Money and Motorbike Matters by Vilma Ylosjoki

Transcription

1 Money and Motorbike Matters by Vilma Ylosjoki M att was turning green at the back of the motorbike, but Lana just sped up, determined to have a real holiday for once. Matt was sitting quietly, trying to look at the scenery, which was all just a blur. He wasn t into motorbiking like Lana was, in fact he hated it. Matt had always been a man for details but when one goes fast, it s impossible to see anything. Lana however was a real motor biker and it showed inside-out. She was always talking about motorbikes and wearing her black leather jacket along with a black outfit and long, black boots. Matt though, looked as odd as ever on top of a motorcycle. He was wearing a black tailcoat a white shirt and black trousers with black boots. If it wasn t for the black boots, he would ve looked like someone going to a ball. I need the toilet, said Matt looking at the back of Lana s head which was covered in black hair, inherited by all the siblings. She didn t answer but the motorbike was slowing down so he took it as a yes. Soon they entered into the driveway of a petrol station. Lana pointed at the porta potty. I ll be waiting, said Lana as Matt sighed and left his helmet on the bike. He made his way to the toilet and just when he closed the door his phone started beeping. Hel-, Matt started but was interrupted by a hurried voice. Yes A murder! I understand. I ll be there! Ah, but I have one slight problem Soon the sound of a helicopter filled the air and caused Lana to look up. What is it doing so close to the ground? Lana wondered, but turned her eyes back to the porta potty. The helicopter was stopping above the porta potty and a ladder was thrown down. What on earth Lana was cut off by the sight of her brother climbing up the ladder, and realised what was happening. Where do you think you are going?! Lana shouted as she ran towards the toilet, intending to catch her brother. But as soon as she reached it, the ladder was already pulled up, out of her grasp. She cursed under her breath and saw how the roof of the toilet had been broken with one of those mini explosives her brother always carried around with him Soundproof and small, his words were ringing in her head, Great thing to help with escaping, Dr. Latvis sure is amazing! As Matt entered the helicopter, he saw his friend as promised on the phone and a pilot without doubt, but at the back, in the shadows, sat a slim, black figure. Just when the doors of the helicopter were closed by Matt s friend, Lance - who looked as smart as ever in his police uniform - the slim, black figure approached from the shadows. Stepping into the light, Matt saw him better, and judging by his suit - which was made from the finest wool and tailored to suit him even too perfectly, he had money. His curly, black hair was slicked back, making him look like a businessman. Matt noticed that the way he walked staggering a little, like he had just experienced a shock- and how he had red eyes and bags underneath, showed that he had experienced the murder and was close with the victim. This is Sir William Rosworth, introduced Lance, His... Relative has died, yes? interrupted Matt, Oh, where are my manners? My name is Matt, private detective. Matt held out his hand but the visitor merely looked at it as if it was some sort of a vermin. Matt lowered his hand and muttered something along the lines of rude. Well, yes you are correct Matt, in fact his sister has been murdered, shot in the head. explained Lance. Name? Lady Miriam Rosworth, she was found dead on her bed. Why should this man be informed about my problems? inquired Sir Rosworth not looking happy about the help. Surely the police can handle this.

2 That s what s been said before, dear Sir Rosworth, replied Matt, a bit of sarcasm in his voice. But what harm would an extra pair of eyes do? I know, you re going to ask me about my education and I can assure you I have been taught by the best detective there ever was, my father, Luke Breagle. The detective who could solve any crime and every crime? admiration could be heard in Sir Rosworth s voice. I see you have heard of him, Well, yes I might have, Sir Rosworth said as he straightened himself and tried to sound posh once more. Enough chatting, we re here. said Lance as the helicopter began to descend. It looked like a white and blue flood had taken place as doctors and the police were swarming around- the police trying to keep the curious people and press away and the doctors hurrying to get a body covered by a sheet into the ambulance. Well, if it isn t Mr. Breagle himself, A voice sounded from behind Matt causing him to turn around, and as he did, he saw Commander Kevin with a half-smile on his face. Commander Kevin, addressed Lance as he straightened himself up, but Commander Kevin ignored him. I can assure you that we have everything under control, we don t need any extra help. Good to hear, I m not here to serve you anyway, replied Matt as he walked past Commander Kevin to have a good look at the building before him: a great mansion overlooking the sea with massive iron gates around the huge garden. The main gates were being closed, isolating the outsiders. Lance came beside Matt while Sir Rosworth went to Commander Kevin, going on about how dreadful everything is and how aren t people safe anymore? This is where the murder took place, informed Lance as they both stared up at it. Lady Miriam Rosworth s mansion. I thought you would be good to have around, you always seem to solve the crime. Death room? Her bedroom; window shattered, shot in the head. Visitors? Four people were invited to stay at her house for a few days, all of them are sitting in the living room waiting for instructions. When? A visitor called Elizabeth heard a faint scream and a muffled gunshot from Miriam s room and found her dead this morning at about 3 am. How did she earn all of this money? She was a successful businesswoman not to mention the sum of money she got when her grandfather died. More than half of his fortune I think. Lead the way to the room, Lance opened the door to let Matt in and lead the way through the maze of corridors and stairs. Finally Lance opened a door to a bedroom with windows showing the sea. The room consisted of a queen-sized bed with bed stands holding a white canopy over, a nightstand and a big wardrobe; surprisingly plain for a rich woman. One of the windows though, indeed was smashed and as Matt walked over to it, he saw lots of glass shards on the lawn outside. Commander Kevin says it s as possible that an outsider did it, as it is for someone from the party, reported Lance as he watched Matt look around. Quite a drop though, it wouldn t be easy to climb, remarked Matt still taking in every detail. Seven meters to be exact, but ladders have been invented, reminded Lance. May I see the suspects? Matt followed Lance into a big living room that could easily fit in twelve elephants. All the suspects except William were throwing darts at a dartboard that was set up for them. A ginger haired woman was winning with one in the middle and the others close, until a dark haired woman came and shot all her goes in the middle; the man next to them looked like he had lost his hopes in winning a long time ago. William was sitting on one of the sofas and armchairs placed around a big, round table while policemen stood

3 around watching all of them. There were four of them, including William The suspects are interrogated in that room, informed Lance pointing to a door at the far back of the living room. Both Lance and Matt sat down behind a desk in the interrogation room as the first suspect came in, sitting on the chair opposite to Matt and Lance with the table between. He was a tall, thin man with blonde hair and a navy blue suit. Why would I kill her, I don t murder people! declared the blonde man as he sat down gracefully, his nose held high. Everyone is suspected, that s a nice suit, complimented Matt. Oh yes, its Brookes, I like the fact how they don t have any logos on their suits, but I have lost two buttons, admitted the man shaking his head. Back to the interrogation, could you introduce yourself? Robert Keensville, I was her fiancée, I take part, said Matt solemnly as Robert sat there silently. Where were you at 3 am? Sleeping of course, except when I heard Elizabeth scream I dashed into Miriam s room, Did you see or hear anything odd during the night? No, but I had trouble sleeping since Fiona was snoring like a pig. Didn t stop snoring even when Elizabeth screamed; those sleeping skills. Right, thank you. Second, was a woman who was dressed quite dark, matching her dark brown hair and she had some ash on her. I m guessing she hasn t washed her clothes for a while, whispered Lance, smiling at his own remark. I guess I need to introduce myself, I am Fiona Weasington, Miriam s cousin, introduced the lady. Well, yes, what were you doing at 3 am? questioned Matt. Me? Sleeping, I don t wonder around at night, replied Fiona. Did you hear or see anything odd last night? asked Matt. No, I didn t. Do you snore? Excuse me! Do you snore? How dare you! This is an interrogation and it is expected of you to answer all my questions. Hmph, maybe I do. Ok, thank you, Fiona marched out of the room as the next suspect came in and sat down on the chair obediently. Name? questioned Matt looking at the young Lady sitting there. Her hair was short and ginger and she was wearing a dark green dress with a leopard skin coat on top. I am Elizabeth Sermender, Miriam s best friend, even though she was quite a hag sometimes, always boasting about how intelligent and successful she was, answered Elizabeth. So you found Miriam dead? Yes, I was passing her room to go to the toilet at about 3 am, when I heard a faint scream and a muffled gunshot from her room, I rushed in, and there, I found her dead. Any witnesses? I don t think anyone would go to the toilet with me! After I screamed Robert did run in though, Did you see anything odd as you rushed in? Except her dead, no not really, replied Elizabeth, Oh, but I did see Sir Rosworth outside through the window running I believe, but I m not sure, it was quite a rainy and dark night. Thank you, The last suspect was brought in shortly after Elizabeth.

4 Sir Rosworth! Matt exclaimed smiling at the person he knew. Why am I here? You dare say I murdered her! She was my sister for god s sake! I would never murder anyone not to mention a family member! cried William. Calm down sir, we are not accusing anyone here, but everyone must be interrogated, you might have seen or heard something. Lance explained as William looked at him with disapproval. No, I have not seen or heard anything, I was sleeping! Elizabeth says she might have seen you outside at the time of the murder. Nonsense, what would I be doing outside? Are you sure? Yes, I am very sure. As William was taken away there was silence as Matt was thinking. What do you think? asked Lance when Matt turned to him. Any one of them could have been the murderer, noone has any real alibi. replied Matt, sighing. Except Fiona, Robert said he heard her snoring the whole night, including before the scream and after, remembered Lance as they walked out of the interrogation room. Yes, except her. Answered Matt, Let s go back to Miriam s room and see what Commander Kevin has done, When they arrived at Miriam s room, Commander Kevin was standing there as some of his police force were searching the room. Commander, Sir! called Lance as he straightened up. Matt muttered something about Lance s greeting until Commander Kevin noticed him. Have your investigations gone well? inquired Commander Kevin as yet again he ignored Lance. Mmm answered Matt not really tuned in on the conversation. Well we have just searched Miriam s room but nothing unusual was found; just clothes, toiletries and some pictures of her family. Let s go outside Miriam s window, said Matt unexpectedly and dragged Lance with him, leaving Commander Kevin behind. It was quite a beautiful scenery that Miriam had; first about 10 feet of land before the sandy beach and the sea. The glass shards were spread all around the lawn. What should we search for? asked Lance looking over at Matt for an answer. Nothing anymore, Matt replied walking towards an area with lots of bushes planted here and there. A bank note was stuck on one of them and it was trying to fly off without success. Matt picked it up and examined the note before putting it into his pocket. What s that? questioned Lance joining Matt at the bushes. Just a bank note, answered Matt walking back inside. Now we still need to visit Miriam. When they arrived at the hospital, they went straight to the room, which held Miriam. While lying dead on a hospital bed, Miriam was being examined by a doctor, Dr. Latvis. As he saw Lance and Matt the doctor greeted them with a smile; they were good friends and he designed all of Matt s equipment. How are my mini explosives? asked Dr. Latvis as Matt had a look at the body. There indeed, in the middle of her forehead, was a two- inch wide hole and it seemed to be a gunshot. Her skin was ashen white and a look of horror was planted into her face. They work perfectly, reassured Matt. How was the body found? She was found holding a cigarette in her hand and a button was lying near her shoe. There are no other signs of injury except for the hole in her forehead. Informed Dr. Latvis showing Lance and Matt both of the things. The cigarette was a used one, but the button was a navy blue button with the letter B on it. Her last smoke, said Lance looking at the cigarette.

5 I did some research and found out that the button is from a Brookes suit. Here is a picture of one. Dr. Latvis held out his laptop to let Matt and Lance see. This particular suit was a black one with a B sewn onto the buttons to mark Brookes. Lance looked over at Matt, who thanked the doctor and then they left. They went into the living room where the suspects were playing card except for Fiona who was sleeping soundly on the sofa. Only the music from the radio could be heard as Lance and Matt were about to walk into the interrogation room. Yes! I won again! cried William, clearly proud of himself. Twice out of five games, retorted Elizabeth. I just love these games! exclaimed William. A bit too much, muttered Robert, Don t you owe a lot of money to some people? No, replied William not happy about the topic. Oh, so you paid it yesterday? Be quiet! shouted William, raising his hand up high showing a deep cut that had been covered by his sleeve. He immediately sat down and looked embarrassed about his behaviour as the others stared at his outburst. A smile was spreading on Matt s face, which was a smile Lance knew too well. I got it, said Matt. The guards were locking the doors in case the suspect would try to escape as Matt stood in front of the sofa and armchairs, where the suspects sat with Lance. Now it could have been anyone in this room, it could have even been Sir Rosworth, started Matt. Excuse me! I have told you how... complained Sir Rosworth before being stopped by Matt. Yes, yes now can I continue? I assume you would want the criminal caught as soon as possible, Sir Rosworth just muttered something under his breath but didn t say anything. Since he was seen outside at the time of the murder with a window smashed it could have well been him, Matt paused as he walked over to Sir Rosworth and held his hand up high. Especially when he has a cut which could have come from the glass that was smashed. This would make him the criminal, but, Matt made another pause dramatizing his speech. The shards were outside on the grass and that means someone from the inside must have broken the window. So it wasn t Sir Rosworth. But what were you doing outside then? asked Elizabeth looking over at him. Umm I replied Sir Rosworth getting redder. You were paying your game debts weren t you? guessed Matt, I found some money in a bush and heard the talk about you having quite a penchant for gambling games. Everyone was staring at Sir Rosworth whose face now resembled a tomato. I Yes, I do have some trouble in gambling games and maybe a few debts Sir Rosworth admitted as everyone was silent. Moving on, Robert Keensville could have been the culprit too, Matt said as he broke the silence and all eyes rested on Robert. I remember the time when you told me that your suit was from Brookes and you had lost a few buttons. Coincidentally a button was found with Miriam s body. A button from Brookes it was, with a fancy B sown onto it. So it was Robert Keensville! cried Lance as he rushed to him. You are under arrest! No, it was not him, continued Matt, sending Lance back to his seat. You see, I also remember a time when you told me how it was great that the Brookes clothes were logo free. The pictures on the internet disagreed with your clothes though, which means your clothes aren t from Brookes, therefore you are not the criminal. Your clothes aren t from Brookes! cried William clearly shocked, But you always said No, they are not, I only lied because otherwise you wouldn t have let Miriam marry me since I m not rich and nobility. Wait, what We were supposed to tell you after we got married but then she was murdered and everything went wrong.

6 How dare you! I could have you got to prison for claiming to be someone you are not, I Sir Rosworth please, can you discuss this another time. Asked Matt annoyed of the interruptions. No need, you can leave my mansion right after this Mr. Keensville, stated William holding his head high. Right, now there is one more innocent suspect in our group, said Matt turning to Elizabeth and Fiona. Elizabeth, although you don t seem to be too friendly about Miriam, calling her a hag and so, you didn t kill her. Robert would have seen the gun in your hand or something since he came in while you were in the room, explained Matt as he walked over to Fiona. That means it was you. The whole room gasped and looked at Fiona horrified. She just looked back at Matt and laughed. And the proof? she asked still smiling at the absurd idea of her being the criminal. Oh, there s plenty of proof, announced Matt pacing around the room. Firstly, when you came into that interrogation room you had some ash on your clothes. That must mean you smoke. What if I do? Well, a cigarette was also found in Miriam s hand when she died, continued Matt smiling at his own geniousness. Maybe she smokes? Ever think of that? snarled Fiona. Oh I did, many times, said Matt But when Commander Kevin searched Miriam s room he didn t find any cigars or anything else to do with smoking. Ah, so I solved this case too! exclaimed Commander Kevin beaming. Matt just rolled his eyes. I also watched you, Fiona, as you were playing darts. You shot all your darts in the middle; you would need quite stable hands for that. One also needs stable hands for shooting a gun. This is ridiculous. Argued Fiona crossing her hands. What about the snoring that was heard from your room? reported Matt, Robert said he heard you snore when he rushed into Miriam s room and you were still snoring afterwards. You even admitted yourself that you snore! So what if I do? snapped Fiona. You were sleeping soundly on the sofa just before this. No snoring nothing, revealed Matt smiling So you had recorded some snoring and played it in your room to give yourself an alibi. Fiona stared at him angrily. I had to do it! cried Fiona, When our grandfather died, Miriam got most of the money because she was his favourite. It wasn t fair! Miriam had enough money anyway! This case is officially solved! interrupted Matt smiling. This isn t over, she whispered. I m sorry? asked Matt. This isn t over! screamed Fiona as she ran out of her armchair while the policemen were advancing on her from the doors. She looked for an escape route but as she saw there was none she did the unexpected. A big crash was heard as Fiona jumped through the window and landed on the ground all bloody with cuts from the glass shards lying on the ground. Everyone stared after her not believing their eyes as blood dribbled down the window and onto the floor. Matt sprung into action and ran out of the mansion through the back door where he saw Fiona climbing over the fence. He climbed over the fence too, but as he dropped down he saw her revving the engine of a motorbike further down the street. He would never catch her. Matt looked frantically around for another vehicle to chase her with when a familiar voice shouted. There you are Matthew Breagle!! It wasn t that easy tracking you down you know! Matt turned around and saw Lana stopping beside him. Just what do you think you are doing ditching your sister like that! Matt jumped on the seat behind her. Quickly, follow that motorbike! yelled Matt impatiently. What? asked Lana confused about the situation.

7 She s already going! shouted Matt getting frustrated as Lana finally sped off after Fiona. Even though Fiona had quite a headstart it didn t seem like she knew how to drive it so well. Ha, beginner, I ll catch her easily. Boasted Lana as she maximized her speed and took a quick turn to the left. What are you doing! She went on straight ahead! Matt cried looking back from where they came from. The road turns left eventually, there s no other way. Replied Lana as she turned right. This was where I used to practice motor-biking, I know all the ways. It was a small alley and it seemed like one small stretch, and one would already touch the wall so the turns were nearly impossible, but not for a pro like Lana. Matt looked ahead of them and saw a wider street, which Lana burst into and made a drastic spin until the motorbike stopped sideways onto the road. Fiona had just turned the corner and her mouth was open in surprise and she froze. Three two Matt muttered under his breath. Lana turned to look at him and was about to ask what was wrong when Matt jumped off Lana s motorbike, over Fiona s head and landed behind her on the second seat. He wobbled on the seat and let himself topple past Fiona sideways and onto the handlebars Only the horrible screeching of the tires could be heard as Matt attempted the trick Lana had made by spinning to a stop. Lana was seated there staring at him horrified until she realised what was happening and jumped off her bike just as Matt crashed into it, sending both Matt and Fiona flying off. Looking over to Lana who had just stood up and was running his way, he threw cuffs to her from his pocket. The quick reactions she had, Lana caught it from mid-air, skidded to a stop next to Fiona and cuffed her hands before she could try anything. Oh, and I liked your stop, commented Lana smiling at his efforts. You managed to minimize the crash as a beginner. You have talent, don t waste it. Matt froze as he remembered what he had done. He had ridden a motorbike! How was that possible? He hadn t even felt sick! I don t think I ll be using that talent again. groaned Matt trying to sit up as the police sirens were wailing and coming closer. Lana s smile just broadened and in no time policemen were running out of the two cars towards Fiona. Only one stopped next to Matt. Lance! smiled Matt as Lance squatted down beside him. Sorry for the wait, we were still shocked even after you left. We sprung into action just before you were out of sight though, explained Lance helping Matt up. Are you okay? I m fine, just a motorbike crash. Might have twisted my ankle. Replied Matt walking awkwardly back to the police car. Lance looked quizzically at Lana to which she replied: I ll tell you later. Oh, and I m Lana, Matt s sister and from now on, motorbike trainer. Matt just sighed and shook his head.