WHODUNITS

THE ONE WITH THE CIGAR

Another murder. But that time she was strangled …

It was the second this week, the victim was a rich lady named Mrs Smith. Her diamond necklace had disappeared. Her husband came to identify the corpse. Mr Smith asked them if they had some clues about the murderer :

“First, we know that it's his second murder, he only kills rich women. Furthermore, he smokes the cigar, because when we discovered the body, we found a stub on the carpet.

• Promise me you'll catch him, he said sadly
• Trust the police force, we'll find thay guy . A policeman will take you home. You'll be watched on by two or three policemen.
• Thanks for all, inspector …
• You can call me Bob.”

But, he wasn't very sure, he hadn't found any clue. Moreover, he had decided to retire this week-end. His boss came to tell him that he had to resolve it before leaving his job. He was very upset and tired, this investigation obsessed him, so, to relax, he had dinner with his best friend, Bill. They talked about their problems,the murders and Bill's job. Bill was working in a jewellery. But, he wasn't very rich, the custumers were not so numerous because of the location of the store. Then, they paid for the dinner and walked for a while. It was a dark night, the air was deadly cold. Bob was irritated by the smoke that he was inhaling. Bill talked about a rich lady who had came to his shop to buy him diamonds and gold. He was very excited because he had earned a lot of money. They parted at midnight.

The next day, they found another dead woman. It was Bill's customer. Suddenly, Bob was afraid. He was thinking Bill was the murderer. But, how could he be sure ? At first, he decided to talk to him before telling his boss Bill was the murderer.

Sunday night, he arranged a meeting with his best friend to talk to him personnally. He was very stressed and anxious, but he wanted to understand. As he was a jeweller, Bob knew that Bill hid a gun in his coat.

“ - Another murder occurred this morning, and the lady looked strangely like your customer …

• I'm sorry, I don't understand, what are you trying to tell me ?”

He didn't answer.

“ - I had never noticed that you looked a bit rich in spite of your poor business.

• I earn as much money as everyone I think ...”

All of a sudden, he saw his cigar. He was petrified. It was the same as the murderer must have been smoking. Bill immediately understood. He wanted to take his gun, and shoot, but on his guard, Bob reacted faster. He killed him first. It was twelve o'clock, and he had just resolved his last investigation.

By Romain Ouagazzal and Thomas Philippe