A Body in the Woodpile by Irene Sauman

Author:Irene Sauman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amateur sleuth, australian mystery authors, cozy mystery, historical mystery
Publisher: Jakada Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Heat shimmered along the street and a dust devil swirled in a current of hot air as Emma and Daniel, accompanied by Shorty, Blue, Willy, and Jess Sharp, made their way to the hotel. Fred and Ah Lo had remained behind on the Mary B to keep company with the boys and Gertie, while Jake Summers was keeping an eye on the boiler, which was stoked ready for departure as soon as they could leave.

A crowd had gathered outside the hotel and curious faces surveyed them as they entered. It looked as if every adult in the town had come along to see the entertainment. It wasn’t every day an inquest was held on a murder. The lounge itself was crowded with standing room only but there was an empty bench at the front facing a table. Constable Fogarty was in attendance and directed them to take their seats there. Apparently, they were to be the star attraction. The iron roof creaked and pinged. The room was already hot and oppressive.

They had only been seated a few minutes when Mr. Penton took his place at the table facing his audience, Lieutenant Forrester standing nearby.

“At least we’re starting on time,” Daniel muttered.

Mr. Penton announced the intention of the inquest to consider the deaths of Hilda Zeller and James Franklin. Statements made would be read and questions asked as pertinent, he explained.

They began with James Franklin and dealt with it quickly. Mr. Penton called Daniel to the witness stand – a chair set beside the table – and read out the statement he had made the day before. Daniel was asked to confirm it, which he did.

“There was no evidence to indicate that anyone else was involved in this death?” Mr. Penton asked.

Daniel replied in the negative. Penton eyed the Mary B’s crewmen for a moment but didn’t ask for confirmation from them. Emma thought he probably considered they would back their captain regardless, and James Franklin’s death was declared to be a result of natural causes due to old age. Daniel was asked to remain seated where he was.

“We now turn to the matter of the death of Hilda Zeller,” Mr. Penton intoned. Emma felt the atmosphere in the room tense in anticipation. Once again, Mr. Penton read out Daniel’s statement on finding the body.

“You confirm this is your statement of the events that took place at the woodpile known as Zellers on Thursday January 13th of this year?” intoned Mr. Penton.

“Yes, that is correct.”

“How long have you known the Zellers, Captain.”

“Well, as long as they’ve had the woodpile. A year or two. But know them, not really at all. I only met Zac Zeller once, and his wife I saw a few times more, but just to exchange the time of day.”

“When was it you saw Zac Zeller?”

“A year or so back. We spent a couple of hours with them on a Sunday.”

“Who is we, Captain?”

“Myself, my late brother Sam and his wife.”

“Thank you. And what was your impression of the family? Were there any signs of dissent?”

“No, quite the opposite in fact.

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