“The truth is always revealed.” The Reverend replied bluntly.
“Then who murdered Melamie?”
Inspector Lance shifted his gaze to Reverend Riddell who returned a small grin. Then he began to speak. “It is my opinion that….” He was interrupted before he could finish.
Shayne Fordwhich strode brashly across the room and stood before Arthur Mannillia. In an angry voice she accused. “It was you who murdered Melamie. I heard you two fighting the afternoon before she was killed. She said that after your showing she never wanted to see you again and that…..”
“You are wrong Ms. Fordwhich.” Reverend Riddell interrupted…. “Or should I say you are trying to divert our attention away from the real killer….which would be yourself….I would suggest. Mr. Mannillia and Me. Sharpe did have a tremendous argument but it was not over the subject you claim. You are the one who wanted Mannillia out.”
“That is ridiculous. His work, his uncle would bring a lot of business to the gallery. Why would I want him out?” Shayne argued.
“For the oldest reason that has caused so much strife among humans, jealousy. Melamie postponed your showing for a month to accommodate Mr. Mannillia. I believe you had intended to make things appear much different than actually happened and that you had planned on getting rid of Arthur Mannillia as well. At least that is what Melamie suggested in her diary.” Reverend Riddell challenged the woman.
“I did not kill her. It was not me. I could never do such a thing.” Melamie argued.
“I agree. You could not have managed such a brutal killing. You would not have the strength.” Inspector Lance supported. Then added. “But your consort could have very easily committed such a heinous crime.”
“What consort?”
“Why Bradwyn O’Dally of course.” Replied the inspector.
Shayne Fordwhich stood there with her mouth wide open trying to come up with an argument but no words would come in her defence.
“It was all very clever. You played it up with O’Dally and got him hooked on the idea of having you. Then you told him all about Mr. Casemount’s financial indiscretion and suggested that he go to the police, which he agreed to do. You also told him that Melamie was in on it and that the two of them were going to take over the gallery and put you two out. Which was something you made up but it was enough plus a little of your wiles and promises of delight drove O’Dally to kill Melamie. Then you told Casemount that O’Dally was going to turn him in, which was a bit of a risk because he may not take it to mind to kill Melamie, but he did. In the end you would claim sole owner ship of the Gallery and put Mr. Mannillia out.” Inspector Lance described.
“You are reaching into an empty bag and coming up with a scenario you think fits the crime. To say Inspector. You have no proof.”
Inspector Lance grinned slyly and replied. Ah but I do, thanks to Reverend Riddell all of which will come out during your trial;”
Reverend Riddell nodded at the Inspector and took his leave from the gallery. I followed close behind a little confused.
As we walked along the late evening streets of Gastown, in the embrace of a familiar autumn mist I asked. “What proof did you give Lance that Shayne Fordwhich basically orchestrated this whole thing?”
Riddell smiled as he stared into the mist. “It will all come out in the trial my friend. He will always bring the truth to light.” He said glancing skyward. “What really matters at the moment Harry is that I accomplished what I set out to do. I helped a fellow man, Thadeus McCann, out of a situation he might never have escaped on his own and that sir is my lot in life. To help others in what ever way I am called upon to do, even if it means helping in solving a mystery!”
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