Illusions of Murder by Chris Turnbull

Author:Chris Turnbull [Turnbull, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Tuesday 29th November 1892

D etective Matthews and Harvey stood outside the imposing house of Charles Henry Gaskell, the man Matthews suspected to be the loan shark behind the threatening letters sent to Bess Young. Its grand façade rose tall and solemn, its windows reflecting the overcast sky like sombre mirrors.

They climbed the stone steps and approached the heavy oak door. Matthews raised his hand and knocked, the sound echoing through the quiet street. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a tall and imposing figure—a middle-aged man with receding hair, a sharp gaze, and a face marked by deep lines and shrewd eyes. It was Charles Henry Gaskell, the personification of a shady figure. He regarded the detective and Harvey with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

‘Can I help you, gentlemen?’ Gaskell inquired, his voice carrying an air of guarded caution.

Detective Matthews stepped forward, his gaze piercing into Gaskell's eyes. ‘Good day, Mr Gaskell. I am Detective Benjamin Matthews, and this is my assistant, Harvey. We'd like to speak with you regarding a matter of great importance.’

Gaskell's eyes flickered with wariness. ‘What is this about?’

‘We believe you may have been involved in sending threatening letters to a woman named Bess Young,’ Matthews stated firmly, his voice filled with authority.

Gaskell's face contorted with feigned innocence. ‘I assure you, I have no idea what you're talking about. I have never sent threatening letters to anyone.’ He folded his arms across his chest. ‘I run a legitimate business here, Detective, I assure you.’

Matthews held his gaze, his intuition telling him otherwise. ‘Mrs Young received explicit threats demanding payment for her debts. We have attained these letters which are signed with your initials, Mr Gaskell.’ Matthews' gaze remained unyielding. ‘On Friday night, Mrs Young was found dead. If you cooperate, we can resolve this matter peacefully. Refuse, and I’ll have no option but to issue a warrant for your arrest.’

A flicker of unease crossed Gaskell's face before he composed himself, wearing a mask of confidence. ‘Dead?’ he spat. ‘Look, Detective, I’m a businessman. I deal in legitimate loans. If someone fails to repay their debts, it's not my responsibility. I do not, however, resort to murder. How the fuck do you think I would get the money back from somebody if they are dead? Look,’ he took a breath and regained his composure, ‘I may have lent her some money, but it's all legal. She owed me a substantial amount, and I was merely trying to collect what was rightfully mine. Anyway, her debt was paid before Friday, so I had no reason to be looking for her.’

‘It was paid?’ Matthews interjected. ‘By who?’

‘By her.’

‘But how?’

‘Believe it or not, Detective, I am not one for making friends with my clients or partaking in casual small talk. So how she came by the money has nothing to do with me, nor is her murder. So, if that is all…’

Harvey, who had been observing silently, spoke up. ‘But the threatening letters, Mr Gaskell. Are you saying you had no part in sending them either?’

Gaskell's eyes darted from Harvey to Matthews.

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