Muder in Little Galenton.

A Story by Tejasv Kalra

The story showcases the first case of private detective Ed Fitzgerald

Prologue

The man lay on the sofa overwrought,heavily breathing satisfied with his work,oblivious to the fact that this moment would be his last for a shadow had loomed over his ponderous body stabbing him right on the head . He turned his head to figure out who it was but then another blow on his temple knocked him out cold...The killer then took a blade and cut open his throat to make sure the job was done.The killer then tiptoed away sobbing and realising the horror of what it had just done.

The small town of Little Galenton ,Norway lay amidst the country's finest mountains and deepest valleys. It boasted of it's breathtaking landscapes and exquisite orchads. Life was simple for it's people. It had everything a common man could ask for-shops where at night the men used to discuss the day's affairs and women gossip and parks where children would play. It was a peaceful place until the day a murder took place.

Next Morning people were shocked to read about this grotesque murder.Daily Mail report's ran as follows"David Hastings a 50yr old man was found to be dead in his chamber of his mansion. He was stabbed on the head and a blade was struck on his throat. Doctors suggest that he was killed at midnight. Private Detective Ed Fitzgerald has taken up the case at the request of Ms Mary Hastings the deceased's wife. The body had been discovered nearly after seven hours by a servant who reported a smell of rotting meat coming from the room. Investigation is going on"

Ed along with a constable and Inspector Peter Marin strutted along the field of The Hastings.

"You know Mr Fitzgerald never in the history of this town a high profile murder has been done. Mr Hastings was a respectable man. I wonder who killed him and why."said Marin. "That's why I 'm here ain't I Inspector!?" came the laconic reply.

Ed was showed into the room.The man was lying in a pool of blood with his eyes wide open. The bed looked slept in. A pungent smell of rotten meat was in the air.

He examined the corpse with his scrutinising eye and then studied the room.

"Sir here is the murder weapon" said Marin pointing his finger towards a knife with blood stains.

"Hmm"

"Nothing has been disturbed yet I suppose?"he asked

" Yes sir.Just the family doctor came about like 2 hrs ago." "Was the doctor a female?"

"No sir but why do you ask?" "Later."

After some time they left the room. "Any developments sir?"

"Oh yes! Just do one thing for me"

Marin asked all the servants and people present at the time of murder to assemble in a room. The people included Ms Mary ,maidservant Rose ,butler John ,another maidservant Cindy and cook Alan.He went around the room scrutinising each face closely.Each of them had narrates their tale expect Rose the maidservant. Her tale goes as follows- That night he wanted diner in his chamber. After serving him food I went back to my servant quarter. I swear to god I heard no one going to his chamber after that. "Your room is on the same floor as Mr Hasting's" asked Ed

"Yes" she muttered.

Ed politely requested Rose to accompany him to the next room.After what seemed like an hour she came with him

said "I killed him!""I killed him!" going hysterical. Every soul in the room was shocked beyond measure and sensing that they might not let her speak be said ,"I implore you to be patient and listen to her tale". His tone solicitous.She came forward and between sobs said-

"He was a lecher that man David. From the day I was here he had an eye on me. He used to pass lewd comments on me but I showed stoicism as I knew no one would believe me. My father died when I was born and My poor mother remains bedridden. In short I am the only on who can support my ailing mother and my small brother.3 years ago In the month of September when you all had gone for vacations and mistress was also out I was left alone with him." At this point she cried uncontrollably and after some time resumed her horrifying tale "That night he wanted his meal in his room. I was accustomed to his caprices and queer demands so I went inside. That night.."she said between sobs"he..he...raped me." She kept on weeping silently.."He does that very often... He was a promiscuous man I'm telling you...Last night he did the same. I was greatly agitated and splenetic. I was stoic hitherto but yesterday I couldn't control my malice towards him anymore. While I lay wasted on the floor and he contemplating the day's affairs I quietly got up and with all my force stabbed him with a spare knife. Then I went back to my chamber changed into a new set of robes and hid the ones with blood stains on them."

No one in the room knew whether to feel sorry for the girl or arrest her.

A deathly silence hung in the air.

"But sir how did you...?"asked Marin

"Ah! It was utterly simple. I knew from the start that David had been murdered by one of the members of this mansion. The blade used to cut his throat was his own. Only someone in the house would know where he kept his

things. Same applies for the spare knife which also turns out to be used for the family's dining purposes. If a killer from outside would have killed him he/she would have a weapon along. Also since his chamber was at quite a height no human could plausibly come through the window. And the candour servants told us that they didn't say anybody leave the house..

How did i know it was that girl ?

When I said the killer was in this room everybody was looking here and there expect for her. I noticed she became very pale and peaky."

"Sir what was about that asking about the doctor..?" "Ah! That was nothing. Look at this"

And out from his pocket came a thin strand of golden hair. "I found this on his shirt. This happens to be yours I suppose Miss Rose..?"

"Yes" she said rather weakly.

-TEJASV KALRA