The Lacrosse Stick Mystery

by Rakuda4236

A short story I wrote using the prompt "The body was lying face up". An Agatha Christie style story with what I hope is a plot as clever as one of hers. Written when I was 16, has no relation to any Agatha Christie book.

2. Chapter 2

II

"I had no idea lord Edgar was dead, until I heard Lady Alice scream," said Miss O'Dreir, her Irish accent very pronounced. "I was doing some quick dusting before bed, the vases in the hall, and other things there, and I thought I heard someone scream upstairs. I went to investigate, and when I arrived on the second floor I saw Lady Alice running out of the drawing room. I asked her what was the matter, but it took her a few times telling her story for me to make sense of it."

"Were there any visitors on the night of the murder?" asked Inspector Jefferson, with a look at Poirot, as thought to check his question was a good one.

"Well, now that you mention it, there was." Miss O'Dreir said, seeming hesitant to tell them, "Charles Everworth, a close friend of Lady Alice, was here for a quick visit. He came over for an early supper, but left well before 8 o'clock, I saw him drive away myself."

"Do you think he would have a motive to kill Lord Edgar?" Poirot said interestedly.

"If he's the murderer, no one would believe it!" she replied "He is liked by everyone here, and was on great terms with Lord Edgar, they went fishing together most weekends and I know Lady Alice only viewed him as a friend."

"Thank your for you time, you have been most helpful" said Poirot, indicating she was free to go.

"I just hope you will bring the murderer to justice" she said as she left the room.

"I really thought we were on to something there." Inspector Jefferson said in a disappointed tone. "When she said that a male friend of Lady Alice was visiting, I really thought we had our murderer."

"I still would count him as a suspect, we can not take one person's word as the whole truth"

"Yes, yes, you're right, suspect everyone!" inspector Jefferson said, with so much enthusiasm Poirot subconsciously leaned backwards.

"Maybe not so extreme as that" Poirot said quickly "but yes, never count anyone out with out very firm evidence. Also, I find the murderer is often the person it is most likely to be… but this is not always the case" Poirot said hastily at the sight of the inspector's face.