Artistic Assasination. chapt- 2

  Artistic Assassination 

CHAPTER TWO – THE PATTERN

“A fallacious belief, encourages a chain of people disillusioned by the purity of scientific truth” 

It was decided LX wanted everyone to come out of the illusion that Mr. Hall had committed suicide. A press meeting was summoned by Diana asking them for one chance to prove them the same.

The next day …

The press had gathered near Diana's house that morning. LX had connected all the dots and figured out the nature of the crime. Diana was nervous. Rupert had also accompanied LX. LX stepped onto the podium. The reporters were ready to note down all the evidences. Some expert cops and agents took the front rows.

-“After a lot of investigation I've come to a conclusion that the death of Mr. Hall was caused by murder”

The whole audience woos him. Criticism stirs up instantly. Reporters rise to ask questions. One of them speaks up, "Can you prove it?"

- “How can you say that with so much clarity? Can you prove what you just said? I mean we know you can be right and you have challenged the police investigations a lot of times before but still, it’ll be interesting to listen”. Said one of the reporters present.

-“These days what’s the weather like you think?” Asked LX.

-“That’s a very irrelevant question to ask LX, you have to explain why you are confirmed that it’s a murder and not a suicide!” Exclaimed a policeman sitting right behind the media reporters.

 -“Well, the question I asked has very much relevancy in this case, go for it.”

- “Well then everyone knows since it’s the season of winter going on the weather is cold and moist.”

Replied the reporter.

-“Winters, cold climate, also frequent showers of snow falls recently in Mistford. Reads the weather forecast of the day when Mr. Hall died.

A close look at the crime scene which happens to be his painting room took my attention towards the window. The window was all wet and condensed.”

“Well that’s very normal I guess to happen in winters don’t you think?” the same policeman asked to LX interrupting his explanation.

“well sir, its normal if the window is wet from outside but only one of its windows were wet from inside. This fact signifies that it was either opened by someone from outside or from the inside. At that time there was only Mr. Hall inside his room and the house has central heating systems, it’s not that Mr. Hall must have desired of having a -10 degree breeze all of a sudden, so the possibility of him opening the window cancels out clearly.

Next thing- Hall had his room filled with all art accessories, even if he had taken those sleeping pills by himself to suicide then he should have had his hands on many things and throwing them off their place before collapsing on the ground, miraculously the place turned out to be clear as if his body was just resting on the ground.

Eyes moved on the incomplete painting. Mr. Hall, recently was working on his next painting. And on the night of his death he was busy completing the same. The placement of his brushes and the colors still on the tray clearly reveled the fact. And the chances that while making such an art piece one suddenly decides to finish his life are certainly very low.

The 4^th reason makes me completely believe my words. Mr. Hall, was suffering from high blood pressure and was prescribed by doctors to take sleeping pills on an everyday bases , his medicines are bought by his wife , Diana. As per her statement and the medicine bills, they were bought on the 1^st of November. One pack contains exactly 20 pills, the day Mr. Hall died was 9^th of November which should mean that he should have finished taking 9 pills, and yes that’s exactly what was recorded and I saw 11 pills remaining in the pack which is correct. This tells that there were some extra pills brought by someone else and by someone else I mean, the murderer!

So yes, that’s my explanation on proving how it’s a murder and not a suicide.”

The reports are shocked. His deductions matched the forensic reports.

“But why did he choose such a mild way of murder? Someway more threatening could've worked as well” A reporter asked.

“It is quite clear that the murderer has mostly committed a crime before this as well and he doesn't like to leave any trace behind”

Everyone was quite convinced by now. A police agent stood up, “Let us assume what you are saying is true. Can you then find out who the murderer is? Because it makes no difference that it's a murder if we cannot catch the guilty.”

“Figuring out will be tougher than expected. You see, the murderer is not that foolish, he has some skills in this business. But one thing is for sure, he cannot escape me. It’s just a matter of time before I get to him, he must be even watching this telecast right now, ferocious. The game has begun a whole new chapter. That’s all” And he moves out from the podium.

The crowd begins to stir up. Rupert claps for LX. Everyone follows in pressure, breaking the tension. Diana comes and thanks him. One of the policeman looks closely at him.

“Rupert! Let's get going now”

“Whooaa what a tense meeting that was ! you really had that didn’t you!” exclaimed Rupert. “Well hold on then, an exciting event is on its way. Things are going to get fishy now”

-“event? What event are you talki.... ohh wait are you talking about.. ?”
- “yes I am talking exactly about it. Jonathan Morrow, very well known as the shadow artist. Art show, famous celebrities. It’s happening again. I am expecting some uninvited guests there”

13^th November,

The day of the art show finally arrived. Mostly the rich and accomplished made their presence in the art show. Rupert being a rich person had been granted entry, LX also joined him. They both entered the hall. Everyone was watching the incredible pieces of art. “These sure are some masterpieces!” Rupert is jaw-dropped seeing the night sky lake painting.

“I can't disagree. These paintings must be worth thousands”

“Thousand is an understatement”, Rupert moves forwards and stops. A painting of a man with long black hair and colorful accessories had stunned him. Both stare and admire.

“Rupert, this is my favorite one! So pleasing!” LX speaks looking at the painting.

“I know right? It's so cool” A young man standing beside them both starts admiring. Both stare oddly as he continues, “And do you see the way Mr. Morrow has used his brushing skills to add more texture to the hair? Outstanding!”

All 3 disperse when Harry Bixby - the water color wizard appears. LX and Rupert roam around more to kill time.

“If the murderer wants to add another victim to his killings, he should be watching this show as well. If I am right that is. In this sea of people I just have to find this one person. It won't be easy, but I know this will be very interesting”

“What did you say LX?”

“Nothing...just my mumbling”

“I see..”

LX looks around for more clues. Suddenly he feels a heavy hand on his shoulder. It was the suspicious cop from the press meet.

“What are you doing here kids?”

“Nothing. Just checking the paintings out”

“Are you sure? You seem like you were doing some investigations”

“What are you talking about...w..we were just roaming around”

“ Ok. I believe you. Just don't be so sneaky. I'm trying to maintain high level security over here. We don't want more artists being killed.”

“aahh...yes.... sure that will do”

As soon as the officer moves on, LX begins observing again.

He talks to himself…

-“I know for some reason you are here. But where exactly and what are you planning to do next. Whatever you are planning to do it won’t help, cause I am gonna catch you soon”

“What a fool, I thought you would do better. But you are not. You resonate the same old foolish minds, like those in the department. Can only talk of maintaining peace and bringing justice, but when it comes to fulfilling it everyone backs off. Dragging that same old statements full of fake promises. Ahh it’s so boring not to have a competition of minds, the criminal mind vs the so called ‘Justice holders’. Haaahaa what a shame that is for you. But don’t you worry now, cause I am bringing peace to the

city in my own way. I am the new justice”

the show gets over, everyone heads back to their houses.

-“Wait hey where are you going LX?”

-“It’s an interesting case this time Rupert. I need my space to think. Where do you think I am heading?”

Lesley’s bar,

A small underground tavern where people used to chill and socialize. The bar was a dim lit place with weird neon symbols and glasses of all shapes and sizes. It was never too crowded. LX would sit on the second barstool, observing how the bartender would shake different liquids together to make a splendid concoction. 

He starts talking with his mind. The deduction begins.

-“Ok now, time to work. Death by sleeping pills, I don’t sense jealousy here not rage, no. It’s something different, something wise. It looks as if trying to distract the press. Who can do that, the suspects, let’s break into them. I see 3 so far all fortunately. Unfortunately, all loose on hold of a strong reason. Only the artists getting killed, resembling a distinctive form of revenge, related to art.

Primary suspect – Billy Gonzales. Arrested while trying to rob and sell Mr. Halls famous painting, Chatoyant. Estimated price 1 million euros. Broke into his safe locker to get this done. Mastered skills of escapology and code breaking. Released from the jail on 8^th of November. That’s the day previous to the day when Mr. Hall was killed. Outraging need to commit such a crime. Killing hall will be a child’s play for him.

Next. Winnie Bradon, the maid working in Mr. Hall’s house. Although maintained a polite reputation with the family, has reported demands to increase the salary a several times. October, point of saturation. When her demands reached a very high and unexpected heights, Hall clearly refuses to make further increase in her fees. Decision bounded personality. Once decided to have something, doesn’t like to shatter her expectations. Here comes the rage. And a clear access to Mr. Halls room, and expectedly the whole house. 

And the third one, Mr. Jonathan Morrow.

Member of the ethereal club as well. Friends with Mr. Hall. Friendship however lasted only till October 24^th when there was an exhibition and in spite of working so hard for weeks he didn’t make it for the first place, yes Mr. Hall did. The beginning of rage was displayed at a party thrown the same night where Mr. Morrow gets drunk and black mails Mr. Hall that he’ll kill him. Moreover his sudden disappearance during the time when hall’s body was being moved to the van adds upon the suspicion”

-“Excuse me sir” LX gets interrupted by the bartender, “the bar is closing now, I think you should be leaving”

-“Ahh.. yes, didn’t notice that. Was just busy you know”

-“busy? Doing what?”

-“illuminating my mind, picturing scenes, so could contrast the reality that stays hidden from the minds of the ordinary. In simpler terms, I was thinking. Have a good night Milford, see you soon”

-“see you soon” the bartender stands confused as LX leaves the place, walking down the streets towards Mayflower apartments.

 Two uneventful days later, LX returns after running some errands. He opens his front door only to find out a stranger had broken into his house. An intimidating man greets him.

-“Welcome home LX” a heavy voice welcomes him, “well how was your day?”

-“heard that one, hello sir. Have we met?”

As LX asked the man, he walks towards his chair resting his coat on the edge.

-“yes, we have! I was there at the meet that was summoned by Mrs. Hall”

-“Ahh, the one who was so curious about the case that ended asking me dozens of questions, so you are the one !”

- “that was not required actually. Anyways I am from central intelligence and I just wanted to tell you that you can stop working on the case of Mr. Hall. We have found who the real killer is and we do not require your help anymore”

-“So even you are having a doubt on Mr. Jonathan Morrow”

-“whaat that how do you know that. We never leaked that information”

-“I was expecting y’all of course. 4 men in the art show all dressed the same neat way. A blazer and a white shirt. Tried to disguise like the helpers but really missed the ‘bow’, all had an ear piece, suggesting a matter of importance. Who can have such a thing, an art lover? No obviously not. Focus was more attended towards the people more than the paintings, umn… wouldn’t consider an art lover such a thing, but a professional who is looking for clues to secretly find and inculcate piece by piece then yes. But what type of professionals could do that in a legally acquired manner, possibly the central intelligence. Thanks for confirming that. And you know what, you should be really reconsidering your uniform stats, makes things so obvious”

-“No matter what you say LX, we have gathered enough evidence against him. We are just trying to gather stronger evidence. It should take less than two days”

The tense conversation comes to an end when the agent gets an important phone call. The agent seems startled after receiving the call. The agent quietly finishes his call and with a dense voice informs LX about Morrows death. LX sits in his chair thinking out loud….

 -“Now you should be reconsidering your investigations as well”

The agent storms outside rushing towards the crime scene.

LX left alone in his room starts thinking,

-“Just as I thought. Mr. Morrow, you didn’t hold enough evidence to match the murderer.

So this is it, I see something in here. All the three cases reported till now are only of artists who are murdered after exactly three days after their art presentation. That’s it. ‘The Pattern’. So he isn’t a maniac after all. He is doing this for some reason. He has some story to tell, ‘A Beginning’. 

to be continued.....

Chapter 3 - The Beginning 

------coming soon ------ 

quotes :

“A fallacious belief, encourages a chain of people disillusioned by the purity of scientific truth”

                                                    -- Sahil. A