~ C H A P T E R T W O ~
"Then? What did you find?" Nate asked through the phone.
Stephen was still puzzled by the incident and is hesitant to answer. "Well... There's something quite odd with the wiring..."
"There's something wrong with the wiring? And the switch must be on, isn't it?" Nate briskly said his theory and, obviously, turned out to be right.
"It was a homicide. A set up. The chandelier should've light up - but instead, it fell. Stephen, you know you're prohibited to investigate right? Look, I know you love trouble bu -"
"No, I don't." Stephen quickly denied in a serious tone of voice.
"Yes, you do." Nate sighed through the line. "I'm not really into these kinds of stuff, but if you get into trouble again and need a backup - I'm in. Try not to get caught as much as possible, I have much problem as it is." Nate was somewhat irritated and hanged up the phone.
~~~
When the sun disappeared and shadows turned into darkness, Stephen's mind wondered sleeplessly thinking about the case. Was it really an accident? Was it really a homicide? If it was - then what was the reason of Stella's death?
When Stephen woke up, it's still nighttime. He then thought about the same thoughts that flooded his restless mind. They say curiosity kills the cat, but Stephen was determined to find the truth that he became tasseled by his own curiosity and drove to Stella Appleton's home despite it being very late.
"Dark Rose Town, fifth street, mansion...." He repeatedly reminds himself.
Minutes have passed as Stephen navigated through the night and although it was dark, he had no need to squint his eyes as he easily spotted Stella's house - the obvious two-story mansion at the end of the pavement with its glimmering strong metal gates that stands straight; surrounding the mansion's property.
The gate glowers at Stephen's silhouette as he began to climb the bars - quickly trespassing without a trace.
Once inside, he wore his black gloves and started to investigate. He roamed around the mansion observing every detail and predicting possible events to might have taken place.
Moments have passed, he found nothing. The mansion appeared clear and unsuspecting - maybe for the police - but not for Stephen.
~~~
Stephen walked inside the room of Stella's deceased husband. It was a very dusty bedroom as if no one has entered there for years; his awards are displayed all over the shelves. Books are everywhere.
"#1 Bestseller Novelist, Book list 1942 Editor's Choice. Winner of the 1942 National Book Award. 1942 Best Book of the Year. 'The Dreadful Sins of the Mysterious Illusionist' - Heinz Appleton."
Everybody knew Heinz Appleton and his amazing fantasy books, he died five years ago of illness.
Stephen observed the room suspiciously. He found nothing at the moment. He stood there with his arms crossed - clearly wasn't ready to leave because he felt that something was hidden.
He then noticed the typewriter. It was quite dusty - but strangely - some letters have less dust than the others, as if the letters were recently used.
"A code. Great." He muttered.
~~~~~