The evening sun penetrated, and the thick fog of the mountains fell through the peace of the English countryside. The Weston Manor stood quietly on the hill, like an ancient guardian, watching the quiet idyllic landscape around it. The outline of the manor is hazy and mysterious in the mist, and the ancient red brick walls and the towering courtyard of ancient trees give people a distant and solemn feeling.
Karl Goodman, a famous private detective, was taking a train from London to the remote town south and transferring to the Weston Manor before he slowly drove into the gate. Karl suddenly felt that he was back from the modern world, and everything here broke the long peace because of his arrival.
The skilful drive of the groom, and the sound of the wheels rolling along the cobblestone path, seemed to signal the beginning of some uneasiness. The servants of Weston Hall stood at the door, waiting quietly for his arrival. There was a mixed emotion in their eyes, both anticipation and concern.
The scene inside the manor is like an elegant landscape painting. The delicate flower beds are filled with all kinds of gorgeous flowers, and the air is filled with a faint fragrance and the smell of morning dew. A few early sparrows danced in the garden, making an occasional ringing sound, breaking the quiet morning.
Karl stepped out of the Karl iage, wearing a fine dark suit and a slow look on his face. His eyes were sharp and steady, as if they could understand all the secrets hidden under the surface. Looking away at the panoramic view of the manor, the appearance of the main building is simple and elegant, and the moss-covered stone walls and towering towers reveal a strong historical atmosphere. The steps in front of the door after years of hone, appear some mottled, but still strong. In a trance, Karl feels that he is really a second back to the Middle Ages, modern civilization seems to be alone.
With the echoes of footsteps, he walked to the main building of the estate, an breathtaking ancient building.
He stopped at the door and looked up at the heavy oak gate, carved with exquisite family badges that showed the prominence and age of the Weston family.
The door opened slowly, and Karl was greeted by the housekeeper of Weston House, Mr.Wilson. He was a middle-aged man, with a large, serious face, and a deep calm in his eyes. He said in a polite tone, " Welcome, Mr.Goodman. Please follow me, and the host is waiting in the living room."
Karl nodded and followed the housekeeper into the inside of the estate. The hall is decorated and solemn, with heavy carpet covering the floor, and the walls are covered with family portraits depicting the members of the Weston family. The antique furniture and furnishings in the room reveal a sense of precipitation of time, and each one seems to be telling an ancient story.
In the middle of the hall, Karl saw the members of the Weston family, sitting around a round sofa with a different look. In the sofa, the mistress of the manor, the widow of old Weston, the young Lady Madeline, the third wife of Mr.Weston, had met on a trip five months ago, and then by lightning marriage. She wore an elegant dark dress, her hair curled in a noble bun, and the expression on her face revealed a deep sadness and exhaustion.
Several other family members were present, including three of Old Weston's children: the eldest son Arthur, the second daughter, Alice, and the younger son Charlie. Arthur was a tall, composed man, with a worried look on his face. Alice is a middle-aged woman with a dignified face and a little uneasiness in her eyes. Charlie looked a little impatient, and occasionally swung back and forth in his chair.
Karl came up to them, smiled and greeted them, and then sat down. Family members have also extended polite greetings, the atmosphere is a little reserved. Lady Madeleine rose, and said, " Thank you, Mr.Goodman, for arriving at this time. We all know that the death of old Weston makes us very sad, but the current situation forced us to turn to your wisdom."
Karl nodded and responded calmly, " Lady Madeline, I understand how you feel. I will do my best to help you uncover the truth of this matter. Please tell me more details about the death of Old Weston."
Lady Madeleine took a deep breath and spoke slowly: " Old Weston died one night last week. His cause of death was believed to be a poisonous snake attack. We found a snake in his bedroom, but as we all know, it is the habitat."
Karl asked, " Is there anything unusual in the bedroom layout?"
"No, as usual, the bedside wine wine, books on one side, there were signs of struggle at the scene, we heard the call for help, when we arrived, we found a snake crawling on the bed. Or the housekeeper and the gardener caught it and threw it into the wild."Arthur interjected in:" All of us were shocked by the news. Old Weston was always in good health, and the estate was on perfect guard, expecting such an accident."
"Then Mr.Weston did not live with Lady Madeleine?"
"No, my husband has been restless and weird, and on a different schedule. We live apart."Lady Madeleine calmly.
"What else have you found?"
Alice nodded, adding: " There are some unexpected arrangements in the old Weston's former will, which also upset us. I fear that such an arrangement may cause some kind of conflict. I think there must be a more complex truth behind this incident. Mr.Karl , ask you to find the cause of my father's death."
Charlie, looking a little anxious, stood up and said excitedly, " It's a nightmare! This ghost place not only has poisonous snake, my room still inexplicably appeared huge poisonous spider, too terrible! We must find out the truth as soon as possible, otherwise how can we feel reassured?"
Karl listened quietly, looking calm on his face. In such a complex family background, everyone's words and behavior may hide some motive, he has been exposed to too many such family mysteries, do not easily believe their every word. He took a deep breath and asked, " What about the autopsy results?"
Mrs Madeleine replied: " The police are also helpless, the wound is very small, the current conclusion is the snake venom."
"So," Karl took a deep breath and then asked, " Can I be informed the day before old Weston's death before I start my investigation? Especially about his activities and the people he has touched."
Wilson Butler stepped forward and handed Karl a diary of Old Weston and some related documents, containing the autopsy report provided by the police. Karl took the materials and read them carefully. He found that the elder Weston's autopsy report was barely suspicious and missing in his life diary, except several unusual outings and events before his death, including meetings with outsiders, details that might be the key to the investigation.
That night, Karl was alone in the manor's study, studying the materials. The walls in the study are hung with all kinds of books, the floor is covered with thick carpet, and the quiet atmosphere makes a person feel quiet. The moonlight outside the window shone through the cracks in the curtains, shining on Karl 's face, his eyes deep and focused.
After drinking a strong cup of coffee, he was vaguely aware that the case was more than just a superficial snake attack. The complex relationships between family members, the secret arrangements in the will, the young woman who was soon married, the famous Weston family, and millions or even millions of assets can be the key to solving the mystery. And this family is deliberately separated from modern society, modern civilization, which seems to explain their old and conservative character.
Karl 's mind began to outline a possible plot, gradually pieced together the whole picture of the case.
As the night deepened, the lights of the manor went out, only the distant lighthouse still shone quietly. Karl stood up and went to the window, overlooking the panoramic view of the estate. Resolving the case would be a difficult and complicated process, but he was confident in his abilities. Whatever the old manor hides, he will reveal it all and find the real answer for the Weston family.
In this quiet night, Karl heart firmly emerged a belief: he will use his wisdom and courage to crack this complicated murder, uncover the truth hidden in the darkness.