Artistic Assassination. chap - 1

When murders of fame artists occur in the city of Mistford, LX a young budding detective takes the case. Witness the thrill and the mystery as detective LX solves the puzzle of death. As he searches for the killer he comes across various clues to solve the case. Join us as he confronts many characters in his exciting journey and puts the pieces together. 

Authors :  PalashWalavalkar and Sahil Asolkar

Special thanks to

Palash Walavalkar

Sahil Asolkar

Prince Fal Dessai

Sahil Shirodkar

Sidhant Naik

Jonathan Demelo Fernandes

Pallav Walavalkar 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Artistic Assassination 

CHAPTER ONE – CLUE

It was a dismal day in the bustling metropolis of Mistford. The news came to as a shock for all the artists and citizens of the city; especially to the former members of the Ethereal Artists club. It was a message from the freelance detective LX, not to have any more victims and not to lose any more artists this was the best he could do …

The media had gathered in Northern Mistford and were broadcasting an obscene incident on TV. One of the famous news reporter was relaying this news to the public, "It was found today that the body of Davis Hall, the infamous artist was found in his art room. On-site forensics revealed that the death of Mr. Hall occurred just this morning, by inspecting the condition of the wounds. The police states that this was a clear suicide attempt. As you can see behind me, the body of Mr. Hall is being taken for further investigation....."

Mrs. Hall lay on the bench in her lawn with a blanket covering her, her eyes sullen and face pale. She sees all the news reporters spreading the news. At this point she couldn't contain her frustration. She breaks out and shouts to one of the cameraman," This is a murder! Believe me!" All the other news reporters focus on her frenzy. One of the lady officer quickly comes and takes Mrs. Hall back and calms her down.  The news reporter continues, “Mrs. Hall must be suffering a lot right now. We hope her trau..."  Just before she could finish her line, Mrs. Hall has another outburst and screams, "Alex! Only you can solve the case now!"

Silence spread all over the scene. His name shook the police. The media quickly changing their topics and took their focus onto weather or not they should be expecting a response from LX.

“LX is a well known detective by profession, although no one knows what those initials stand for, the brilliance of his case solving abilities is witnessed by everyone in the city. Well known for the case of president’s death that he managed to solved alone in just a single month which the police and the special task force team took 7 months and still didn’t make it.”

603 Mayflower Apartments, 19th Street

LX carried out all his thinking in his small studio apartment which was always messy. Spinning on his chair he turns his computer on. An email from someone," That’s rare".

The door opens. It’s his friend Rupert Riley. He enters nonchalantly snaking on a candy bar, “Did you see the news? It’s crazy!!”

“What? Really? What the heck even happened?” LX shockingly turns on the TV and watches the news up close. Flattered and astound by Mrs. Halls request, “Is this lady serious? Couldn’t she use a way less embarrassing! All the commotion this’ll cause!”

Rupert sits on his desk, giggles, "Seems like you've got star recognition my friend!"

LX face palms, "Stop taunting me! She at least could've sent an e-mail you know!"

"Maybe. But it's actually quite unfortunate. An accomplished art guy like him being murdered.”

"He was a member of the Ethereal Artists club you know?" LX suddenly makes a smirk, "and now he's gone to heaven for real! Quite the irony!"

"Shut up LX! Don't make fun of the dead, you'll go to hell if you say such things."

"Hell is only in one's mind!"

Both of them are serious for a moment. They stare at each other spitefully. Rupert gets another chocolate bar from his overcoat and starts munching, "So, are you gonna solve this case?" LX goes back to his computer. "Don't you ignore me!”

"It's an e-mail from Mrs. Halls. Fricking hell!"

"Huh! So she isn't so crazy after all. What does it read?"

Both of them glue their eyes to the computer screen. LX reads out," It's Diana Hall. Meet me at the gazebo at the pond in West Park today at 7 p.m. I'll be waiting."

"That's all? I guess she's out of words right now. Anyways its's time for Prince Rupert to take his leave! Bye!"

Rupert leaves with a loud roar from his supercar. LX begins to think. He focuses his gaze on the table lamp and sees it flicker. In his mind he thinks about some of the recent incidents and starts muttering," Mr. Hall had an art exhibit 3 days ago -displaying minimalistic artwork - Member of Ethereal Art club -Previous members Alfred Gutenberg: dead, Graham Scofield: dead - Well how come no one notice this. Can it be a coincident or something? Well, doesn’t look like!”

To clear up his mind he decided to meet up with Diana. LX skated towards West Park. If he talked to Diana, he could get some clues to solve this case. Upon reaching the park, he spots Diana sitting alone on the bench. She gets up anxiously. Her body language spoke to LX that she was desperate for either justice or revenge.

"Oh Alex! I'm so glad you came."

"Eh......"

"Look. Let me tell you only one thing that’s certain. My husband was an excellent artist and he'd never commit suicide."

"Well.....that's because you believe in him. But can you prove it?"

Diana is more enthusiastic after hearing that, "That's why I've got you here. I need your help. I know you cleverly proved some of the previous cases..."

"I'm...I'm flattered", LX scratches his cheek as he's flustered.

"Alex! Only you can solve it! Come at the mansion tomorrow. Please."

The talk didn't go for long. Diana walks to her car slowly and gives and an anticipated look. Although LX did not get any leads on the case, he may be able to get some hard evidence at the mansion.

Finally came the day when LX had to visit the mansion where Mr. Hall died.

LX really wanted to help Mrs. Hall. So he decided to go to the mansion that day. It was at the northern side of the metropolis, where all the rich people lived, except Rupert. The Mansion was fairly huge. LX was greeted by an army of butlers and maids all wearing a mournful look. Diana showed LX the way to the Art room where the death occurred.

Diana was very glad LX had showed up," LX! Words cannot tell you how happy I am to know that you'll be helping my late husband get justice."

LX couldn't sustain the conversation, so he jumped right to the point;" Mrs. Hall? Is it Ok If I ask you some un-trifling questions?" The real conversation had started.

"Yes. Please. I'd do anything to find the killer. Just ask me."

"Ok", LX becomes serious-minded, "Could you tell me the reasons why you consider this a murder and not a suicide?"

"well yes, that’s why I called you here, as you know Davis was a popular artist. He had bunch of admirers as well as haters. Some of the guys from work would compel him to overwork and strive arduously. Also he began facing health issues a decade ago. He loved me much more than his passion. I just don't think that he was in a state to even consider suicide as an option.” Diana reaches for the doorknob on the Art room door, "And besides, I have seen the murderer"

LX is a bit flummoxed by this. He knew she couldn't have moved a bit to stop the murderer, it was too much for her; the shock, the dread. "Why didn't you report this to the police?"

"They would've ignored me. They already know what a mad-woman I've become since that day. I don't even have a single piece of evidence to prove so. I really need you to pull this one off."

"Gee ..Thanks"

"You want to see what’s on the other side of the door?"

"Yeah!"

Diana opens the door. The whole room was filled with abstract art pieces. What couldn't fit on the walls was put up on the easel. A myriad of colours and patterns created this maddening flux, that whipped up a storm of excitement. LX was shaken by it, he was slowly getting a liking for art. But in between all this intricate art pieces laid the subject of interest, the place where Mr. Hall died. The place was littered with colours and clues so LX had to start soon.

He proceeds through the room. The crime scene was neater than he thought it would be. Maybe Mr. Hall was not a shabby person. It was quite cold as well. He then saw that his painting was rather less detailed, feeling incomplete compared to all other paintings in the room. Next came the table where all the artist tools and colours were kept. Along with the bottles of colour was a different bottle. It read as sleeping pills.

"Mr. Halls was prescribed these pills?" LX asked Diana.

"Yes. He was suffering through sleeping disorders, he's been taking them since a very long time." She replied.

"And I thought art was a Stress-busting activity."

He continues searching but he couldn't find anything more. The room was pretty much neatly kept. The murderer had to be smart. He looks around one last time before leaving.

"Are you done LX?"

"Yeah. I just need some time to assess the situation."

"Ok. Please make it quick."

"Yeah, sure"

Time to put the pieces together

LX returns to his house. His deep thinking mode was initialized. He starts mumbling to himself, "Room was neat, raising a number of possible events that could have occurred- and yes the painting how can I miss that, it was incomplete, I don’t see anything that could have bothered him so much that he left his painting in between - Room was cold and damp, despite of the heating systems they have at their mansion. That doesn’t fit right on a scene of suicide - sleeping pills, yes that pack that I saw. Things are just getting stranger every step – and then the window. This case is not really bending towards a suicide case its more towards the murder. Am I going right? Well if I am then yes I feel this is it!" LX snaps, "Figured it out!"

To be continued . . . . . . . . . .

--------Next Friday--------