The Proposal - part 1

Prologue

         “Please...”

         "You do not know me, but I need your help. My wife, Helen, has been missing for the past two weeks and the police have done next to nothing about it. I cannot let her disappearance be neglected. My only hope is to assemble a team of five of the greatest minds in criminal law, and two weeks’ research has led me to you and four others. I will be inviting you all to our house the last day of this month – June 30th – for two nights and two days. You may arrive at 6:00 pm and dinner will be provided that night, as will all meals for the following two days. And be assured, your assistance will not go unrewarded."

Thank you,
         A. Reid, 83 Heathrow Ave.”

Chapter 1

         Patrick Benedict knocked on the rustic oak door decorated with a large number 83. As he stood there, waiting for the doors to open, he re-read that strange letter he had received two weeks ago. It was written in a shaky, but somehow still dignified, handwriting, suggesting that the person who wrote it was either old or overcome with emotion.
         A moment later, the doors swung open and he was greeted to a tall, gentle-looking man who was dressed quite formally. “Please,” he said, “follow me.”
As they walked down the hallway, voices began emanating from the door at the other end. “Are you the one who sent the letter?” Patrick asked. “No,” said the man, “I am merely Mr. Reid’s servant and cook.”
         Patrick followed the man to a large room where three other people had been talking. In the center of the
room, there was a large, circular table with five chairs. On the table were 3 identical letters, with their respective recipients seated behind them. It seemed like they had been talking for a while.
         “Ladies and gentlemen,” said the tall, fairly young-looking man, “this is Patrick Benedict. And… are we still expecting one more?”
         "I don’t think so,” said one of the seated men. “Our absentee, Robert Benson, and I have met before. I can’t reveal the details of our encounters, but he has been known to be quite punctual. I would think, had he chosen to accept Mr. Reid’s offer, he would have been the first to arrive.”
         “Very well,” said the tall man. “At 7:00, I have been instructed to play a tape revealing more details of Mr. Reid’s… proposal. That will leave you with fifteen minutes if you have any further pleasantries to exchange.”
         Robert sat down next to next to a thin, blond man, clearly the youngest of the guests. “Hi,” he said. “My name’s Ron Stewart, I’m an attorney.”
         Patrick introduced himself and they shook hands, briefly exchanging eye contact. At first glance, Ron looked more confused than anyone at the table. However, in that one moment, behind his youthful eyes, Patrick read something deeper – something more than confusion. Was it just fear or was it guilt? Or perhaps even-
         “This is Dr. Harris.” Before he could finish his thought, the introductions had continued. Ron gestured toward a red-headed woman who looked closer in age to Patrick and the rest of the guests. “She’s a… forensic… I’m sorry, what was it again?”
         “A forensic pathologist, dear,” she smiled. “Catherine Harris,” She said, turning to Patrick. As he introduced himself and they shook hands, he read a completely different look from her. Hers was more… keen - more observant. She was definitely used to taking in fine details. Patrick wondered if his eyes looked exactly the same when he was at a crime scene.
         He continued the introduction ritual as he reached the final guest, extending his arm over the table. “Judge Fredrick… Kopeland,” said the final man. There was some unease in his voice, almost as though he had forgotten his last name for a moment. Patrick attempted to read this man’s eyes as well, but when the Judge introduced himself, he averted his gaze.
         When the tall man entered the room again, he was carrying a tape player. “We’re ready,” said Catherine. “Very well,” said the man with a smile as he plugged the tape player into the wall and sat down to listen along.
         “Hello.” Spoke the tape player in an odd, strained voice. “I am Albert Reid. I have assembled you all here, because you are each the most proficient in your respective professions. Among us are: Mr. Patrick Benedict, a retired detective, Dr. Catharine Harris, a forensic pathologist, Ron Stewart, attorney, Judge Fredrick Kopeland, and a policeman, Officer Robert Benson. The proposal still stands for each of you. Whether or not you are successful, you will each receive five thousand dollars for your participation. There are five safes in the guest bedroom, two rooms over, each containing your rewards and, in 47 hours, you will each get one key, and then be free to carry on with your lives, never mentioning this night to anyone."
         "As for information regarding my wife’s disappearance… I last saw her in the study, exactly three weeks ago. I heard nothing during the night, but when I entered the next day, I found the glass window shattered and the curtains torn. There was no blood anywhere, so I don’t think she was harmed, but I still fear for her life.” After a brief pause, it resumed: “The broken glass was on the inside of the room, but the room itself is on the second floor. However, by now, you must all be hungry. Dinner will be provided by my chef and servant, and your escort, Owen Bradford, and if you have any further questions, you may refer to him. Thank you all for your time. I pray for your success.”
         The tall man – Mr. Bradford – stood up to turn off the tape player. “If you will follow me, I have already prepared dinner.”