The Statue of Three Lies

by David Cargill

  Sally sat down and crossed her legs. She inclined her head and looked upwards inquiringly.

  Giles stroked his chin as if trying to figure out which parts of his face he’d missed when shaving.

  ‘May I ask how old you are?’ he enquired.

  ‘You may!’

  ‘Well, Sally?’

  ‘Well, what?’

  ‘Your age? How old are you?’

  ‘I did say you may ask. I didn’t say I would tell you!’

  ‘Point taken! So you’re not going to tell me?’

  ‘Let me say that although I’m in the prime of life, I have not yet reached the age at which, according to popular belief, life begins!’

  ‘That will do for the present! After all who am I to complain when others talk in riddles?’ He paused. ‘How did you meet Edgar?’

  ‘We met at a party shortly after he finished at high school. I was a dancer then and young Edgar and I started going out together.’

  ‘I understand you became engaged?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘When was this?’

  ‘Late summer of ‘52. Towards the end of August. We decided that at another party!’

  ‘Why did Edgar not introduce you to his family until the end of October?’

  ‘He didn’t think his father would approve. He was not yet eighteen and we decided it might be better to wait until the night of the birthday performance before we revealed our plans. He secreted me into Maskelyne Hall earlier that day knowing his father would be busy in the library. I was taken to meet the rest of the family and shown round the house. We were to meet Jack after the illusion was over but, as you know, we never did! Edgar kept me in the background during the time Jack was briefing everyone about his intended performance!’

  ‘Was that why you decided to wash your hair when Mr. Ramsden was preparing everything in the library?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘When you went upstairs where did you go?’

  ‘I went to the smaller of the two bathrooms.’

  ‘Why?’

  ’Because Laura warned me not to use the other one as she intended taking a bath!’

  ‘You washed your hair?’

  ‘Yes, but took the opportunity to have a shower as well!’

  ‘Did you hear an explosion?’

  ‘Yes! At least I thought I did! The shower was full on but I heard the sound of a gun being fired. That’s what it sounded like. I’d been warned to expect strange goings-on so didn’t take much notice!’

  ‘When did you become aware that something serious was wrong?’

  ‘When Edgar banged on my bathroom door and shouted there had been an accident!’

  ‘What did you do then?’

  ‘I switched off the shower and put on a robe. I covered my head with a towel and dashed down the stairs behind Edgar who had been hammering on Laura’s bathroom door!’

  ‘Did you close your bathroom door when you left?’

  ‘No, I must’ve left it open! I was in such a hurry!’

  The Prof nodded.

  ‘Before you go, Sally...when did you marry Edgar?’

  ‘The following April when we set up our Magic Supply business in Manchester.’

  ‘Are you still involved in that?’

  ‘It is mainly Edgar’s hobbyhorse. I concentrate on my Studio and Agency!’

  ‘I’m not sure I understand! About this Studio and Agency, I mean!’

  ‘I act as a go-between for young hopefuls looking for work in modelling, photographic and fashion. I can also offer help to suitable candidates lacking the necessary deportment or posture required for professional work as, for example, magician’s assistants, though there is not the same demand for this as there used to be!’

  The mischievous glance she gave him suggested she was enjoying the game; with he as the puppet and she manipulating the strings.

  ‘Thank you, Sally! You have been extremely helpful! It’s now time for you to go and help Laura with your preparations for tonight! You can send Victor in!’

  When Victor entered he immediately took out his cigarette case, removed a cigarette and tapped it three times on the outer shell of the silver case before popping it in his mouth.

  ‘I hope you don’t have any objections if I smoke in my own lounge?’ He drawled out of the corner of half-closed lips. ‘I could offer you a cigar if you feel as stressed out as you look!’

  ‘I’m not sure I could use one this early in the day but I have no objections with regard to yourself!’

  ‘That’s bloody obliging of you!’

  ‘Look, Victor, you have no reason to be stroppy with me...unless, of course, you have something to hide!’

  ‘What the hell do you mean by that?’ Victor challenged, lighting his cigarette.

  ‘You tell me! Unless you know exactly what went wrong the night your father died I’m sure you must be as anxious as I am to discover the truth and give this whole affair a decent burial! What I want is your version of the events leading up to the firing of the gun and you can then allow me to arrive at my own conclusions! Have I made myself clear?’

  ‘Crystal clear, Giles!’ Victor said pointing a finger. ‘But I warn you that you mustn’t expect me, or any of the others for that matter, to sit back and accept your findings without the proverbial pinch of salt!’

  ‘Crystal clear, Victor? As clear as the wine glass you introduced last night before your distraught sister shattered it? Now I wonder if that is too much to hope for?’

  ‘Why don’t you get on with your questioning then you can be the judge!’

  ‘That’s better! I wondered when you might come round to my way of thinking?’

  Victor grunted and flicked ash into the fire. Giles smiled and continued his attack.

  ‘Before you change your mind,’ he said, ‘please tell me what you were doing in 1952? As far as a job is concerned, that is!’

  ‘It won’t sound nearly as impressive as your verbal C.V. the day you arrived but it suited my purpose!’

  Giles nodded approval and motioned Victor to continue.

  ‘You and I were always of an age, one of the reasons why we were always so competitive I suppose. Anyway I was not called up for the forces, I won’t let you into my secret about that, but I occupied my time assisting a local farmer until I went to university in Edinburgh. The student life appealed to me but not the studying; too much like hard work...I think even you can understand that!’

  Victor drew heavily on his cigarette and appeared to be unsure of his next offering. After a short pause he continued.

  ‘I got heavily involved in theatre and the enjoyment of cheap foreign films of the more risque variety, met and married a young dancer of the exotic genre which lasted a few months and ended in divorce. I gave up university and nothing I was doing seemed to meet with the approval of my father who threatened to cut me out of his will. I make that quite clear to you because you would eventually ferret that information out for yourself and no doubt come to all the wrong conclusions. Anyway I managed to wangle myself a job in a film distributor’s office; remember we used to be given trade show passes to cinemas in Glasgow where we sampled top movies before their release. I am now a respected leading light in film distribution. Changed days since my father...! He would’ve been quite proud of the black sheep of the family if...!’

  ‘To get back to the night your father died. Did you attend the briefing he gave in the library when he was explaining about the necessity of examining the room and ensuring that there were no hiding places and that he was the only one left when the door was shut?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘’So where did you go and what did you do after your mother closed and locked the library door?’

  ‘I came along here, where we are now. There was a fire on and I wanted to be alone!’

  ‘Aah, like Greta Garbo?’

  ‘Don’t try to be facetious, Giles. It really doesn’t become you!’

  ‘Touch, my friend! So what did you
do here?’

  ‘I poured myself a gin and tonic! I knew father would let everyone know when he was ready to present his illusion.’

  ‘And were you alone?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘Did you hear the shot?’

  ‘Yes! I assumed it was the signal to return to the library!’

  ’So what did you do then?’

  I drained my glass and left it on the drinks cabinet. I was on my way back to the library when Edgar dashed upstairs shouting he was going to warn the girls!’

  ‘How long were you in here before you heard the shot?’

  ‘Several minutes, I’m sure of that. Long enough to pour myself a drink and enjoy a bit of solitude.’

  ‘When you reached the door to the library what did you see?’

  ‘Mother was kneeling by my father and I could see the blood as he held his chest. I turned and went to the telephone in the hall and dialled the emergency number and asked for an ambulance. When I explained the situation I was told that the police would also be informed.’

  ‘What did you do then?’

  ‘I think I had a word with “old” George. It was he who suggested that his wife should escort my mother to the lounge. Laura and Conrad stayed with father and I warned the others not to touch anything!

  ’’Did you touch anything?’

  ‘Whatever do you mean by that?’

  ‘Well, did you move anything in the library? For example, did you touch the curtains, rifle, even the fire screen or, perhaps, remove anything lying on the floor? Or maybe you went over and touched the safe? Do you see what I’m getting at?’

  ‘No, I don’t see what you’re getting at and, what’s more, I don’t care for your tone!’

  ‘But you did go over to the rifle on the stand?’

  ‘What the devil makes you think I did that?’

  ‘Nothing - just curious, that’s all!’

  ‘I think I’ve told you all I know so can I go now? I have a rather unpleasant taste in my mouth that requires immediate rinsing!’

  Victor turned and headed for the door.

  The Prof stopped him in his tracks. ‘Were you a beneficiary in your father’s last will and testament?’ he barked.

  ‘Yes, but so was everyone else in the family except, that is, Sally, whom father was unaware of at the time of his death.’

  ‘Right then, that seems to be all, Victor, at least for the present. When you go you can tell your young brother I will see him now!’

  The Prof turned his back and went over to the windows to look out on an autumn landscape that was giving way to winter. On the way he renewed his questioning.

  ‘Victor?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘There is one more piece of information I’d like to have!’

  ‘Yes?’

  The Prof turned to face his schoolboy adversary.

  ‘Can you think of anyone connected with the household who may have had good reason to wish your father dead?’

  ‘I wondered when you might get around to asking? God almighty knows, he was a good father in many respects but he could be an arrogant bugger at times and he’d be the first to admit it. Why don’t you ask George? I believe he was about to be relieved of his services at the end of that summer. After being with the family for what must’ve seemed a lifetime that could always be construed as a valid reason for wanting to...! And Mother, bless her heart, wasn’t too enamoured when rumours persisted that her Jack was having an affair with his assistants from time to time. Good old Jack!’

  ‘Thank you, you’ve been most helpful!’

  There was a light tap on the door to the hall and cook came in with a trolley.

  ‘You’re on your own I see!’ she said. ‘Are you finished already?’

  ‘No, Doreen, I’m waiting for Edgar. He should be here in a moment!’

  ‘Did I hear someone mention George before I came in?’

  The Prof was caught on the defensive like a small boy with his hand ready to invade the sweetie jar.

  ‘Victor was just pointing me in the right direction in answer to a problem I had. He was positive that your husband could clarify things,’ he stated rather lamely.

  ‘I’ve brought some fresh coffee and baking as I promised. Just leave things when you’re finished!’

  As she returned to the hallway he wondered how much more of Victor’s assertions she had heard when eavesdropping at the door. He had no time to pursue the matter. The other door opened and Conrad entered dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

  ‘You wanted to speak with me?’ he said.

  Chapter 13

  THE PRIEST-HOLE

  Tssing his napkin in the air Conrad closed the lounge door with a bang. ‘You wanted to have a word with me?’ he persisted as he caught the piece of linen and proceeded to fold it with precision,

  The Prof looked a little nonplussed as he stared back.

  ‘Aah, yes I suppose I did! Please excuse my rudeness; I was expecting Edgar but not to worry you are more than welcome!’

  ‘Is that some fresh coffee?’

  ‘Yes! Mrs. Gardner brought it in a moment ago. Why don’t you help yourself?’

  ‘Thanks! I don’t mind if I do!’

  Conrad poured himself a cup, added a little cream and stirred the contents.

  ‘Before you start asking any questions do you mind if I ask you something?’

  ‘Not at all, be my guest!’

  ‘You have already told us you believe you know who fired the gun that killed my father! If that is the case can you tell me if you are any further forward in those beliefs after interrogating more than half the family, plus one of our loyal staff I might add? Or do you now expect everything to fall into place when you put Mabel and I under the microscope? I can tell you we have little or nothing to contribute to what the others have said and, if my arithmetic is correct, that leaves Edgar and perhaps “old” George to give you their versions before you’re left “singing in the dark.” Or do you expect your favourite ally, coincidence, to come to your rescue like the cavalry in those old Westerns we used to watch?’

  ’For what it’s worth, Conrad, I am unfortunately no closer to the truth regarding your father’s shooting than I was before but, like the jigsaw puzzles we used to enjoy on wet Sunday afternoons, the whole picture will only become clear when the final piece is firmly in place. What I don’t want repeated are those occasions when pieces were missing. That mustn’t be allowed to happen here! So, if you don’t mind, I’ll begin by asking about your occupation .then and now!’

  ‘I work as a freelance photographer and have a small but successful business in Carlisle! I was, as you know, always interested in the camera which, like me, as you also know, doesn’t lie!’ Conrad paused for effect before resuming.

  ‘After completing my two year conscription period in 1949 I joined a local newspaper as a photo-journalist!’

  ‘Let me just interrupt you there for a second!’ Giles said eagerly.

  ‘During conscription did you learn to fire the Lee Enfield rifle?’

  ‘Yes!’ Conrad said with a smile before taking a sip of coffee.

  ‘Please go on!’

  ‘I was still working with that local “rag” when I married Mabel. That was in 1951 and we’d been married just over a year when the incident in the library happened. I’d been seriously thinking of setting up business and becoming freelance but obtaining suitable premises was to cost a fair bit of capital so Mabel and I decided to stay here at Maskelyne Hall for a spell and save some money.’

  ‘I see! So the death of your father, however regrettable, worked out for the best?’

  ‘I suppose that is one way of looking at it!’

  ‘I am trying to look at it from as wide an angle as possible, you understand, similar to you using a fish-eye lens I suppose.’

  ‘Not really, Giles! You’ll find the fish-eye lens, though giving a wide angle as you say, distorts the view and I would advise that you do not let that happen in your d
elicate suppositions!’

  ‘Hmm! On the night your father was shot did you attend his pre-illusion lecture?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘What did you do when the lecture was over?’

  ‘Mabel and I decided to take a walk around the house until we were called back.’

  ’Did you meet up with George? He was to be in position outside the south-facing library windows.’

  ‘No! As a matter of fact we didn’t! We went round the other side of the house, past the lounge windows.’

  ‘Were the curtains drawn?’

  ‘Yes, but we thought we heard a noise and tried to peer inside.’

  ‘Could you see anything?’

  ‘The curtains were not quite together and, although it was difficult to see clearly, it was evident that Victor was in the room. He seemed to be on his own and he was pouring himself a drink. Clever old Victor!’

  ‘Where did you go then?’

  ‘We went on round to the rear of the house. I thought I heard a noise coming from the cellar so I went down the steps and tried the door. It was locked!’

  ‘And?’

  ‘We were there for several minutes, just chatting.’

  ‘Did you hear the shot?’

  ‘Yes! There was a wind blowing but we were sure the noise we heard was a gun being fired! We moved to the back door leading to the kitchen thinking that was the quickest way back into the house, but cook must’ve locked the door. We raced round towards the front of the house along the east side and saw a figure disappear round the corner of the building. When we finally got into the house there was a group at the library door. I think you know the rest!’

  ‘Hmm! Not quite!’

  ‘Laura asked me to help look after father. Mrs. Gardner took mother away and “old” George looked after Mabel, who wasn’t too keen on the sight of blood!’