The Murder at Lyndor Manor

You receive the letter on a rainy Thrusday. //Dearest Detective, I cordially invite you to join myself and a select few other beneficiaries for a charity banquet in the honor of the Preservation Acts we have taken towards protecting Golden Eagles. I have heard many of your achievements, and wish to discuss a personal case I would like you to investigate, accompanied with a healthy payment. The details of my inquiry are sensitive, so I wish to speak with you about them after the banquet. I have attached your travel arrangements below, paid in full. I look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, Lord S. of Lyndon Manor// Being a chronic workaholic, your vacation days have built up over the past years. You suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Agency in exchange for a quick commission and easy money. Plus, there will be free drink and a chance to meet some of Ireland's elite. It's hard to say no. [[Leave for the Manor]] [[Decline]]

The following Sunday, you find yourself sitting first class on a train to the harbor just outside of Lyndor island. When you arrive, waiting expectantly for the private ferry to carry you to meet your benefactor, you can just barely make out the shape of the island against the horizon, a small blip against the waves. Across from you stands a woman, dressed in an expensive fur coat. Her jewelry glistens in the light with the shine of real diamonds. There is no doubt she is a socialite. She looks about 40, dark hair pulled back under a scarf, the wind wipping around her as she gazes out across the water. You... [[Talk to the woman in the fur coat]] [[Talk to the man with the cigar]]

Something feels //wrong// about the invitation, and the hard-earned detective's intuition in your gut tells you that you're safer declining. Although it feels a waste to throw away premium tickets that have already been paid for, you feel a sense of ease avoiding the uncontrollable. And besides, you think as you pour yourself a glass of whiskey, you've never been good on boats. Not after what happened to your father. As you toss the thick, expensive paper into the trash, you can't help but feel that lingering bud of curiosity, wondering what would have happened if you accepted, what kind of glamor and prestige you may have found yourself among. Maybe some things are better left unknown.

You kneel, taking a glance under the table. Silverwear and napkings are strewn about, left behind in the frenzy. Nestled against the foot of the table is a red gem, its inside carved out oddly. You pocket it. You do not see anything else of note. Investigate... [[The Plates]] [[The Body]] [[The kitchen]] [[Finish Investigation]]

She peers over skeptically. ''"My name is Ceclilia Merande."'' You tell her your name. Merande... That name sounds familiar, but you can't put your finger on it. You ask where she is from. She laughs, a high, tinkling sound. ''"What a strange question to ask a woman. But I shall entertain you. I am from everywhere. Homes in Paris, London, Florence..."'' You sigh inwardly. Getting any sort of straight answer from her seems to be a challenge. The ferry arrives, cutting the small talk short. [[Take the ferry to the island]]

''"Me? I'm William Fuller."'' You ask him what he does. He lets out a hearty laugh. ''"Oil. Lord S. wrote to me with a business proposal, and I couldn't simply decline."'' He puffs his cigar. "''All the money is in oil, kid. Keep that in mind."'' A horn from the ferry interrupts your train of thought. [[Take the ferry to the island]]

After 30 minutes, a small island comes into view on the horizon. A large mansion takes up most of the space on the island, sticking out like a jagged white bone against the dark rock. What a strange place for a charity banquet, you think. You disembark and are greeted by a lone maid, who introduces herself as "Miss Weister" She informs you that dinner will be served at 8, and drinks will be available in the lounge in the meantime. You decide to... [[Head to the lounge for a drink]] [[Take a walk around the island before dinner]]

A fire roars in the corner of the lounge. In one chair sits a woman you've never seen before, hair piled high and a flashy gown sparkling in the firelight. In another sits the man with the Cigar from earlier. You... [[Speak to the woman in the sparkling gown]] [[Speak to the man with the cigar]] [[Pour yourself a drink]]

You leave your bags in your room and decide to take a stroll around the small perimeter of the island before dinner. The waves crash against the dark rocks, sending white foam flying into the air. A storm is coming, from the looks of the clouds on the horizon. You loop around the perimeter of the island within 20 minutes, and find yourself back near the docks. On the veranda by the manor sits a tall man with glasses, reading a book intently. By the shoreline stands another figure, with striking blonde hair and an expensive looking jacket. You decide to approach... [[The man with the glasses]] [[The man by the shore]]

There's a strange glint in her eyes as she smiles. She's fiddling with a domed ring on her finger, its red gem glistening in the firelight. ''"I'm Colmera."'' You note that she does not offer up a last name. You ask her what she does for a living. ''"I'm a dancer, sometimes."'' You can't help but ponder what she means by //sometimes//. [[Ask her why she was invited]] [[Ask her about her family]]

''"I saw you at the pier."'' You nod. He lets out a deep chuckle, motioning to the woman in the other chair. She twists her ruby ring. ''"This young lady already poured me a few drinks. Quite the company, if I do say so myself."'' [[Ask him about his past]] [[Ask him about business]]

You pour yourself a gin and tonic, making yourself comfortable in the corner as you observe the two other people in the room. The man with the cigar clears his throat. ""My name is William Fuller. What's yours, dear? You've already made me a few drinks, but haven't divulged the pleasure of your name."" The woman in the sparkling dress smiles tightly. ""Colmera. Just Colmera."" The man smiles. ""What a pretty name for a pretty girl. What are you doing here, darling?"" She ponders the question for a moment. ""Working...I suppose."" It seems the man in the cigar understands what she's hinting at. ""Ah, you must be quite the high-end kind, then. Why don't you accompany me tonight? You remind me of a girl I once knew."" Before she can answer, Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

She offers a coy smile. ''"Who knows? Maybe this mysterious host of ours was one of my clients."'' You ask what she means by clients. ''"Oh, you know. Rich men looking for a little company."'' You chat a little longer about what she knows about Lord S., which is little, besides a letter asking for her presence at the banquet. Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

She smiles sadly. ''"Most of my life, it was just me and my sister against the world."'' You ask about her sister. ''"She was a secretary for a large clothing company. She...died, two years ago."'' You offer your condolences, to which she merely offers a meek smile. Miss Weister enters and calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

Six strangers are gathered within the large dining room. They go around, offering polite introductions. //William Fuller, oil tycoon. The man you saw at the docks with the cigar. Cecilia Merande, socialite and heiress to the Merande corporation, makers of luxury fabrics. She is the woman in the fur coat you saw at the docks. Dr. Jamie Flannagan, psychiatrist. He was reading on the veranda. Colmera, dancer. She wears a sparkling dress. Christian Mills, playwright. He was standing by the shoreline.// You have trouble drawing any sort of connection between the people sitting before you. An empty chair sits at the head of the table, presumably for this mysterious Lord S. Miss Weister serves warm clam soup, and excuses herself. Colmera sits on your right. Cecilia Merande sits on your left. Speak to... [[Colmera]] [[Cecilia Merande]]

He chuckles at this. ''"I studied at Yale, you know. Money can get you places most can only dream of. My father was in oil, as was his father before him. It's a family business, you see."'' You ask if he's married. ''"Well...yes, you could say that. Although my wife has her life, and I have mine."'' He nudges you and winks. ''"I am quite the ladies man, if I do say so myself. Everyone from royals to socialites to simple secretaries."'' Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

''"Oh, you know. It's a family business. My father, and his father, and his father before him. There's a lot of money to be made in Oil, kid."'' You ask about his success ''"Leading this kind of congolomerate ain't child's play, kiddo. Takes a lot of time, and dedication, and sacrifices."'' He emphasizes the word //sacrifices//, and you wince internally. ''"Running a business like mine takes guts. It's a dog eat dog world out there."'' Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

He nods politely at you, setting his book down. You ask his name. ''"Dr. Jamie Flannagan. I specialize in psychiatry."'' [[Ask what brings him to a charity banquet]] [[Ask about his practice]]

He turns to you with a bright smile. He has a smudge of ink under his jaw. A writer, or a journalist, perhaps? ''"My name is Christian Mills. Pleased to meet you."'' [[Ask what he does for a living]] [[Ask why he was invited]]

He gives you a strange look. ''"Charity...? Well, no matter. The residing lord of the manor asked I come to discuss his personal health, and for a hefty sum at that."'' You nod to his book, titled //Plagues of the Female Mind//. He smiles sheepishly. ''"Well, I do specialize in female psychiatry. But whatever Lord S. wishes to discuss, it sounded urgent. He insisted I come, rather than accepting a refferal from one of my colleagues who practice general medicine. Strange, indeed."'' Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

''"I specialize in female psychiatry. I mostly work with lower and middle class patients, often working women."'' You nod to his book, titled //Plagues of the Female Mind//. ''"Well, most of my patients subject themselves to lives of debauchery and promiscuity. I seek to cure them of their more...sinful psyches. Although I can't imagine what a lord wants from my line of work."'' Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

''"I'm a playwright. Have you heard of //La belle femme triste//? It's about a beautiful secretary who betrays her lover for money."'' You tell him you've never heard of it. He seems a little annoyed. ''"Well, no matter. It's become a hit in theaters, especially since it's based off of a true story. Well...my story, I suppose."'' Miss Weister calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

His eyes flicker. ''"Well...my play, //La belle femme triste// recently gained some notoriety, so Lord S. reached out to me about attending the charity banquet as a sponsor."'' You ask him what his play is about. ''"Ah, you haven't heard of it? Well, no matter. It's a play about a woman I once loved, who betrayed me...and then died. A tragedy, perhaps."'' He doesn't look particularly distraught about it. Miss Wesiter calls for dinner. [[Head to the dining room]]

You chat idly with Colmera. She's amicable and bubbly, clearly relieved to have someone to chat to. Across the table, Christian Mills asks her about her livelihood. ''"Well, Mr. Playwright, I'm the kind of girl you'd put in one of your fancy plays, huh?"'' He snickers, a little half-heartedly, at this. ''"Can't be helped. I guess it runs in my family."'' Speak to [[Cecilia Merande]] [[Ask Dr. Flannagan about his work]]

You chat politely with Cecilia Merande as you eat. She mentions the Merande Corporation, and you suddenly recognize the name. ''"Ah, yes. The Merande Corporation is famous for its fabrics. We are the largest importers of silk and velvet."'' Across the table, William Fuller perks up. Cecilia Merande gives him a sharp look. You ask if they are already acquainted. ''"Yes, William has a nasty tendency to show up in my office unannounced and try to romance my secretaries. If it weren't for his generous business proposals, I would've banned him from Merande Corporation long ago."'' Speak to [[Colmera]] [[Ask William Fuller what his relationship with Merande Corporation is]]

You ask William Fuller how he is connected to Cecilia Merande. ''"Well, we don't only deal in oil, you see. We have other ventures here and there. It was quite the surprise to see Miss Merande standing at the docks, however. I didn't know she was such a charitable woman."'' Cecilia Merande rolls her eyes at this, and informs you that William Fuller also has a nasty reputation for showing up at her headquarters and hitting on the workers. ''"Ah...yes. What can I say? We all have our vices. Mine just happens to be pretty women. There was one lovely woman, a secretary or receptionist of some sort. I still remember how she played hard-to-get. What was her name? Daisy? ...Flower? Something of the sort."'' Miss Weister enters with the main course. [[Enjoy the meal]]

You ask Dr. Flannagan about some of his cases. ''"Well, I suppose I can tell you a little. I assisst wayward women. Promiscuity is a mental dehibilitation, and I give them medicines to clear their mind."'' Christian Mills scoffs. He tells Dr. Flannagan that he may know one of his old lovers, Fleur Deign. He says she betrayed him, and overdosed on antipsychotics after he threw her out. ''"Perhaps. Some women just don't wish to be saved."'' Miss Weister enters with the main course. [[Enjoy the meal]]

Miss Weister serves roast beef and glasses of red wine. The side of potatoes are passed down the table, from Cecilia Merande, to you, to Colmera, to Dr. Flannagan, to William Fuller. You all speak jovially, until William Fuller begins coughing. Before you can ask if he's alright, he begins foaming at the mouth and seizing. He drops out of his chair, dead. A scream breaks the silence. [[Natural death? Or something else?]]

Colmera screams, sending the room spinning into action. Dr. Flannagan rushes over to the body, checking for a pulse. You crouch next to him. ''"He's dead..."'' ''"I can't be sure without a full autopsy, but something isn't right."'' There goes your peaceful vacation. You ask Miss Weister to round up everyone and calm them down in the sitting room while you take a look around. You decide to investigate... [[The Plates]] [[Under the table]] [[The Body]] [[The kitchen]]

You look over the table, carefully examining each plate. ''William Fuller's plate'' - One glass of wine, half empty. You hold the glass to the light and examine the liquid inside. It's transparent. - A partially eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - A helping of potatoes. It is seasoned well, but you see traces of a fine white powder melting away among the spices. It seems too fine to be salt. ''Dr. Flannagan's plate'' - One glass of wine, mostly full. You hold the glass to the light and examine the liquid inside. It's transparent. - A partially eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - There are no potatoes on his plate. ''Colmera's plate'' - One glass of wine, empty. You hold the glass to the light and examine the remnants of liquid inside. It's transparent. A red lipstick stain sits on the lip of the glass - A half eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - A helping of potatoes. It is seasoned well. There are no traces of the white powder. ''Your plate'' - One glass of wine, with little remaining. You hold the glass to the light and examine the liquid inside. It's transparent. - An almost entirely eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - A helping of potatoes. It is seasoned well. There are no traces of the white powder. ''Ceclilia Merande's plate'' - One glass of wine, empty. You hold the glass to the light and examine the remnants of liquid inside. It's transparent. A pink lipstick stain sits on the lip of the glass - A barely eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - A helping of potatoes. It is seasoned well. There are no traces of the white powder. ''Christian Mills's plate'' - One glass of wine, with little remaining. You hold the glass to the light and examine the liquid inside. It's transparent. - An almost entirely eaten piece of roast beef. It smells perfectly normal. - A helping of potatoes. It is seasoned well. There are no traces of the white powder. Investigate... [[Under the table]] [[The Body]] [[The kitchen]] [[Finish Investigation]]

You kneel next to the body. Foam leaks from the corners of William Fuller's mouth. Taking a closer look, it seems there are chunks of potato still caught on his lips. You check his pockets, and come across a folded note. You open it. It reads: //Dearest Will, Please do not forget why you are there. We owe Miss Merande a great deal for covering for you. Treat her well, and be polite. Love, Claire// In his breastpocket, another note. Crumpled. It reads: //I know what you did.// There's a drawing of a flower at the bottom. There is nothing else of note. Investigate... [[Under the table]] [[The Plates]] [[The kitchen]] [[Finish Investigation]]

You enter the kitchen. It's tidy, with a group of strawberry tarts sitting on a plate on the counter, ready to be served. It seems Miss Weister was in the middle of cleaning the plate from the pot roast. You take a closer look, but can find no trace of any suspicious substance in the remaining sauce. You take a quick look through the drawers and cabinets, but find only a groceries, along with bottle of cleaner and a box of sealed rat poison. There is nothing else of note. Investigate... [[Under the table]] [[The Plates]] [[The Body]] [[Finish Investigation]]

Before you interview the other guests, you canvas the house, looking for this mysterious benefactor. There is no evidence that anyone other than yourselves have been there. You head to the sitting room. You have a pretty clear idea of //what// happened, but not the //why// or the //how//. Christian Mills paces in front of the fireplace, looking stricken. Colmera and Dr. Flannagan speak quietly in the corner, heads tilted towards each other. Cecilia Merande stands at the window, a cigarette burning in her hand, forgotten. Miss Weister sits in a chair, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she stares at the ground. [[Speak to Christian Mills]] [[Speak to Colmera]] [[Speak to Dr. Flannagan]] [[Speak to Cecilia Merande]] [[Speak to Miss Weister]]

Christian stops pacing as you step towards him. ''"What is it?"'' [[Ask about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask about his past]] [[Ask him about the other guests]] [[Ask if he's noticed anything strange]]

Colmera glances up as you approach, stepping away from the Doctor. [[Ask about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask her about her past]] [[Ask her about the other guests]] [[Ask if she's noticed anything strange]]

Dr. Flannagan approaches you, looking a little worse for wear. [[Ask the Doctor about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask the Doctor if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask the Doctor about his past]] [[Ask the Doctor about the other guests]] [[Ask the Doctor if he's noticed anything strange]]

Cecilia straightens as you approach her, taking a deep drag on her cigarette. [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia about the other guests]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]]

Miss Weister jumps when you approach her, looking stricken. She informs you that she's already phoned the police, but the storm is delaying their arrival. [[Ask about her employment]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Miss Weister about her past]] [[Ask Miss Weister about the other guests]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she's noticed anything strange]]

You ask about the contents of his invitation. ''"My invitation...? All it said was that Lord S. wished to speak about my play, and offered a sponsorship."'' [[Ask if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask about his past]] [[Ask him about the other guests]] [[Ask if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask if he knows the identity of Lord S. ''"I know as much as you do. I've never heard of the man before, but obviously someone who owns a mansion like this has to be loaded, right?"'' [[Ask about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask about his past]] [[Ask him about the other guests]] [[Ask if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask him about the other guests. ''"What is there to say? William Fuller was the kind of man who takes anything he can get his hands on, from what I've collected. I didn't know any of them before now."'' ''"Colmera looks strangely familiar, but I'm sure we've never met. And she keeps dancing around telling her last name. Is it an escort thing?"'' [[Ask about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask about his past]] [[Ask if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You take a look around the room. [[Speak to Christian Mills]] [[Speak to Colmera]] [[Speak to Dr. Flannagan]] [[Speak to Cecilia Merande]] [[Speak to Miss Weister]] [[Compile evidence]]

Your gut is telling you that you know who the killer is. They lurk in this room, under a guise of innocence. You gather everyone around. They glance at each other anxiously, ready to hear your verdict. [[Christian Mills is the culprit]] [[Cecilia Merande is the culprit]] [[Colmera is the culprit]] [[Dr. Flannagan is the culprit]] [[Miss Weister is the culprit]] [[Mr. Fuller is the culprit]] [[No one is the culprit]]

You ask Colmera about the contents of her invitation. ''"It was strange. I have little money, besides a small fortune from my sister that is all but spent.

You ask Colmera if she knows the identity of Lord S. She shrugs. ''"No idea. I did have a customer once by the name of Xavier Solmund who gave me a hard time, but other than that..."'' [[Ask about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask her about her past]] [[Ask her about the other guests]] [[Ask if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Colmera to tell you more about her past. She glances over at the other guests, lowering her voice. ''"I've always loved dancing, ever since I was small. My sister would work odd jobs to support us. She was lovely."'' You ask her to tell you more about her sister. ''"She was a secretary. My mother called her a flower, when she was little, always bright and blooming. But then one day a powerful man forced himself on her and... Well, she was never the same after that. She saw a psychiatrist for a litttle but I think it only made her worse. And then... she was gone."'' [[Ask about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask her about the other guests]] [[Ask if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Colmera about the other guests. She thinks for a moment. ''"They're kind enough, although Mr. Fuller seemed like a womanizer even though he has a ring on his finger. I wasn't aqcuainted with any of them before now. I'm sorry, I wish I could be of more help."'' ''"Although..."'' You encourage her to speak. She twists her ring, and you notice something odd about it...was it always a simple gold band? ''"Well, don't take this the wrong way, but I think I saw Dr. Flannagan popping some sort of white pill earlier. Does he self medicate?"'' [[Ask about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask her about her past]] [[Ask if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

He squints at you. ''"My inviation? Well, it said nothing about charity. I was brought here to discuss my expertise."'' [[Ask the Doctor if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask the Doctor about his past]] [[Ask the Doctor about the other guests]] [[Ask the Doctor if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

He sniffs at this. ''"If I knew, I would've told you already."'' [[Ask the Doctor about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask the Doctor about his past]] [[Ask the Doctor about the other guests]] [[Ask the Doctor if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You press the doctor about his practice. ''"I deal with wayward women, is all. Promiscuity is a mental illness, and I perscribe the appropriate medications."'' You ask if he's ever had any trouble with any of his patients. He thinks for a moment. ''"Well...they're all quite troublesome. I've had several suicides, usually working women who got their hearts broken over some man, I'm sure. Although, now that you mention it...there was a woman who seemed to know Mr. Fuller. She would go on and on about how he 'assaulted' her."'' You ask how he remembers that. He sniffs. ''"Well, only because I received an annymous check in the mail not longer after the girl decided to kill herself. It struck me as strange."'' [[Ask the Doctor about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask the Doctor if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask the Doctor about the other guests]] [[Ask the Doctor if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

He scoffs. ''"All quite empty headed, aren't they? That Colmera girl needs to be reigned in. Too promiscuous for my taste."'' You ask what he thought of William Fuller. ''"That glutton? Never heard of him before now. I can't fathom why we were all brought together."'' [[Ask the Doctor about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask the Doctor if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask the Doctor about his past]] [[Ask the Doctor if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Dr. Flannagan if he's noticed anything strange. He clears his throat, pushing his glasses up his nose. ''"Well, Mr. Fuller seemed to be poisoned. Of course, there's a variety of other medical phenomenon that could be attributed to his death, but to be killed instantly...? The only poisons I can think of would have had to be applied hours, or even days before. Strange indeed..."'' Unless, you wonder, the white powder on the potatoes was merely the finishing blow. But where else could Mr. Fuller have ingested the poison? You ask if there's anything else. He thinks for a moment. ''"Now that you mention it...I heard a soft thud during dinner. I have keen ears, you see. It sounded small, like a button dropping against the hardwoods."'' [[Ask the Doctor about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask the Doctor if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask the Doctor about his past]] [[Ask the Doctor about the other guests]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask if he's noticed anything strange. ''"Strange? Well...when I first arrived, there was a light on upstairs, and Miss Weister greeted me at the door. When I looked up again, the light was off."'' [[Ask about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask about his past]] [[Ask him about the other guests]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Colmera if she's noticed anything strange. ''"Strange? Well...Before we had drinks in the sitting room, I heard Mr. Fuller whispering angrily with someone outside the door. When he entered, I saw Miss Merande stomping away. Does that help?"'' [[Ask about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask her about her past]] [[Ask her about the other guests]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask him about his past. ''"I've told you haven't I? I'm just a playwright."'' You press for details about his play. ''"I don't see how this is relevant, but... I wrote it about a girl I once loved. Fleur, her name was. She was a secretary, but then she went and slept with some bigshot, so I kicked her out. She took her own life after that, out of shame, I would think."'' [[Ask about the contents of his invitation]] [[Ask if he knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask him about the other guests]] [[Ask if he's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask about the contents of her invitation. ''"It only mentioned an opportunity for philanthropy, and a chance to make important business connections. And yet here we are, with the only other notable bussinessman here //dead//."'' [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia about the other guests]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

She snickers. ''"It would be nice if that //man// would make his grand entrance at this point. I don't know why I'm caught up in this mess."'' [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia about the other guests]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Miss Merande about her past. She puffs on her cigarette. ''"What is there to say, darling? I grew up in Paris. I dare not tell you my age. It's unbecoming of a lady."'' You ask about the Merande corporation. ''"We deal with importing the finest fabrics around the world. My brother, Laurence, runs the company. Of course, we did have...dealings, you could say, with Mr. Fuller."'' You ask how a fabric corporation and an oil tycoon could possibly have business together. She thinks for a moment. ''"He doesn't simply deal in oil. He worked with transportation too, and gave us a generous discount at that."'' [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about the other guests]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Cecilia about the other guests. ''"Well, I only really knew Fuller, but I hadn't known he was also coming here. As for the others...vulgar lot, aren't they? I am a fan of theater myself, but that Christian Mills is known for being obscene. I detest it. It makes no sense that any of the others were invited to a charity event. Only Mr. Fuller and I have the means for philanthropy."'' You ask about the letter you found in Mr. Fuller's pocket. She stiffens. ''"I don't know what you mean. Why would I cover for that man? All he ever did was bother my employees."'' [[Press her]] [[Drop the subject]]

''"You mean besides being invited to a so-called 'charity event' with such vulgar people? It's strange that there's no sign of our alleged sponsor. Did he fail to come to the island?"'' You ask if Mr. Fuller had been acting differently from usual. She narrows her eyes. ''"I think you are mistaken. Our relationship begins and ends with business. I know nothing of the man's personal dealings."'' [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia about the other guests]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask about the details of her employment. ''"The agency I work for sent me a commission letter...it only held instructions for dinner and a payment. I- I swear I didn't tamper with the food, detective. I prepared it as usual."'' [[Ask Miss Weister if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Miss Weister about her past]] [[Ask Miss Weister about the other guests]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

She wrings her hands anxiously. ''N-no, detective. I only received a contract and a check, along with short instructions. I haven't met my employer. I checked the house when I arrived, but no one else was present..."'' [[Ask about her employment]] [[Ask Miss Weister about her past]] [[Ask Miss Weister about the other guests]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Miss Weister about her background. ''"I work for a house keeper agency, detective. We are commission case-by-case for everything from high end parties to simple housework."'' [[Ask about her employment]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Miss Weister about the other guests]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

You ask Miss Weister what she knows of the other guests. ''"Not much, detective. I only knew that there would be six guests, and that I should treat them with respect."'' Something dawns on you. You ask if she knows Colmera's last name. She fidgets. ''"I- I believe it's Deign, detective."'' [[Ask about her employment]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Miss Weister about her past]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

She hesitates. ''"When I arrived, everything was already set up to perfection. The alcohol, the food...All I had to do was finish preparations. And I did search the house for my employer, but I am sure no one else was here. The first guest to arrive was Mr. Mills."'' [[Ask about her employment]] [[Ask Miss Weister if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Miss Weister about her past]] [[Ask Miss Weister about the other guests]] [[Continue your interviews]]

She takes a drag on her cigarette and shifts uncomfortably. You ask why she would bother working with Mr. Fuller if he bothered all of her staff so much. Surely there were others willing to partner with the largest fabric provider in the world? She gives you a sharp look. [[Ask what Mr. Fuller has on her]] [[Ask why she put up with him]]

You excuse yourself, and drop the subject. She looks...relieved, averting her eyes. [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

She scoffs. ''"I am done talking to you, detective."'' Cecilia walks away, but you can't help but notice a slight tremble in her hand as she does so. [[Continue your interviews]]

She glances out the window. ''"He gave us generous discounts, that's all. He knew how to make excellent business offers."'' You ask if that's really all it is. She sighs. ''"He was not a kind man, detective. That's all I'll say. His lasciviousness caused quite a bit of trouble for me, but his deals made up for the irration of having to hire a new secretary every few months."'' [[Ask Cecilia about the contents of her invitation]] [[Ask Cecilia if she knows the identity of Lord S.]] [[Ask Cecilia about her past]] [[Ask Cecilia if she's noticed anything strange]] [[Continue your interviews]]

//"You, Christian Mills."// Christian's eyes are wide with shock as you and Dr. Flannagan restrain him. He struggles, panicked. ''"You're wrong! You're wrong! Why would I kill that man?"'' You tell him to save it for the courtroom. The police arrive several hours later, leading the young playwright away. He merely glares at you as he passes. [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

//"Cecilia Merande."// Cecilia furrows her brow, staring at you. ''"You can't seriously believe that I would //murder// someone."'' You restrain her with the help of Dr. Flannagan. Cecilia merely sits there in silence as you wait for the police to arrive, gnawing at her bottom lip. As they lead her away, she looks you in your eyes. ''"You underestimate the power of money, detective."'' [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

//"You, Colmera Deign."// Colmera sobs, covering her face. You feel pinpricks of guilt, but the evidence all points to the truth. She goes easily as you restrain her, tears dripping down her face. By the time the police arrive Colmera's face is streaked with makeup. As they lead her out, you can't help but ask one last question... [[Why invite me?]]

//"It's you, Dr. Flannagan."// He stares, openmouthed. You and Christian mills restrain him, but he hardly struggles. ''"Listen, if it's about those girls..."'' You don't listen to his protests. By the time police arrive, Dr. Flannagan merely sits there, staring into the fire. They drag him away, his feet sliding uselessly behind him. [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

//"Miss Weister."// She jumps up, hands trembling. ''"Y-you're wrong, detective! I-I was just doing m-my job, I didn't kill anyone!"'' You restrain her easily, and she merely cries silently as you wait for the police to arrive. They lead her away, and you can't help but notice how truly small and frail she looks. [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

//"Mr. Fuller was the culprit."// The people in the room glance at one another, bewildered. A suicide... Well, even men like Mr. Fuller have demons, you suppose. The police arrive much later, confused to find the group of you chatting idly. You inform them of your conclusion, and they merely tell you that they'll have to look into it. [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

//"No one here is the culprit."// You announce. Dr. Fuller shakes his head. ''"But the body..."'' You simply hold your hand up, and ask him to trust you. He looks away, tapping his fingers against the arm rest in irritation. By the time the police arrive, you've had quite a few drinks to get your mind off of things. They merely brush you off, ushering you out as they investigate the manor. [[Another case well done. Head home.]]

When you walk through the door to your office, you realize you missed it more than you thought you would. There's something comforting about the familiar smell of books and leather, and the monotonous case work. A letter sits on your desk, missing a return address. You open it. //Dear detective, I thank you for your work at the manor. As promised, attached is your payment.// There is no signature. You find a large check tucked away in the envelope, and fold it into your breastpocket. ''-E N D-''

She smiles. ''"Everyone must pay for their sins, detective. Even me."'' A chill goes down your spine at the words. [[Another case well done?]]

You open the door to your office, feeling more worn down than you have in months. You can't get Colmera's words out of your head, nor the look of utter despair she wore on her face. A letter sits on your desk. You open it. //Dear detective, I knew I made the right choice when I wrote to you. I have attached your payment, as promised. Please give Fleur a visit when you get the chance, in my stead. Sincerely, C.// You tuck the letter into your breastpocket, sinking into your chair. You hope, at last, she's found some peace. ''-E N D-''