The Lost Inheritance Mystery by Ben Hammott

Author:Ben Hammott [Hammott, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ben Hammott
Published: 2016-04-09T23:00:00+00:00

With an impressed expression hidden beneath the black mask, Shadow paused to stare at the empty cylinder for a few moments. It was as Furtive said, a very sneaky hiding place and one that even Shadow would have overlooked. It was evidence that Butler was not a foe to be underestimated.

Butler and Furtive returned to the study. Lurch was sent to collect Crakett from the cavern and returned a few minutes later with the hunchback slung over one shoulder.

Butler had brought another dining chair from the nearby room and instructed Lurch to place him upon it. Furtive tied him securely with another length of rope fished from one of his pockets. Taking the opportunity to relax for a few moments, Butler and Furtive sat down and had a glass of brandy.

Arthur Milkwood studied the unconscious hunchback. "So that's the real Crakett Murdersin, is it?"

"As far as we know," said Butler.

Arthur looked at Butler hopefully. "Could you do me a favour?"

"If it's to scratch an itch in an embarrassing place, then no, I can't."

Arthur shook his head. "No, nothing like that. It's just, well, as you mentioned earlier, my performance during this charade has not exactly been of the standing ovation variety, which I once had for my performance of King Leer in Coventry." He paused to glance at Butler and Furtive, but when no form of congratulation was exhibited by either, he continued. "To this end, I believe Crakett's wiliness to pay me the fee we agreed on, might be a little bit lacking in enthusiasm."

"Quite a bit lacking I should say," said Furtive, puffing on another cigar that had magically appeared.

"I can see how that might be appropriate," agreed Butler.

"I believe this is an ideal opportunity for me to take what is rightly owed, because you see the fee was not dependant on a successful outcome, but for my services."

"When you say, 'an ideal opportunity,'" said Butler. "I assume you are alluding to Crakett's unconsciousness and being firmly tied to the chair?"

Arthur nodded. "I think it is the perfect moment."

"Also when you said, 'for me to take what is rightly owed', you actually mean you want me to search through the unconscious hunchback's pockets for any money he may have concealed about his person, and if I find sufficient funds, to take out your fee and stuff it in one of your pockets?"

Again Arthur nodded, but added a smile this time. "Plus any bonus you think I might be entitled to, but I'll leave that to your no doubt kind and generous consideration."

"While you're rummaging through his pockets, Butler, if yer come across his legendary fruit knife, I'll have it," said Furtive. "It'll be a nice little keepsake of this adventure."

"I am not rummaging through anyone's pockets. Your fee, Arthur, is something you'll have to discuss with Crakett at a later date." Butler took a sip of his drink.

"And the fruit knife… is that also off the table?" asked Furtive hesitantly.

Butler sighed, glanced at the clock and drained his glass.

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