detective story - part 3

Part 3 : The scene

Reaching the sprawling mansion of Madame Flauntine, i cant help but wonder what kind of business she does. The driveway is long enough for a plane to take off, and the lawns are ample to build another block of condominiums or two. Walking into the hall, and ignoring the barks of the poodle, i greeted my client warmly.

“Bonjour, madame.”
“Ah, monsieur Sticky...cough..cough...excusez moi, but i'm not feeling well today, having chest pains. Cough, cough. Allow me to introduce my niece to you, Lilliane. “ Mdm Flauntine was wrapped in thick rolls of furs, and she gestured to a curly haired lady.
“Enchante, mademoiselle Liliane.” and i shaked her hands warmly. Turning to Mdm, “Madame, for your heart, i can recommend Countess Yvonne, my high school senior, a renowned cardiologist in Europe to you. Her professionalism is unquestionable, and her skills impeccable. And for your medication needs, i recommend Miss Tomato and Miss Purple of the Federal Regulation Bureau.”
“All right. Lilliane will be of assistance to you, now if you'll excuse me.”Mdm Flauntine sauntered out grogily.

“Mdmsl Lilliane, i'm sure your aunt must have told you of my profession as a private investigator, and my presence this morning here.” i began earnestly. “et vous etre?”
“Je suis consultante”, she replied haughtily. Somehow, the word “consultant” is arcane to me, and i always wonder what consultants do actually. I mean, if they do anything at all.
“Can you elaborate more on your job?” i queried.
“All i can say is i'm working on a italian job, and it is none of your business anyway, and is of no relation to the case at hand.” she snapped. She sure has a fiery nature.
“Oh, ok. We'll get down to business then.” i offered.

The mansion is tastefully built and furnished, with long french windows, and thick curtains. The party room has a big chandelier, and the whole house exuded style and fashion. It has ample wide spaces, which is a difference from other aristocratic wanna be's , who cluttered the whole place with furniture, carpets and what nots, and you can barely take a step without tripping over something.

Surveying the whole house brings nothing of new to light, and i was thinking of having lunch, when Lilliane motioned me over.
“I hope you have gathered your information, and i bid you good day.” she replied coldly. Not even lunch for me, and i muttered a italian curse silently.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Ah, nothing, just taking down some notes verbally.” i replied. “Bonjournee.” i bowed and left.
“Good luck, monsieur.” she managed to smile finally.

Back in the car, i took a drive around the mansion, and found nothing of interest. Reaching home, i called up the guests, and arranged to meet up with them tomorrow.

To be continued...



Note : bonjour = nice day
enchante = pleased to meet you
et vous etre = and you are? (used to ask a person's occupation or nationality, etc)
Je suis = i am
Bonjournee= nice day ahead