𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥, 𝗦𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘

𝘋𝘌𝘛𝘌𝘊𝘛𝘐𝘝𝘌 𝘙𝘐𝘊𝘏𝘈𝘙𝘋𝘚𝘖𝘕

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Shortly after she returned downstairs, Miss Richardson asked Bobbi, her companion, to join her for a walk in the gardens, so that they could have a little chat. She hired Bobbi only a few months ago, after rescuing her from a marriage she didn't want. As a way to show her gratitude, the woman promised her loyalty.

"Bobbi, I need your help," Adele said, cautiously checking the surroundings before proceeding with the details. "The task I'm about to give you is quite unusual, but I trust you'll be able to handle it."

"Anything, Miss." Bobbi nodded, her eyes sparking with curiosity. Back home, she was used to take care of tasks such as serving drinks, helping out in the kitchen, delivering letters, attending parties with her and occasionally, she was asked to help Miss Richardson gather information.

One of the things everybody knew about Adele Richardson was that somehow, she knew everything about everyone. Information was power for a woman like her. She would often play detective for her trusted ones, and find people that seemed to have vanished from the Earth, or she would even uncover some family secrets to protect the people she cared about. A few weeks before they left to Holmes Chapel, she helped the New York police catch some men that robbed a bank, but she never got along with the local police department. They thought she was being too nosey.

"I need you to find everything you can about a woman named Laura Hall, but you have to be really careful not to make Katherine suspicious," Adele instructed. "Oh, I think you should also know that Laura's lifeless body is upstairs, in a bathtub. The charming inspector I met not so long ago locked up the room until morning light, so she's not going to go anywhere." Adele watched as Bobbi's eyes grew wide in terror.

"Miss, should we really get involved in this? I don't know what to say, I—" Bobbi said.

"Trust me, I'm going to find out who did this before Katherine hears about it. I'm afraid she will postpone her wedding party until this case is solved. And we don't want that to happen," Adele said. "I figured I could offer a helping hand."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"Inspector Styles, what a delightful surprise!" Adele smiled. "I would like you to meet my right hand, Miss Barbara Reed. She is going to help us solve the problem upstairs."

He didn't look happy at all. Quite the opposite, actually.

"With all due respect, Miss Richardson, but there is no us in this matter," Harry said. "I'm going to ask you one more time to stay away from this murder case, otherwise there will be consequences, and I wouldn't want it to affect your stay in Holmes Chapel."

Adele rolled her eyes, clearly not interested in backing off from this case. "I forgot to mention this earlier, Bobbi, but Inspector Styles is a little bit grumpy. Excuse him," she said to her companion, suddenly ignoring the man's presence. "Howard and Alycia might know more about Laura's death. Also, a man whose identity I haven't discovered yet had been stalking the poor woman, but I doubt he has anything to do with her death. I've seen the stab wounds, there were surely caused by a woman who knows a thing or two about surgery. But I still want to know who he is. This is all I have for now, so I need you to help me find out a little more about Laura's background."

"Miss, but the Inspector said—"

"The Inspector could really use a helping hand despite of what he said," Adele commented.

Harry Styles felt as if he was invisible. The two women talked about him as if he wasn't sitting right next to them, hearing every single word they said.

Adele fixed her head jewelry, then glanced back at him. "So, tell me, Inspector Styles. Is there anything else I should know about Miss Laura Hall?"

"That being said, I'd like to have a toast," Katherine started, raising a glass of champagne. "To my dear friend, Adele Richardson, who came all the way from New York to Holmes Chapel to celebrate this special moment with me."

Katherine Hamilton was a charmer, that was for sure. She had her way with words and she was the life of the party everywhere she went. But unlike most of the days, Adele didn't want to have all eyes on her tonight. At least not while she was trying to solve a murder case. She had to be careful, otherwise people would start to suspect something was going on.

Adele smiled and took a sip of her drink, enjoying the generous round of applause. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Bobbi nodding. Her companion understood that it was time for her to make a move, while everybody else was focused on her employer. It was clear to her that she couldn't exactly be sleuthing right now, so she settled with chatting for the moment. While doing so, Adele locked eyes with a stranger, earning a wink from him. The man took a step back and headed towards the pillars in the hallway.

An invitation to speak privately, she thought.

Adele excused herself and grabbed one more glass of champagne. The man she was looking for was waiting on the corridor, leaning against a marble pillar. His hands were deeply shoved in his pockets, his ankles were crossed and he looked rather impatient. She approached him with a playful smile on her lips and offered him a drink.

"Isn't it considered rude to disappear like that?" Adele inquired, studying him from head to toe. "The party is right there, it'd be such a pity if you missed it."

"You are right, Miss Richardson, but I would've had no chance to speak with you in private, without being interrupted by all those people around us," the man explained. "Excuse my poor manners, I should've introduced myself first. I'm William Adley, friend of a friend. Welcome to Holmes Chapel."

He accepted her drink, then grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on top of her knuckles, deeply staring in her eyes.

"No excuses needed, Sir Adley," Adele said. "I'm pleased to meet you. I hope you are enjoying the party so far."

"I am, indeed. Katherine surely knows how to host and unforgettable event," he admitted. "Do you plan to delight us with your presence from now on?"

"Maybe. I plan to stay in Holmes Chapel for a couple of weeks. May I ask why?"

"I think that's quite enough time to get to know you better, and maybe even convince you to stay a little longer," William Adley said. "That, of course, in case you don't have somebody waiting for your return in New York. Although, I will be honest with you, I hope you do not."

Adele chuckled. "I can assure you there is nobody waiting on me back home. At least not the way you think," she said. "That is a brave suggestion, Sir Adley."

"Miss Richardson, a word?"

Inspector Styles' imposing voice interrupted their conversation. He waited for a short moment, but when he felt ignored once again, he spoke again.

"Please?" He had to make sure she understood it was an urgent matter. and that it couldn't wait.

Before she could say anything, Sir Adley spoke. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Adele. I hope I will get the chance to talk to you again soon. For now, I will leave you. It seems like no matter how hard I try, I can't keep these men away from you," he voiced. "In case you might look for me, ask Adam Hall about my whereabouts, and he will make sure to bring you to me."

The man left without waiting for a reply. Adele crossed her arms, looking in the direction he left. She took in his words before her eyes met the inspector's.

"Adam Hall, is that—?"

"Laura's brother, yes. Step-brother, actually," Inspector Styles said. "Their situation is complicated, and I don't think he will be too affected to learn about his sister's unfortunate death."

"I see." Adele nodded. "Is there anything you wanted to tell me, Inspector?"

"Yes, there is. Your companion, Barbara, found out something rather interesting, and she ran into me while she was looking for you. She overheard a conversation—by accident of course—between a man and a woman. And even though I'd very much like you to stay out of this, I know it's going to reach your ears sooner or later, so I'm going to tell you this myself. The man, Albert Field, seemed angry—to say the least—with Kassandra Lester, for acting reckless and not consulting him first. According to Barbara, he called her insane and told her he is not going to go to jail for what she did, because it's all on her and her mental insanity. Miss Reed suspects they have something to do with Miss Hall's death."

"Hmm," Adele hummed, lost in thought. "Bobbi has great instincts. If that's what she thinks, then it means we got a lead. Thank you for letting me know, Inspector. See? Things are easier when we work together instead of working against each other. Now, tell me, what do you know about Mr. Field and Mrs. Lester? They seem to be an interesting couple."

"Don't flatter yourself, Miss Richardson. Remember, you are still a civilian and you are not allowed on this case. Albert Field is married to Layla Field, but she couldn't attend tonight's party. I'm still trying to find out why. He insists she wasn't feeling well, but I believe he is lying. Kassandra Lester, on the other hand, is known for her weak spot for married men. She has two children, both illegitimate, and I'm pretty convinced Mr. Field is her latest victim."

"Interesting, indeed. But I don't see the link between Mr. Field, Mrs. Lester and Laura Hall," Adele said. "Is there anything strange in Ms. Lester's behavior? Something that could possibly lead to her committing a murder, maybe?"

"In fact, yes," Harry admitted. "Tonight's guests mostly know each other pretty well, and I happen to know that Kassandra Lester is not only a jealous woman, but also a vindictive one. She doesn't like it when people get involved in her business and she has quite a reputation of being dramatic."

"Would it be unlikely for her to have medical experience?"

"Not at all." Harry ran his fingers through his hair and he smirked, knowing where this conversation was heading to. "She used to work in a hospital in Manchester a few years ago. I don't know why she left, but she has been living in Holmes Chapel without a job ever since."

"Alright, let me ask you one more question, Inspector," Adele said. "Let's assume Miss Lester was a little busy with Mr. Field upstairs, and because of the burning desire in their bloodstream, they forgot to lock the door. By accident, Ms. Hall ended up in the same room and she saw something that she should have never seen. Do you think—"

"Come with me," Harry suggested. "It's pointless to go on. I already knew the answer before I came here to speak with you."

He took a pocket knife out of his pocket and unwrapped it, then presented it to her.

"This is, most likely, Laura Hall's blood, and the knife has Kassandra's initials carved on it. I found it in the garden earlier. She is in the main room, talking to your companion. I asked Barbara to keep her busy until I find you. My apologies, but I have to arrest her right now. I can't afford to lose her tonight. I'm terribly sorry about your party."

"That's the last thing you need to worry about, Inspector Styles," Adele reassured him. "Thank you for collaborating with me, and thank you for taking your time to let me know about Kassandra before arresting her. Let's go, we can finish this conversation after we take care of the culprit."

"I think you meant after I take care of the culprit. Right, Miss Richardson?"

"Of course."

Two days passed since Miss Richardson's welcome party, and even though her friend was still upset that she didn't tell her about the murder that happened upstairs until they caught the guilty woman, Katherine was glad Adele had been there. Naturally, this called for a celebration. Miss Richardson booked a table at one of the finest restaurants in Holmes Chapel and she invited her most trusted women, Katherine and Barbara, to celebrate with her. One bottle of champagne later, a familiar face approached their table, one of his brows arched as he looked at them.

"Inspector Styles!" Adele exclaimed. "This is the second time you are surprising me! May I help you?"

"Actually, Miss Richardson," Inspector Styles started, "I am the one who is about to help you this time. I was going through the evidence I found during Mrs. Hamilton's party, and I realized I forgot to give this back to you." He took her pocket gun out of his jacket and placed it on their table. "Am I interrupting something?"

"You are not. Thank you very much for giving my gun back to me. Please, sit down and have a glass of champagne." Adele smiled, gesturing for him to sit next to her. "We are celebrating!"

"Lovely," he said, taking a seat. Then, he grabbed a glass of champagne and brought the flute up to his lips, taking a sip of the bubbly beverage. "May I ask why you're celebrating?"

"Yes, you may. I invited Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Reed tonight to celebrate my new job," Adele said proudly. She placed a business card on the table, which read: Miss Adele Richardson, Private Investigator. "Feel free to call me Detective from now on, Inspector!"

Harry started to cough and placed his drink back on the table. Unbelievable, he thought.

"Dear God—I meant, congratulations, Miss Richardson," he quickly corrected himself. "I believe I will be seeing more of you from now on."

"Isn't it great, Harry?" Adele asked. "It will be harder for you to kick me out of the crime scene from now on."

"Wonderful, Miss Richardson," Harry said. "Absolutely wonderful."

"Then, I believe it's time I start looking for a house to buy, since I've decided to stay here for quite a while."

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this chapter was edited.

this took me forever but hey, here is the second chapter! the story isn't called murder: solved anymore but i guess u already noticed that. i hope u enjoyed this chapter and i apologize but it's going to take me longer to update this story since i'm trying to write a whole new case in every two chapters. thank u for all the support, the reads, the votes n comments ily