In the sombre journey to the scene of the heinous crime, the Doctor, unable to handle a silent room, shared a reflective sentiment with the Chief Constable.
“William, you ought to have pursued medicine; it would have spared you this incessant pressure, and you would continue your noble endeavour of saving lives.”
William, while steering the car through the wintry night, couldn’t help but respond with a wry smile.
“Yet, Eddie, you perpetually inquire about my doings, urging me to regale you with tales of excitement. Perhaps you should entertain the notion of joining the ranks of law enforcement.”
Edward retorted playfully, his smile widening.
“Ah, but of course! I shall relinquish my opulent earnings and embrace the rugged streets. After all, some ladies may favour a man in uniform, but all women, my dear William, favour a man of substantial means.”
A chuckle passed between them, and William reassured Edward, contending that many dames indeed appreciated the allure of a uniform.
Upon their arrival at the grandiose Gothic abode of the Carnock family, Police Sergeant Morris awaited their arrival. He was a giant of a man, who made the already intimidating Chief Constable look small.
“Young Carnock is sequestered in the rear quarters on the top floor,” said the sergeant.
The mansion, filled with decor and furniture that made Edward look like a peasant in comparison, was swarmed with law enforcement personnel. Following a meticulous survey of the crime scene, the room teemed with the usual constabulary activities.
Young Carnock, son of John Carnock, sat frozen in his chair, an embodiment of anxiety. His hair had turned white, his circular glasses barely clinging to his face.
William pulled out his notebook and began writing down his initial thoughts. He then noticed Edward observing the dead body of Carnock. The Doctor noticed that his friend was watching, and William gave him a nod, silently telling him to do the job he had brought him for.
Edward’s eyes changed, and he took a deep breath before placing his now gloved hands on the corpse. He remained silent and never answered any questions proposed to him.
William ordered his men to leave him, he knew it was Edward’s way of showing respect to the deceased.
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As Edward examined the lifeless body of the elder Carnock, his keen eye discerned that the victim had seemingly attempted a desperate escape before the fatal thrust of the blade. Edward wrote all the information he had obtained on a piece of paper and passed it to the Chief Constable.
William speculated on this observation, surmising that it either indicated a swift reaction to an immediate threat or a flight from someone trusted.
Approaching young Carnock, William broached the grim subject with casual nonchalance.
“Carnock, they allege you are the perpetrator of your father’s demise.”
The young man’s pallor grew even more ashen, his expression akin to one facing a loaded firearm.
“I swear, sir, I didn’t do it! You must believe me!” he implored, nearly toppling from his seat in agitation.
He was ignorant to the fact that William had employed one of his cruel but necessary tests to see his target’s reaction.
“Calm yourself, young man,” William urged, exuding reassurance. “You remain a gentleman, a Briton. Now, recount every detail you can recall.”
Carnock composed himself and locked eyes with the Chief Constable, offering his testimony.
“Sir… this evening, I attended the Garrick Theatre with my fiancée. I returned home early, only to be met with a harrowing cry that led me to my father, lying prone on the floor with a knife embedded in his back.
“I had the impression that the culprit had made a hasty exit through the window, and I also noticed the open safe. I removed the knife from his back, which accounts for my fingerprints.
“He was in my arms, muttering about contracts, before he breathed his last.”
Overwhelmed, Carnock began to weep uncontrollably.
Edward leaned in and whispered to William.
“He cannot possibly be the murderer; observe how he sobs like a child.”
The Chief Constable turned, and Edward saw a stern face staring at him. The Doctor knew that his opinion wasn’t important and not needed. He understood that it was best to keep his mouth shut.
Like the many detectives on the silver screen, William lit his pipe and asked,
“Did your father have any known adversaries or individuals with an interest in his business affairs?”
Wiping his tears, young Carnock replied,
“To my knowledge, no one of that sort. His partners Steven Crane, Francis Tumblety, and Bob Rodgers, are the only ones deeply involved in his business dealings.”
A young police officer rushed over to William, announcing,
“Chief Constable, there is a gentleman named Steven Crane who insists on speaking about Mr. Carnock. When informed of Carnock’s death, he grew highly agitated and wishes to speak with you personally.”
Steven Crane, upon hearing the voice of William over the telephone, confessed,
“Chief Constable, yesterday, Mr. Carnock received an anonymous threat on his life, and I, too, received a menacing letter today. I fear I may be next. What should I do?”
William’s response was resolute.
“Mr. Crane, my men and I shall arrive at your location within ten minutes. In the interim, refrain from answering the door and secure all entry points.”
Turning to his officers, he said,
“Sergeant Morris, I am placing you in charge of the crime scene.
“Officer Harker, you will find the threatening letter that Carnock received before his death. Take it back to the station for analysis, we will compare it to Steven Crane’s letter and see if they were written by the same hand.
“Officer Adeline, I need you at my side this evening. I want to hear all reports of criminal activity tonight, no matter how petty.
“To those just standing around, you will also accompany me to Steven Crane’s residence.”
Edward approached his steadfast friend and advised that the evening’s events had taken a toll on him. The Chief urged him to return home, promising to visit later to conclude their shared bottle of brandy.