Chapter 4 - The clues

The early morning sun at Weston Manor was still warm and bright, but there was an invisible smell of tension in the air. Karl Goodman began a cordial conversation with the family members at breakfast time. Seemingly unintentional communication, this is Karl 's detection means, from a question, ask sharp negative questions, to observe the other side's expression, and carefully review their dialogue, so that you can read out a lot of information, can get the most real information. He decided to start with the circumstances closest to the case and investigate some of the details before Old Weston died, especially the seemingly insignificant but potentially hidden clues.

 In the breakfast room, the family members sit on both sides of the long table with different expressions. Arthur sat down at the table, with the food before him barely touched, his eyes wandering and staring at the food before him. Alis maintained her usual grace, but her fingers trembled slightly, and she was clearly worried about the family's future. Charlie was particularly relaxed, his smile seemed unnatural, occasionally jokes to ease the atmosphere. Lady Madeleine sat in her usual seat, worried and silent.

 Karl looked at everyone's expression and behavior, and he realized that everyone was trying to hide something.

 After breakfast, the family members invited Karl to visit the town, but Karl declined. He had a plan to start with the private affairs of Old Weston and further explore the details of the "test" mentioned in the will.

 He returned to the study, and studied old Weston's desk and file cabinet.

 The corners of the study were filled with piles of documents and books, and several ancient family portraits hung on the walls. Karl noticed oak desk, this brand style of desk Karl is not unfamiliar, in many investigation cases have appeared, generally have a hidden hidden case, used to collect some secret documents. Karl he carefully opened the drawer, reached at the bottom of the drawer, and groped for the hidden space, in which he found some handwritten notes and unfinished manuscripts, and an old key. The notes include the old Weston's assessment of his family members, his expectations for the family's future, and some seemingly casual but profound thoughts.

 Karl read the notes carefully, and he found that the old Weston treated each of the family members in great detail, especially about Arthur, Alice, and Charlie. The elder Weston mentioned that although Arthur was the heir to the family, his sense of responsibility and inner anxiety about the family made him anxious and vulnerable. Alice is the family's culture guardian, but her worries about the family's future stem more from worries about financial affordability, making her too sensitive. Charlie was an unruly adventurer, and his disregard for the family and his pursuit of freedom alienated him from the family. At a young age, he was already notorious, on the verge of bankruptcy, all from his family.

Karl also found a book called "A Family History of Weston", with a delicate family badge on its cover. On the title page of the book reads "The Weston Family Secret," which was inscribed by the old Weston in hand. Karl opens the books and finds some old family photos and letters, including an unsent letter full of concerns about the family's future and hints of a hidden question.

 The letter read: " I know that the future of our family depends on everyone's decisions and actions, but some of the secrets have been hidden. Only after uncovering these secrets can we truly solve the family's dilemma. I hope you can understand my pains and complete this test. For this reason, I need your help! Please must help me to complete this redemption."

Karl realizes that the letter may be a warning left by the old Weston for the members of the family, and that the secrets he mentions may be the key to solving the mystery, especially the event of a troubled conscience. Unfortunately, he didn't say exactly what was wrong, and Karl sighed again.

 Karl particularly noted another letter that read: " Dear Madeline, I am full of concern about the future of the family, especially about the distribution of the estate. You should know that Arthur, Alice, and Charlie each have their own problems, and we must find a way to solve them, or we will face a bigger crisis."

 The contents of the letter surprised Karl , which implied that Old Weston had deep worries and plans for the family's future before dying. Karl realized that the old Weston was not only to test the family members, but also to solve the contradictions and problems within the family.

 The other letter, apparently written to Arthur, begins with "Little Henry."This left Karl puzzled.

 And Karl had no clue what the key was used for.

In the evening, after hanging up to his best friend in London, Karl attends a family reception called by Charlie, and the family members arrive at the reception room with some curiosity and nervousness. Karl put the documents and letters on the table so he would be able to have the opportunity to communicate about the latest developments.

"Everybody," Karl 's voice is serious and clear, " we have found some new clues that may be related to the death of the old Weston and the tests in the will. The letter, in particular, mentions the secrets between the family members and the future crisis."

Karl showed the letters and documents one by one, and the faces of the family members grew grave. Arthur's frown, his mood seemed very complicated, he did not understand why there was such a name, but he thought that old Weston, often dying unconscious, may have mistaken him wrong. He insisted that he had never encountered such a situation. Alice looked down silently, as if thinking about what, and she could not understand what to save. Charlie, looking impatient, kept his eyes wandering, and blamed Karl for disturbing his party. Lady Madeleine covered her face with her hands, as if tears in her eyes.

"These documents and letters reveal an important fact," Karl continued, " Old Weston is not just testing your abilities, but trying to solve the fundamental problems within the family. We must find the root cause of these problems to truly solve the mystery."

 Family members have had repeated discussions, either trying to defend themselves or showing anxiety and helplessness. Karl realizes that the contradictions and secrets between the family members may be more complicated than he had imagined. He needs to learn more into each person's motives and background in order to unravel this intricate mystery.

Fortunately, the housekeeper brought wine and cigars, otherwise Karl would be crazy.