(I owe enormous thanks to Amaris Moon, my wonderful beta-reader, who did an awful lot to lick this into shape!)
It was never my intention to write the tale of my last adventure with my dear friend Poirot, particularly as it contains details that may well see me sent to the gallows should it ever come before the eyes of the law. I suppose in the end it was habit and the perverse desire to leave a clear record of events that persuaded me to pick up my pen once more.
I did suggest omitting or changing a few details to Miss Lemon – protecting the innocent, and so forth – but she simply gave me one of her stern looks and said "The full truth, Captain Hastings!" and so I have, with some slight reluctance, acquiesced to her words.
I hope whoever may eventually read this tale understands that sometimes the law and justice do not walk hand in hand. If not – well, we have made our choice and will face the ultimate justice in the hour of our deaths.
I offer no apologies. I have no regrets.
Captain Arthur Hastings, London, 1939.