Chapter 21 Section 9

George Lee was solemn and well behaved. "A horrible thing," he said, shaking his head. "A very, very, terrible thing. I can only think that it must have been the work of a—well—a madman." Colonel Johnson said politely: "Is that what you think?" "Yes, yes, indeed. A murderer. Escaped, perhaps, from some madhouse nearby." Superintendent Sugden joined the discussion: "So how do you think this - um - killer was allowed in, Mr. Lee? And how did he get out?" George shook his head. "Well," he said firmly, "that's exactly what the police should investigate."

"We did a routine check around the house right away and all the windows were closed and bolted. The side door was locked, as was the front door. And no one could leave the kitchen without being caught," Sugden said. The people there saw it." George Lee exclaimed: "But this is ridiculous! The next thing you should say is that my father wasn't murdered at all." "He was murdered," said Superintendent Sugden. "There is no doubt about it." The police chief cleared his throat and took up the question. "Mr. Li, where were you when it happened?"

"I'm in the dining room, just finished eating. No, I think, I'm in this room. I just got off the phone." "You've been on the phone?" "Yes, I called the Conservative agent in Westlingham - my constituency. There is something urgent." "And you heard that scream after that?" George Lee shivered slightly. "Yes, very uncomfortable. It—well—frozen the marrow of my bones, and it disappeared into a choking sound or a chuckle." He took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Horrible!" he muttered. "Then you hurried upstairs?"

"yes." "Did you see your brothers? Mr. Alfred and Mr. Harry?" "No, I think they must have gone up before me." "When was the last time you saw your father, Mr. Lee?" "We were all there this afternoon." "You haven't seen him since?" "No." The Chief of Police paused for a moment, then added: "Did you know that your father kept some very valuable uncut diamonds in a safe in his bedroom?" George Lee nodded. "Most unwise," he said vainly. "I've often said that about him. He might have been murdered for them—I mean—that is."

Colonel Johnson chimed in: "Do you know that these diamonds are missing?" George's mouth dropped open in surprise, his protruding eyes widened. "Then he was really murdered because of them?" "He discovered the diamond theft and reported it to the police just a few hours before his death," the police chief said slowly. George said, "But then—I don't understand—I—" Hercule Poirot said gently: "We, too, do not understand..."