The Murderers Gift

The Third Interrogation

"I didn't catch your name," June said, sitting across from the woman. "May I ask what it is?"

"Sumaya Asad," she said. "I was Lady Scottings best friend."

"Really?" the detective said, quickly scribbling it down in her notebook. "How long have you been friends with her for?"

"Around ten years. We met when she came to the Middle East because of my business to buy silk. We have been friends ever since."

"So this has been hard for you?" June asked, noting down that she wasn't from the area.
"Yes, very hard," Sumaya said, her voice cracking a bit.

"I'm very sorry for your loss," the detective said uncomfortably. She wasn't very good with people's emotions. "Now, what were you doing from nine to ten pm tonight?"

"I was talking to Henry Carter until 9:30. He said he had to use the restroom, so he walked away. I spent the rest of the thirty minutes eating some of the food and observing the others."

"Observing the others?" the detective asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes. It's quite interesting to see how people interact with others."

"You didn't happen to notice anything unusual, did you?"

"I noticed that York came into the room at around 9:30 because he was stuck in the rain. I believe Miss Scotting took a liking to him. He is quite charming."

June coughed awkwardly, but she jotted down what she said about York in her notepad.

"There was also a new butler. I've been here a lot, and I know almost all the butlers and maids. This butler was different though."

"What did he look like?" June asked, wondering if it was the same butler who escorted her to the study and brought her the suspects.

"He had gray hair, and his nose was small. His shoulders were wide as well. He was about 5'8."

"I haven't seen anyone that looks like that so far... Anyway, do you recognize this?" June pulled out the box with the ring for the third time and placed it down in front of Sumaya. She decided not to bring out the rose since she knew that roses were a very common flower.

Sumaya opened the box, then looked at the ring for a second before shaking her head. The detective took back the box and put it back in her pocket.

"Is there anything else you have to tell me?"

"No. I hope I was of help," Sumaya said. Her face darkened. "I want my friend to have justice. This is cruel."

"Murder is never fair. Thank you, you may return to the ballroom."

"Thank you detective. I hope you find the murderer." With that, Sumaya left the room.

That was helpful, June thought. I think I'd like to call in Henry.