davywavy | The Locked Room, Part 1

What does LJ need? I wondered. I know! A gripping serial story!

The Locked Room.

Being a thrilling murder mystery in five parts for boys & girls of all ages.

When Jarvis the butler discovered the body of Doctor Peter Black in his study, his throat cut neatly across, he kept his head and rang the local constabulary. Sergeant Wilkins was on the scene shortly later, and took down the particulars of the crime.
“So, what you is sayin’ is, Mister Jarvis, that the body of your h’employer was found in ‘is study with ‘is neck cut h’open like a gutted fish?”
Jarvis blanched at the policemans lack of sensitivity, but nodded assent.
“And, h’in addition, ‘is room was locked from the h’inside, and there was no sign of a struggle, or indeed what might be described as a murder weapon?”
Once again, Jarvis nodded.
Sergeant Wilkins looked at his notebook and mused. “I,” he thought, “am in over my ‘ead. What I needs is a great detective!”
A call to headquarters later, and a squad car containing the famous Inspector Jenks was speeding to Dunnett Hoo (the country pile of Doctor Black).
Jenks quickly took charge.
“A locked room, no sign of a struggle, and a neck cut from ear to ear, eh?” considered Jenks. “Sergeant? Any sign of fingerprints in the room?”
“H’only from the deceased, sir.”
“Interesting, very interesting. Jarvis, who has been in the house today?”
“Sir, only myself, Mrs. White the cook, and Mr. Grey, the mechanic in the garage.”
“And did Doctor Black keep anything that might have been used in his killing in the room?”
“I noticed, sir, that the silver dagger he used for opening his correspondence was missing from his desk when I found him.”
“Quite, quite fascinating. I have a glimmering of an idea. However, first, I shall question all three staff. Starting with you, Jarvis."
The butler turned pale once again.

To be continued….