Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I. M. Foster

Author:I. M. Foster
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Inez M. Foster
Published: 2022-11-04T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Saturday, June 25, 1904 – 9:30 a.m.

The morning sun was shining brightly on the stately three-story home, its gingerbread trim contrasting nicely with the lavender board-and-batten siding. Daniel knocked on the elaborate etched-glass door and then turned his back, listening to a robin that was chirping in a nearby maple tree. A moment later, he heard the door open and swung back around to be greeted by a stocky gentleman in a black jacket and dove-gray pants—the butler, no doubt.

“May I help you, sir?” the man asked, tilting his head ever so slightly.

“I believe Mrs. Langston is expecting me,” he said, cognizant of the fact his appearance was well outside of accepted visiting hours. “Doctor Daniel O’Halleran.”

“Oh yes, of course, sir, in relation to the demise of Mr. Brissedon. Such tragic news.” He led Daniel into a well-furnished parlor, though he had to admit it was a bit overdone for his taste. It was clear Mrs. Langston had opted for the appearance of wealth over style and comfort. “If you’ll just wait, here, sir,” the butler continued. “I’ll tell the family you have arrived.”

Daniel thanked him and sat down in one of the heavily brocaded chairs. Just as uncomfortable as it looks. He decided to stand, turning instead to look out the bay window, which was framed with elaborately embroidered drapes. He cringed. His mother would hyperventilate just looking at them.

“Dr. O’Halleran, is it?” a voice said from behind.

Daniel turned to face the man. His dark hair was split over his forehead so that it curled slightly at his temples, and he sported a well-groomed handlebar moustache. As he didn’t appear to be much younger than Daniel, he assumed this must be the son.

“Edward Langston, sir.” He reached out his hand in a firm shake before motioning that Daniel should sit in one of the uncomfortable chairs by the fireplace.

“Thank you, no,” Daniel said. “I find I can think much better while standing.”

Edward shrugged and sat in one of the chairs. “Mother and Lydia will be down presently.”

“And your father?” Daniel asked.

“I’m afraid he has his business in the city and spends much of his time there. He does try to get home on weekends, though that wasn’t the case today. Hopefully, he’ll grace us with an appearance next weekend. He hates it out here, you know.”

“Really, and why is that?”

“He finds it desolate, plus I suppose he prefers his . . . time alone.”

Now that was interesting. He may have to make another trip home to interview Mr. Langston. Just because his son didn’t think he was here during the week didn’t mean he wasn’t.

“Before the ladies arrive,” Daniel said, “I’d like to speak to you about your relationship with the Brissedons.”

“You mean my impending marriage. That, sir, was an arrangement my mother made. Rest assured I have no intention of following through with it.”

“You weren’t happy about it, then?”

“Happy about it!” Edward barked a laugh. “I couldn’t be more furious. They’re vulgar creatures, the lot of them.”

“Surely Mr.

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