Last Words

We were... that is Lady Lardock, God bless her soul, Sean and I were all in Lady Lardock's relaxing room. It's the room down the hall. Fourth door to your right. I was knitting. Lady Lardock was on the phone with Christopher. Sean had just gotten in and as I recall he was quite excited. He came into the room describing his new science project. Something to do with poison. I was interested...well not really but Sean hadn't looked that happy in ages. Even though Lady Lardock shushed him in quite a severe tone if I may say so myself. At the time I recall comparing Sean to a balloon that had been popped and was deflating. He then left the room and we didn't hear more about his science project. That is, I didn't." Sean laughed.

"That's right make it look like I did it. Just for the record, it wasn't poison it was Liquid Nitrogen. This is how I see it. Laurier over there wants to retire. Mom and her added Laurier to mom's will a while ago. I was there. I know. So if you're looking for motive there it is. Mom dies and Laurier's retirement dreams come true!" During this whole time Detective Titlerando was vigorously taking notes. He looked up to see an even paler Ms.Laurier (if that was possible) who had made no attempt to go against Sean's words. He also saw a stupid care-free boy who he in fact thought had not the intelligence to plan the murder.

"Ms.Laurier please get Samuel Litige on the phone."

After a brief discussion between Detective Titlerando and Samuel Litige, Titlerando felt as if he'd gotten nowhere. He lit his pipe and went to the window. A cool breeze now blew in sending a shiver through the room's occupants.

"I'm going to take a sample of the wine. Please call the police to take care of the uh...bodies. I'll see you both tomorrow morning." Titlerando was about to leave but quickly turned to Sean. "What kind of poison were you using for your project?" Sean grinned. Not a single sign of worry.

"Think you can trick me? Ha! Not poison, detective. Liquid Nitrogen." Titlerando left, handing Ms.Laurier a note that was to be given to the police.

Early the next day Titlerando returned to the big house on Parkway Drive. He stopped at the rusty metal gate and looked up at the huge house. It seemed to glare down at him. Titlerando never liked the house. But he had to dismiss such minor things and tackle the task at hand. So quickly he opened the gate, shivering as the old hinges creaked. The minute he reached the door Ms.Laurier opened it.

They were all sitting in the cocktail room. Ms.Laurier, Sean, Samuel and the detective. The detective stood up, made a turn and faced the small group, he spoke with a voice that was calm and steady.

"Ms.Laurier, where were you before you discovered the two bodies?" Ms.Laurier sat up straight and began to fidget with the buttons on her white blouse.

"I was in the kitchen making myself a cup of tea and taking care of the dishes." Tiltlerando nodded. His facial expression one of deep thought.

"Sean could not have committed these murders and I will tell you why." Tilterando paused letting his words sink in. "Yesterday night after I left I made two calls. The first was to a friend of mine who had access to a scientific lab. He owed me a favor. I took the wine sample to him.