he had said to his wife that he was going for some business deal. Do you know about it?"

"Absolutely no detective. In fact, I am learning it  from you now."

Detective James takes two more puffs from his cigarette. 

"Are you an atheist?"

"Hell no. See this." Laura takes the holy cross she is wearing from her dress and shows it to him.

"Okay. That picture of the devil caught my eyes and I felt it interesting." he points to a picture hanging on the wall.

"Haha...I see...well about that, my dad was an atheist. He only believed in science and the human race. Therefore he wanted to hang that picture to see if bad omen comes."

"Strange but convincing."

"Yeah...but my mother was different unlike him. She was a true Christian and attended the masses regularly."

"When did she die?"

"I was five when she died. She was coming home after attending the holy mass and some of dad's enemies created an accident which caused her death."

"Too bad you had to lose your mother at a young age."

"After her death, dad looked after me. He was really caring and never ever made me feel the absence of mom." Laura wiped the tears with the handkerchief. 

Suddenly the detective looks suspiciously at the person who enters into the living room. Laura gets up from her seat and hugs the newcomer.

"Gerald, meet Detective James Schilberd. And detective, this is my aunt's distant nephew and my boyfriend."

Detective James rises from his seat and extends his hands to Gerald. He takes it and smiles.

"Nice to meet you, detective."

"Same here."

"Gerald, he is in charge of Peter Cart's murder case and has come to investigate." Gerald looks at the detective sternly as Laura mentioned the name of Peter Cart and immediately snaps back to his old self. Detective James notices the sudden change in his expressions.

"So, how's everything going?" He asks.

"Too soon to decide that. We have only started and there are many predators to be hunted."

"Good Luck." With that Gerald disappears from the living room. By that time, Bob comes back after completing the task. He takes a glimpse at Gerald who was climbing the stairs.

"Bob, you came quite early?"

"Yes, Detective. There weren't much to get from the people. Plus I have recorded their statements on my phone." He says gaily.

"Lazy brat!" Detective James murmurs under his breath. "Okay Miss Laura, we are leaving. Expecting your cooperation further."

"Of course. No worries."

Before heading towards the door, the Detective turns back and asks Laura, "Miss, do you believe your father's death was a natural one and not a murder?"

"Yes. But why do you ask?" She inquired.

"Aah...nothing. My instincts tell me the opposite." With that, he and his young assistant take leave from the Snowdown mansion.