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Post by Eyes on Apr 26, 2017 2:45:21 GMT -5
(Yeah it's fine.)
Sitting down to a steak and potato dinner together, I explained everything about the case.
Hastings was interested, but didn't know what he could help with.
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 26, 2017 12:08:50 GMT -5
"I suppose if anything, I could use some advice on how to approach this problem; how did Poirot usually go about his work on cases?" I asked.
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Post by Eyes on Apr 26, 2017 13:42:20 GMT -5
"He looked at the main facts, the clues, but not half as much as the people themselves. That's how he solved his crimes - he looked at the psychology of the crime."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 26, 2017 13:47:25 GMT -5
"The psychology? So he focused on means, motive and opporunity?" I asked.
"Not quite. Perhaps it would help if I talked about one of his past cases. Let me think... what was that one case I worked with him on that really stands out? Ah yes, I remember. Years ago..."
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Post by Eyes on Apr 26, 2017 14:45:29 GMT -5
"...there was a case we called The ABC Murders. It looked like a serial killer was going around murdering people to see if Poirot was smart enough to figure out why, but as it turned out, the case was much simpler than it appeared..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 26, 2017 15:04:00 GMT -5
"I think I read about that in the news some years ago... something about a stocking salesman and the brother of the victim?" I asked.
"Why does the press always mess these things up? No, what happened was..."
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Post by Eyes on Apr 26, 2017 15:18:28 GMT -5
"...a tobacco shop owner was killed, then a waitress, then a rather wealthy man, and finally, someone who had just gone out to the movies. We thought it was a serial killer, but in fact..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 26, 2017 15:44:44 GMT -5
It was someone Poirot was working with on the case; as unfortunate as it was, he only had one true target, but he killed in the style of a serial killer to throw off suspicion. Turns out, it was over an inheritance and ensuring he was cut of of the family will" Hastings explained.
"That's unbelievable" I remarked.
"Well yes, but it has been a long time so I cannot guarantee that's exactly what happened, but the important thing is..."
(Hopefully Wikipedia' summary was accurate)
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 1:00:43 GMT -5
"...he doesn't just look at facts, motive, means, and opportunity, he looks at the people and figures out who did it based on their personality - and of course the other things too."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 1:13:44 GMT -5
"Well, I suppose that is a start... thanks Hastings; I will see what I can do" I said.
"Not at all; Cinder and I will be sticking around for a while, so any time you need to talk, feel free to reach out" he assured.
"Thank you; well I suppose I may as well go see Gunnarson tomorrow and see where he stands" I said as we both finished up and returned to our rooms.
......
Detective Walton was meeting with Prosecutor Taylor and discussing the case as it stands.
"Means, motive, opportunity, hard evidence, weak alibi, eyewitness... everything is there. To be honest, the only thing that would make this case open and shut is if we had a picture or caught it on film" Detective Walton explained.
"That's rare anyway; no matter, everything is solid. Heck, I could pressure Gunnarson into a plea bargain if I wanted to... but my gut tells me he wouldn't go for it" Taylor explained.
"Rodgers said he was willing to testify, so the physical evidence and his statement should swing any jury" Walton assured.
"Indeed; the jury selection will be in the coming days- the trial will not be long from now thankfully, since there are currently few cases in the system" Taylor assured.
"A world without Gunnarson the incompetent detective... it's so close to reality" Walton said.
"Indeed... but if he's going to go off and accuse me again he's got another thing coming" Taylor quipped.
"I'm sure he does. Well, good night Taylor; I'll fill you in once the rest of the paperwork is completed" Walton assured as he left for the night. Taylor left soon after and returned to his family.
......
Next day, I went to visit Gunnarson in his cell; Mason was there as well.
"So... have you figured out a defense yet?" I asked.
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 1:17:15 GMT -5
"Not yet, but we're working on it. Actually, you might be able to help us out."
"Really?"
"Yes, mind if I ask you some questions."
"Sure, go ahead."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 1:34:22 GMT -5
But I suddenly got nervous, "Wait, you don't think I did it, do you?"
"Of course not, I'm talking about other kinds of questions" Mason assured
"Oh, phew" I sighed in relief.
"Now, then, first thing I want to ask..."
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 1:39:00 GMT -5
"...have you ever noticed Gunnarson to have a temper?"
"No, of course not... wait, there was one time..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 1:45:42 GMT -5
"Not to long ago; he was furious at Gent; something about Gent wanting him to look into Drugg but Gunnarson would have none of it. I mean sure they ended on good terms but it was the most recent time I saw him have a temper" I explained.
"Interesting. Now, the next thing is..."
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 1:52:46 GMT -5
"Oh wait, I nearly forgot, Gunnarson once shot at me."
Terry Mason blinked.
"Adolf... Gunnarson... shot... at you?!"
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 2:01:05 GMT -5
"Yes... well, long story short, there was miscommunication, he got angry, and he shot at me... I had to jump out the window to escape" I admitted to him.
"Oh yes, I remember that from the '42 trial. But why did you commit perjury?"
"Honestly... I was going through a lot at the time and I was jumbled at the time- a lot was mixed up in my head" I explained.
"Oh, I understand. But more to the point I do need to ask you about..."
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 2:02:19 GMT -5
"...some of his previous cases. I've learned something from Gunnarson, but I'd like your own words on..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 2:06:01 GMT -5
"... the ones you were involved with; what can you tell me about them?"
"Well... looking back I haven't been involved with as many cases as you think sir. I mean there was the Manning case, which was later revealed to be connected to the Drugg case, and there was the case that involved The Black Scorpion. But we didn't do much there; we scouted them out in the hotel and they were arrested the next day. This latest case I worked with him on though... well, wasn't much of one. While he investigated a series of crimes connected to the Dirty Four I was babysitting this woman Gunnarson believed to be in danger. And... that's it really" I said.
"Is there anything you can elaborate on?" Mason asked.
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Post by Eyes on Apr 27, 2017 2:08:20 GMT -5
"Well, the woman I was babysitting and I are now engaged to be married."
Terry Mason looked at Hartley and suddenly burst out laughing. Realizing he WAS laughing, he quickly stopped. "Sorry about that, most unprofessional of me..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Apr 27, 2017 2:12:42 GMT -5
"It's quite all right; I realize the absurdity of it all as well. Though to be frank I'm not sure where things stand now since her father punched me in the face and left me on the ground yesterday..." I said aloud.
"Pardon?" Mason asked.
"Oh, eh, nothing pertaining to this case" I said.
"Ah, I see" Mason replied.
"So, is there any help I can give? I hate to leave Gunnarson in this time of crisis, but if you have everything under control Mr. Mason..." I began.
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