In other words: a murder. Ernest interrupted him, then asking But why on earth would he do that?
Nobody knows it. Someone wrote that being him a famous businessman, a wife in a state like that represented an embarrassment.
This fails to convince me. How can a man kill his own wife just because he feels embarrassed? Ernest muttered shaking his head.
In fact that's all talk. After a while they didnt speak about the case anymore and Houg declared that he would have sued all the journalists who did similar insinuations. After all, it was clear to everyone he loved his wife.
Even this is really weird. Ernest said and continued Why did the newspapers write that a suicide was simulated?
I dont know this. Roni replied.
But is it possible that a strong nervous breakdown can cause a heart attack?
I dont know Ernest, that is why you have to talk with a doctor, I cant tell you anything. But why are you so interested in this story? Roni asked who couldnt understand where his friend was going with that.
Our Mr. Houg is full of enigmas, dont you think? Ernest considered.
Hes just a rich man, and like all the other rich men he is very envied and much attacked. Naturally he has made some mistakes, but saying that he is a murderer its a bit exaggerated. Roni replied.
But why did the newspapers write that a suicide was simulated, how does this make sense? If the cause of death was a heart attack why should've a suicide been simulated? Ernest asked again, demonstrating he didnt care about Ronis words.
The latter was becoming nervous for his friend's obsession. To Roni the story of how Hougs wife died was the past and now cleared. He wanted to change subject, but he knew that with Ernest this was very difficult. Once he set his mind on something he didn't hear the end of it.
But its very weird, don't you think? Really weird! Thinking about it, the official version doesn't make sense I mean on Mrs. Hougs death certificate I suppose its written that she died after a heart attack, but someone wrote that a suicide was simulated. I keep asking myself why. Ernest kept talking and it looked like he was waiting a reply from Roni.
Please, Ernest, stop repeating the same thing a hundred times! However, that is history, and it doesnt matter and after all they were all talks and nothing more! Roni exclaimed and to change subject asked Anyway, did you see what a beautiful nanny has Mr. Houg?
Yes, shes a really pretty girl. When I saw her she looked like someone I know; maybe Ive already seen her somewhere, but I dont remember where.
She gave me the same impression as well when I saw her for the first time. But this happens because she has a too common face. Roni said, happy that the conversation was taking another turn.
But he didnt calculate Ernest's ability to keep anchored to a subject until he didnt see the light.
I guess you know which newspapers wrote about Houg and his wife's death, right?
Pretty much all of them, but now I dont really remember which ones because it was more than a year ago. Tell me the truth Ernest, why are you asking me all these questions now? Why are you so interested in how Margaret Houg died? Roni asked to his friend.
Because Ill be the one to face Mrs. Hougs ghost and I believe I should know how she died, don't you think? the detective answered, staring at his friends eyes.
So that means youll accept the offer? Roni asked impatiently.
Of course. How could I reuse an offer like this? I wont even have to work a lot, since Houg already gave me two trails to follow.
What would these two trails be? Roni asked again.
One: there will have to be a logic explanation. Two: his sons imagination could have caused everything Ernest replied, who looked a bit too nervous.
You dont really like Mr. Houg, or am I wrong?
Especially, he doesn't look like a very clean person. Ernest replied again and continued Ive known him for a short while, but I think hes not saying all the truth and I dont like his arrogant way of speaking.
Personally I think hes very kind. Roni commented.
It could be. But I didnt like him trying to affect me, saying that maybe his son imagined everything.
I dont think Houg wanted to affect you. Hes just worried about the situation and he tried to give you his opinion about it. I don't see anything bad in this. Anyway when you think youll communicate your decision to Houg?
As soon as possible; even though the story Houg is telling doesn't really convince me.
Should you need my help, just ask me and Ill be glad to give it to you. Roni said, but Ernest was thinking and it seemed like he wasn't listening to him at all.
Okay, I understood, I won't talk anymore. Roni replied and stayed silent.
At the same moment the phone rang and James Houg picked it up.
So? voice asked from the other side of the line.
I think we can do it. Ill give you an answer very soon. Houg said.
Very good, Mr. Houg, I see youre starting to understand. His interlocutor replied and brutally hung up.
Houg was left with the phone in his hand for a few minutes, and then he put it down and gout out of the study.
Chapter 3
Luisa didn't know what made her call Ernest and invite him to dinner. Now it was too late for a do-over, soon he would come to her. She knew that during dinner the conversation would have taken a turn that she definitely wouldn't like. Ernest would ask legitimate questions, but she wasn't ready to answer and he would feel bad once again. She was feeling stupid, but the thing that made her feel worse was that now she couldn't do anything anymore; she could just wait the collateral effects of her brilliant idea. She was thinking about these things when the doorbell rang.
Luisa went to open and she felt terribly guilty when she saw Ernest with a big rose bouquet in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other one.
The roses are for you, the wine is for me instead. Ernest said, feeling the happiest man on Earth.
They're beautiful, but you didn't have to do all this.
No trouble! You decided to assume the hard task of feeding me and this is the least I could do in return. Ernest answered smiling.
Luisa was stunned in front of the door, grabbed the rose in her hands and she didn't know what to say. Ernest didn't look like he had lost his ability to speak and so asked: We'd better get ourselves inside.
Yes, of course, Im sorry. Be my guest. Luisa said, freeing the way.
It is nice, here, very delicious. Ernest said as soon as he got in, but he didn't get a reply You seem to be settling in all right he kept talking.
Yeah, to be honest I'm doin' real good here, Luisa replied, placing the flowers in a vase It's not bad, really. Im thinking about moving here. What do you say? ...Do you like the idea?
I don't really think its a good idea that you
Hey, what's wrong with you? Im kidding, Luisa! I haven't gone mad just yet. Ernest interrupted her Tell me the truth: you're not happy at all of having invited me, or am I wrong?