“I’m sorry!”
Sniffing and between sobs “It’s okay. Thank you!”
“Is there something you want to tell us? Something that comes to your mind now, that you did not think of before?”
“No, Inspector. I’m really sorry. I just can’t think of anything now.”
Inspector Lankins was baffled. This was the fourth one now. The stories that his Native gardener had been spreading were starting to make more sense that the investigation. He had nothing even this time. Nothing at all!
Mrs. Lindersworth was seventy two, crippled and only had a German Shepherd for company. She lived alone in her seaside villa. It was picturesque with a breathtaking view of the sea from the Cliffside lawn. The lawn was the main attraction of the villa, and the main reason that Mr.Lindersworth bought it. There were no barriers and barricades at the Cliffside lawn that opened out to a rocky cliff opening out to the sea at 300ft above sea level. Mr.Lindersworth had wanted it that way. And that is where four people lost their lives! One of them just yesterday!
Their only son had died of a car accident two years ago and they had no relatives. At least, none that the Inspector could find. He said it reminded him of the mystery of life.
The sweet old lady who used to sing to her dog everyday while the maid cleaned about the house, would never have thought that her house was going to be the site for four deaths. The strangest thing about the deaths were that each was completely different. Each of the victims was of a different age, differently built and sane in all respects! The only link was that they were linked to the crippled lady in one way or another. Miss Evangeline was like a second child to Mrs. Lindersworth. She had been the shoulder and ears to this old woman after she lost her husband and son. Cute little Madeline was almost like a grandchild to her. The little neighbor kept her company when Miss Evangeline was away. Mr. Kimberly, her lawyer and long-lasting friend. And now it was Mr. Smith, her tea-time mate. Each of the families of the victims sure had problems at home, yes! But none that would send them, jumping off cliffs. But if it was to be counted as murders, there was no motive, no eye-witnesses and the worst no evidence at all! Exasperating was not even beginning to describe it.
***
Suspect I : The maid
Eccentric. Never liked people around the house, especially those close to the old lady. Snobbish at most times. Said to be rude on the day of the death also.
Suspect II: The gardener
Had mowed the lawn on each of the days that the deaths occurred. Was known to be a drunkard. Abused his wife when drunk. Had been convicted twice for drunken driving.
Suspect III: The Old lady
Crippled. Moved on a wheelchair. Spent the time in the house only. Was known to be a very sweet lady. Very attached to each of the victims.
***
I sat curled up near her feet. She was sobbing quietly. The police had left long back. Maria left after she cleaned up after dinner. Slowly she stopped sobbing and started talking to me. What she talked I could not comprehend, but she felt better when she talked to me, I knew that and that was all I wanted. I also felt sad when she was upset. I whined when she fell asleep and licked her feet when she wept. The previous day the old chap and she were having a great time. I thought she would fall off her chair laughing. Grrr..
After laughing and chatting and having tea, they both went to the lawn. I followed her. They didn’t seem to want to stop at all. She was going in wide circles in the wheelchair laughing like a small child, while the old man laughed along. A rabbit was trying to grab my attention as well. But I was alert for different reasons. She was always like this when ... Then suddenly she looked at me and cried “Timmy, lick him!” That did it!
I lost it. I growled, snarled bared all my teeth and charged towards him. He was already on the edge of the cliff. He lost balance and fell into the depths of the cliff. I still couldn’t control myself and bounded to the woods nearby. She always did that to those she liked a lot. I’m happy she kicks me sometimes with her spare legs.
***
