The Chase for the White Mist - Chapter four
The Morning After
It was early morning, the sun had barely risen above the horizon and Alex was pondering by the window, when Mev walked down his street. He had never seen her walking with such purpose. She came to his door, without knocking, walked in and up to the second floor study, where he was currently standing and looking out of the window.
“You should get a pipe, if you are planning on standing by the window to ponder.” Mev grinned, as she stopped in the doorway leaning against the frame. “It would look much better, maybe a nice beard too.”
“You know I hate the smell of pipe smoke.” Alex replied with a smile of his own. “Besides, I can't grow a beard.”
“You are here early? Something the matter?” Alex asked.
“No, not at all. But I was thinking, we should go over the case before we head out for today.” Mev replied with some excitement in her voice.
“Of course, anything specific you want to go over?” Alex questioned.
“Yes, I want to understand why Evelyn Whitecroft is so eager to condemn Amir Basiri and if Ray Reed was a pond in this twisted game of hers.” Mev explained with even more excitement.
“Now, hold on Mev. We don’t know if she is actually behind all of this. It does seem so, but we must keep in mind that we don’t see the full picture yet, there are still too many unsorted clues on the board.” Alex replied hastily. “But what do we know?”
“We know Evelyn had a dinner party the night of the theft, giving her a good alibi. But Amir does not have the best alibi, since he was the last person to see the gem and he was in the shop when it was stolen. He did tell us he was working from the office until late and that his assistant can confirm it. Evelyn seems suspicious, but I can not put a finger on why and then there is the whole thing with Ray. What is up with him?” Mev stopped to breathe.
“My, Mev. That was quite something. It summons up everything very well, meaning we don’t have any proof. Yes, Evelyn is definitely hiding something, but so is Amir. I am not sure what it is, but something about him, a bit too perfect. I don’t know how to explain it. Being nervous without being nervous? Like just nervous enough without being too much. I don’t know.” Alex explained in frustration.
“So, one shady with an alibi and one too perfect without? What about Ray Reed?” Mev questioned.
“I think we need more information about that night in question. Let’s go and talk to Amir’s assistant Harldor. Afterwards I have to make an errand and then we can question the staff of the Whitecroft manor and a couple of the guests and finish off with getting a statement from mr. Reed.”
“What are all these errands you have to run?” Mev asked, eyeing the younger man, as they left the Chalignis townhouse.
“Nothing important, I assure you.” Alex smiled.
