An Irish Goodbye Part 2
by Cedar Jeffers
“No, Mr. McOleden. This was no suicide; this was a murder,” Nicolas said with a matter-of-fact tone. Walton's face changed from pale and shocked to blank, empty face. Nicholas studied Walton's face.
“Mr.McOleden, I can't help but notice how your face changed when I told you that your wife was murdered. Most people tend to sob and have irrational responses. But you look as if someone just told you the price of eggs.”
Walton turns, steps over the fallen lamp, and leaves the room. The dark oak door slams behind him, rattling the walls. With his eyebrows raised in surprise, Nicolas reaches for the little notebook and pen tucked away neatly in his jacket pocket. Scribbling in a notebook halts the silence. Nicolas walks over to the fallen lamp and walks out of the room.
“Mr. Harry, will you alert the local authorities? I am afraid that there has been a murder.” Nicolas causally said, walking down the stairs into the lobby. Harry nodded, picked up the phone, and called. Nicolas strolled into the cozy library. The library had emerald green sofas, a writing desk, and a roaring fire. The walls were filled with old, yellow-paged books. Nancy was curled up next to the fire on one of the sofas; a blanket had been draped over her legs, and a steaming cup of hot tea was next to her on the side table. Her children were on the couch across the room. Sally had been drawing a picture of a house, and David was slumped over the arm of the sofa, asleep. Nancy looked up from her book when Nicolas walked in and was studying him.
“Hello, Mrs. Gresnal. What a lovely spot to read and relax after that stressful dinner we just had,” Nicole commented. He walked over to a bookshelf and looked at the books.
“How long is your stay here, Mrs Gresnal?”
“Tomorrow is our last day, and then we must get back to London. How come?” questioned Nancy.
“I was just wondering, how long have you been sitting in this room?”Nicolas asked.
“Well, we spent the afternoon in here after what happened, and we came in here once we finished dinner about 5 minutes ago,” Nancy answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Nicolas nodded and walked out.
“Harry, will you round up all the guests in the dining hall in about an hour? Make sure no one leaves. I do not want this case to get messy,” Nicolas instructed Harry as he walked up the stairs.
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“Why are we here? I see no reason for all of this!” Walton complains as he paces around the room. The dining room is washed in a warm yellow, and the dishes are cleared, leaving the table bare, with only the navy blue tablecloth covering it.
“Walton, love. Just come and sit down. We will learn what all of this is about soon.” Walton huffed as he sat down in the chair across from Nancy
“Love? Nancy, why on earth did you call him love?” Richard questioned
“Richard, darling, I call everyone love. It's not meant affectionately, I am sorry Walton I meant nothing by it.” Nancy sheepishly explains
“Well, I still don't like it. You will stop this right now.” Richard scolded. Richard glared at Walton.
“Don't look at me. I did nothing wrong!” Walton snaps. Walton stands up and walks from the starry window to the opposite side of the table. Richard stares at Nancy with a glare.
“What do you want, Richard? I didn't do anything wrong; it was just a habit and nothing more.” Nancy snapped
“Nancy, I don't like it when you call other men love. I think that it's not a proper thing for a lady to do, and you have to stop.” Richard slammed his fist down
“Richard, stop this! You can't control me. I am my own person stop.” Nancy. She stands up and walks to the door.
“Ma’am, you have to stay in here until Mr. Nicolas comes to question you. The police are on their way, please don't try anything.” Harry spoke calmly.