Lycée Chateaubriand de Rome

“-I’ve never had any dealing with private detectives, Mr Marlowe. I don’t know anything about them. Your references seem satisfactory. What are your charges ?
-To do what, Mrs Murdock ?
-Well, let’s go to the living room, I’ll explain to you… Please, sit on the sofa.
-Thanks. So what’s the problem ?
-A member of my family disappeared three days ago…
-Who was he ?
-I’d rather he remained anonymous but I’ll give you all the elements you need.
-But I can’t do my work like that !!!
-I pay you, don’t I ? So…just do your work, ok ? …I asked in my neighbourhood if anyone had seen him but I didn’t find any interesting answer.
-Hmmm…Did he live with you ?
-Why do you say “did”, he still lives with me, but I can’t find him anymore !
-Oh sorry...”
She started crying.
“-No please, don’t cry ! Mrs Murdock ! I’m not able to comfort people ! To himself “I hate whimperers !!!
-What are you saying Mr Marlowe ?
-Oh, nothing. I was thinking about this case… Did you ask your neighbour if he ’d seen something ?
-I NEVER address my neighbour, is it clear ? I even evade him when I can.
-But…
-BECAUSE -let me finish please- Mr Harker is a dreadful man, everything disturbs him. And his cat, oh my Dog ( no God !!!) is called Darling…I never met any animal as nasty as her. They’re new-comers in the district…They came from California.
-Yes, but come back to our story, hey ?
-Sure. Oh ! Excuse me, I’ve forgotten to ask you if you want something to drink.
-Yeah, maybe a whisky !
-Hmm, I don’t have any alcoholic drinks. You know I’m a widow, I’m getting on my seventies…I only drink milk and fruit juices.
-There is nothing like milk for the bones !!!
-So TINA !!! Bring some milk and an orange juice please.
-I was simply joking !
-Ah ! Tina is my chambermaid. She helps me to maintain this big house”
The bell rang.
“-Tina, open the door instead !” The milkman entered.
“-Good morning Mrs Murdock !
-Oh ! Good morning Patrick ! We were just talking about milk !!! Mr Marlowe here present wanted some.
-Oh my God…
-Yes, sure” he gave Marlowe a bottle. “Mrs Murdock, there is something wrong with Mr Harker’s garden… There is a strange heap of soil behind the oak.
-Patrick, I think I’ve told you I ‘m not in good terms with Mr Harker…no ?
-I’m sorry but it seems bizarre… Upon which, I leave you. Mr Marlowe, Mrs Murdock !” The milkman went out the house. Suddenly, the phone rang and Mrs Murdock answered.
“-Who’s speaking ? Hullo ? Who are you ?” Marlowe moved near to the phone. There were indistinct sounds when all of a sudden a voice was heard : a rarefied and unclear voice spoke, a man’s voice with an American accent.
“-Who’s there ?
-Shhht…stop talking please.
-I’ve something for you Murdock ! You might be interested…but I think it’s a bit late… ha, ha, ha !!!”
Then, the silence filled the room. Mrs Murdock was staring at the floor.
“-Mrs Murdock ? Do you think it can have a link with the disappearance ?
-Of course ! There aren’t many individuals who call people like that…don’t you think ? I’m frightened Mr Marlowe…I’m really scared. What could happen to my Bobby ?
-So, the victim is a boy.
-Oh Mr Marlowe, protect me. I never felt as much in danger as now.
-I’ll do my utmost to help you, I promise.
-Moreover, yesterday I bought him a new lead...