Chapter 12 Chapter Twelve
Early in the morning, Mason sat in Derek's small private office, holding a magnifying glass, examining a large glossy photo that had been enlarged.
Derek, sitting on the other side of the table, chews gum nervously.He looked at Mason thoughtfully and said: "This is zoomed in as far as possible for the details of the picture, and you also notice that it is quite rough. The quality of the negative is very detailed, but we zoomed in too much." Big, so that blurred it. Every picture here is just a quarter of the range on the negative."
"I know." Mason said without looking up, continuing to search patiently with a magnifying glass.
"Here's another one from a friend," Derek said. "It's an enlarged eleven by fourteen photograph taken when the Panwen was being towed back to port. I was lucky enough to get it. I can make it bigger, but it will take a little time and effort."
"Time is exactly what we're lacking," Mason said. "Preliminary hearings start at 10:00 this morning."
"What the hell are you looking for?" Derek asked.
"I'm looking for a little luck," Mason said.
"What's the meaning?"
"I'm looking for something that's in one photo and not in another."
"Do you mean a figure? A man..."
"No," Mason said. "It refers to the obvious difference in furniture. For example, in this ashtray, in the photo taken by Aviser, there are six cigarette butts in it, but in this photo after the body was found, there are only two cigarette butts."
"What's wrong with that?" Derek asked.
Mason shook his head and said, "A murderer doesn't clean up the scene and empty the ashtray. If he has a special reason to do it, he doesn't stop there to smoke two more cigarettes."
Derek frowned and asked, "What clue do you see?"
"I'm not sure yet, but I'm doing elimination, looking for something to support my idea, if I can... hey, what is this?" Mason said.
He fixed the magnifying glass on a certain part of the photo.
Outside the window, the light in Derek's office looks artificial in comparison to the newly rising sun on the roof of the building.The morning light pouring in through the window illuminated Mason's oily and tired face, and the beard that had grown on his jaw in the past twenty-four hours was particularly obvious.
"What?" Derek asked.
Mason handed him the photo, pointed to a section and said, "Look at it, Paul."
Derek looked at it with a magnifying glass and said, "I don't see anything. It seems that there is a round thing in the box. I think it is a rare coin. You know, Wenworth is a collector."
Mason said: "Let's say it's a coin. What it is is less important than where it goes. You'll notice it's not in the other photo. Also, it's on a shelf , and there's another thing on the lid."
"That looks like a bullet," Derek said, examining it carefully.
"Looks like it," Mason said. "But I don't think it's a bullet. Remember, this photo was taken with a flash, very light, and enlarged from a very small negative. Even so, it doesn't look like a revolver bullet , judging by its length, it might have been a rifle cartridge."
"Why not?" Derek asked.
"Rifle now," Mason said. "Both use necked bullets, but this one is flat, like a revolver case."
"Isn't it possible that the bullets in the revolver are that long?" Derek asked.
"I guess it's possible, but ... it's more of a big coin," Mason said. "Hopefully we'll know more."
"You're only getting clues," Derek said. "Not enough to tell what coin it is."
Mason narrowed his eyes and said, "There must be something to this coin. One thing's for certain, Wenworth wasn't killed at the time when the shooting is generally believed to have happened. He had a chance to dress, empty the ashtray, loosen the cable, start the engine, and out to sea."
Derek shook his head and said, "Someone else did it for him. You can't imagine a man being murdered alone at sea with no signs of a fight. He would never let anyone else board his boat, and..."
"Not a stranger," Mason said. "If it's a friend, it's different."
"Even if you're right, I don't see the coin having anything to do with it in particular," Derek said.
Mason said: "I hope to search the Pan Wen from the beginning to the end to see if I can find that coin."
"The police have gone through fingerprints and other things with a fine-toothed comb," Derek said. "The police homicide squad kept everything that was found and I was able to find out if that coin was among them."
"It should be a breeze," Mason said. "Because the lid in which it was kept had a hinge, signifying that it was a very precious coin. You can guess from its design, that it has criss-cross lines on it."
Derek said, "Probably some kind of coat of arms."
"It might give us a clue," Mason said thoughtfully. "If we could..."
There was a knock on the door and Derek said, "Come in."
One of his detectives opened the door and asked, "Would you like to read the paper? There's a lot about Mr. Mason."
Mason, who was staring at the photo, sat up straight. "My eyes could be replaced with fresh ones," he said. "What do they say about me?"
"Almost everything," said the detective, smiling. "You appear to have been charged with everything but murder, including bribing a witness to leave the country."
"Bribe a witness?" Mason asked.
"Yes, a woman named Haru Tengsi. That's what the police said. Someone who wanted her to leave offered her five hundred yuan to travel abroad. When the police questioned her, she admitted."
"Was my name mentioned?" Mason asked.
"Not stated," replied the detective.
Mason spread the newspaper on the table and read the headline: "Attorney Arrested Instantly, Police Say - Prominent Attorney Caught Arranging Evidence."
Mason turned to Derek with a smile and said, "Paul, it looks like we've become news."
Derek's index finger points to a paragraph in the report. "Look here," he said. "The grand jury subpoena has been issued and will be served today. The police insist that the grand jury should thoroughly investigate the activities of an attorney who, unconventional and known for his dramatic originality, is rumored to have The detective agency that the lawyer worked on the case is also listed as the subject of a full investigation. If criminal charges are not established, the police hint that they will at least take steps to make it impossible to renew the agency’s license when it expires.”
Mason smiled at Derek again and said, "How about some breakfast?"
Derek said, "Five minutes ago, that was great. But now, I don't know what to eat. Hope you know what to do now, Paley."
Mason said: "I think we know a lot about the case, now we need to think. I'm going to take a Turkish bath, shave, have some breakfast, and we will meet at the pre-trial."
"What's going to happen there?" Derek asked.
"On one point," Mason said, "Magistrate Emile Skenlon was fair in that he didn't like the papers trying his case. He would give me ample opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses on these charges."
"What's he going to do with the D.A.?" Derek asked.
"Giving him the same chance," Mason said.
Rubbing his hair with his fingers, Derek said in a miserable tone: "I am a witness, and I was tortured by both of you."
Skenlon is a unique magistrate with an appreciation for the novel, a keen sense of humor, and a willingness to enforce justice no matter the cost.His philosophy of life gave him magnanimous sympathy for the living and a rational distance for the dead.He acted with conscience, feeling that he represented both the dead and the living. Skenlon was an outstanding professional baseball player in his early twenties, but his baseball career ended prematurely due to injuries in his early twenties.He retired to California and was elected a magistrate on his first campaign.He was already a veteran in the office when the California government converted city judges in large cities into magistrates.Although he had no previous legal background or post-high school education, the new law allowed him to be re-elected as a magistrate, much to the consternation of former district attorneys and many law school graduates who have struggled as defense attorneys . Now, Skenlon observed Phil who was whispering to Mason, and felt that she was not at all like the cold-faced killer the prosecutor claimed.What he knows about Mason comes from various personal contacts, as well as many dramatic pre-trials--Mason leads the way with excellent logic, wit and unconventional methods, and each time the original hopeless situation is reversed. winner. Skenlon made up his mind that even if the pre-trial had to go on all night, he would make sure that all parties were treated fairly, but on the surface, he remained calm.
Phil confessed to Mason in a low voice, "I'll tell you the truth, I've been lying. When you can't find Harlow's gun, I think he went back and took it and took the Panwin out to sea to sink it." , and then rowed back in the dinghy on the boat. So I turned back and picked him up in Marley's yacht." "Did you find him?" Mason asked. "No," she said. "But I didn't look for very long because I thought the Coast Guard already knew about the homicide and started looking for me." "Why do you think so?" "A Coast Guard plane flew over me and circled three or four times before leaving." "How do you know it's a Coast Guard plane?" She thought about it and said, "I don't know, I guess it is. What plane would show such an unusual interest in a yacht? The woman named Cance saw me sailing back, and Marley called the fingerprint expert." Get my fingerprints on the wheel and throttle, it looks like I won't get away." The tall, brown-skinned Anders walked towards Phil uncomfortably, and said simply, "I'm sorry, Mae." Phil looked at him with troubled eyes. "The prosecution dismissed the charges against me," Anders continued. "I don't know what that means." "It means they're going to go all out on me," Phil said. "That's because of the gun that was found in the water pipe," Anders said. "They thought Mason put it there, but after checking the number, they knew I bought it, and found other evidence. I don't know what it is, but they withdrew the report." Phil said, "Very well, congratulations, you saved yourself an unpleasant experience. Thanks to your family's very competent and very ethical lawyer for the advice." "Mei Yi, please don't say such things." Phil turned his face away. Anders seemed to be aware of the eyes of others, and the reporters who were secretly hunting for the camera. He put his mouth close to Phil and Mason's ears and said, "Don't do this, Mae. Listen, I've done something for you , that was my own idea, didn't discuss it with others. I contacted Fujisi this morning, she will not be in court, she is on the plane to Mexico, going to find a friend with a yacht. They will leave immediately Go sailing - to use their own words - undecided destination." Phil said with a look of disbelief, "Really?" Mason's eyes were cold, and he looked at Anders with hostility and said, "I think you understand that they will think I did it." "No, when the showdown comes, I will admit it."
Skenlon said: "I have inspected the body at the scene. The bailiff pointed out the path of the bullet and the cause of death. The cause of death was a gunshot to the head. These circumstances are already clear. We don't have to waste the medical examiner's time and call him to court again." Answer the call." Skenlon cleared his throat and looked from Mason to Oscar Aubamere, a deputy prosecutor, to Karl Lansford, the prosecutor's representative.He said: "The proceedings will be short and informal. What we want is the truth and I don't want delays or technical protests from anyone against any of the witnesses. I don't want fanciful legal debate, to expedite if necessary. The trial goes on and helps us find out the truth, I will ask the questions myself. I don't allow lawyers to cross-examine witnesses at will to take credit, but if the representatives of both sides ask questions based on clarifying events, explaining, or pointing out the fact that the witnesses were negligent, then it is allowed .” Carl Lansford seemed to protest Skenlon's unorthodox procedure, but Aubamere, who knew Skenlon's temper, pulled him back to his seat. Skenlon's secretary walked up to Lansford and handed him a note.Avisor took advantage of this gap to walk towards Mason. "I suppose you think you're very clever," he said maliciously. "Is something wrong?" Mason asked. "I discovered the real purpose of your coming to my house this morning." Aweser said. "You think I'm going to keep my mouth shut and put me at the mercy of your blackmail to keep this from being known. I tell you, I've called the police immediately and I've also notified the prosecutor's office. They told me you were a criminal The only thing we lack is hard evidence. Just show that negative, Mr. Mason, and you're going to jail. That's my position." He turned and walked away. Mason told Phil, "You always said Anders was too reserved and wouldn't do anything without advice. But now he seems to have grown up. I'll give you some time to figure it out." Mason stood up, walked past the staring audience, and whispered to Derek and Della. "Did you call the office? Paul." "Yes, a few minutes ago," Derek said. "I got the latest report, but it's not helpful. We don't know anything about Cane. We just know she's a playful woman who likes the outdoors." "She told me all that. Where is she now?" Mason said. "She's been arraigned," Derek said. "Should be here. God, Paley, you didn't tell her to run away, did you?" "No, personally I would like her to be there," Mason said. "How does it look?..." Derek whispered anxiously. Mason blinked nonchalantly. "It looked bad," he said. "Aveser suddenly took courage and went to the police to report the theft of the negatives and apparently confessed to the photoshoot. Phil's situation was even worse, and now the police would claim that she had a gun of her own. She went back to the yacht club and fired a horse. Leigh's boat, catch up to the Panwin, kill Wenworth, then sail the boat back, drive to where Anders dropped the gun, throw the gun away, and the gun was found when the water receded." "Is the allegation strong?" Derek asked. "Very powerful indeed," said Mason dryly. "I didn't expect Avisor to be able to overcome the fear of public opinion. Obviously, he came after me. He reported the theft of negatives and photographs to the prosecution, which gave the prosecution a new perspective on the case. Put Anders out, focus on Phil...and me." "Go ahead, boss," Della said. "Bash 'em." Mason smiled and said, "I don't know what I'm capable of, but I've got a trump card up my sleeve. If I get the timing and method right, I might be able to pull off my trick. If I don't, I'm in trouble. " "What's the trump card?" Derek asked. "Just a hunch," Mason said. "I'm going to put a witness on the stand without knowing in advance what he's going to say. If he's right, the apparent surprise he causes can impress the magistrate. Irrelevant things are just distracting others." Derek said: "It's too risky for you to pick up the negatives. Why would you break the law to seek justice for your clients?" Mason smiled wryly and said, "How do I know? I guess I'm born like this. Once I start to solve the puzzle, I can't seem to brake. Every time I stretch my foot, I will step on the gas pedal." "Not bad at all," Derek said. Della said calmly: "Actually, I took the negatives out. They can't do anything to you." Mason smiled and said, "You're on my orders. You're going to stay out of it." "I don't!" Della retorted. "I'm partly responsible."
Skenlon finished reading the note, whispered instructions to the secretary, and said, "We are now beginning the pre-trial case against May Fell." Oscar Aubamere stood up and said: "We understand the will of the court, that the preliminary hearing should be informal and fast. However, in the past few hours, or in the past few minutes, the prosecution has obtained evidence that completely changes the case. "We now have to prove that the circumstances of this murder occurred differently than originally speculated. In fact, we can call it a 'postponed murder. The shooting that the professed to believe was nothing more than a flash of a flashing light. "Of course, we understand that the judge wants this to happen as quickly as possible, so we're calling the first witness now - Sinny Aweser. Because his testimony is so important, it's arguably stunning, and it completely changes the way we call witnesses. order of." Skenlon frowned and thought for a while, then took another sneak peek at Mason, seeing no sign of objection, he said: "Okay, in order to get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible, you are allowed to summon Sinny Aweser." Avisor stepped forward and took the oath. Skenlon asked, "Do you know about this murder?" "That's all I know," Avisor said. "Before things happen." "What the hell do you know?" the judge asked. Avisor said: "I will confess that I have been in love with Janetta Wenworth for a long time. I met her and fell in love with her when she was still Wenworth's wife and living with Wenworth. to her. Strong feelings make me rash." Avisor stopped and made a swallowing motion.Apparently, he only remembered the testimonies, and found reciting them more difficult than expected.After a while he went on: "Wenworth is as clever as the devil, and he found out about our affair. I believe he was madly jealous of me, and he wanted Janetta—Mrs. Wenworth—back to him. Janita met me soon and left him.He threatened to sue me for divorce unless Janita changed her mind.He wouldn't let Janita get a divorce.He acted like a selfish and inconsiderate big man style." "Never mind that," Skenlon interrupted him. "What do you know?" Aveser said: "I loathe the injustice because I know Wenworth has played with so many women on yachts. I was determined to find evidence to put Wenworth on the defensive - to force him to reason and to divorce his wife. , and don't get my name involved." "What did you do?" Skenlon asked. "Night of the twelfth," Aweser replied. "I waited at the Yacht Club and kept an eye on his boat. I knew Miss Fell was a regular on his boat. It was a stuffy night, and Wenworth opened the skylight in the cabin. I stalked the yacht and listened. When the time came, I boarded On the yacht, looking down through the sunroof. I saw Wenworth in an indecent pose, his face turned away from the camera. I put my finger on the shutter and whispered his name. He didn't hear him the first time, and I called again. Once, he looked up alertly. At that moment, I pressed the shutter, the flash opened at the same time, and I took a clear snapshot." "and then?" Lansford whispered in Obamel's ear: "This legal procedure is unbelievable. Are you going to let Skenlon conduct this kind of pre-trial? Don't you protest that he will cross-examine witnesses by himself?" "Protesting is useless," Aubamere murmured back. "Skenlon has always done it in this way, and it's strange to say that it turns out very well." "I turned and ran away from the yacht," Avisor continued. "Drove home, developed the picture. It was a perfect picture. I knew Mrs. Wenworth was in San Diego, so I couldn't wait to hop on a plane, fly there, tell her about it, and take her home. My house. The negative was dry when we got home. I put it in the enlarger and got a print, and I was very happy. After that, I took Mrs. Wenworth back to San Diego. "Later, the negatives were stolen from my house. At the time of the theft, Miss Fell's attorney, Perry Mason, was wandering around my house. I asked Mason to show the negatives, and when he did, I would sue him for theft." Skenlon pursed his lips thoughtfully, avoiding to look at Mason.After a while he said: "If there is such a thing, it has nothing to do with the case at all. It seems to me that your testimony shows that the murder did not take place at the time we would have assumed, and that is the only thing relevant to the current investigation." .” "Can I ask a question?" Aubamere said. "Can." "When you first flew to San Diego," Aubamere asked. "Are you flying in a straight line, over the ocean?" "Yes," Avisor replied. "My plane is amphibious. The night was calm and the wind and rain had not yet started. Safety considerations for flying at night kept me flying over the sea." "Did you happen to see any yachts as you flew out of the port?" "Have." "What yacht?" "It's the yacht Edina, belonging to Frank Marley." "Who's Frank Marley?" "Wingworth's partner." "do you know him?" "I've heard of him and know him. I know his ship." "Were you flying low?" "yes." "Did you do anything?" "I circled the yacht a few times because I thought it was unusual for her to be out at sea at the time." "You have any lighting device that can..." "Yes, there are a pair of searchlights on the wings. I shine them on the yacht." "what did you see?" "I'm sure it's the Edina. I see someone at the helm. It's a woman, and she's dressed in the same color as when May Fell boarded the Panwin earlier that night." Obamel smiled and bowed. "The cross-examination is over," he said. Mason looked up at the judge with raised eyebrows, and Skenlon nodded. "Did you ever fly over other yachts on your way to San Diego?" Mason asked casually. "This question has nothing to do with this case, it's an attempt to confuse witnesses," Aubamere said. "If Mr. Mason didn't ask, I would ask the same question," the judge interrupted Aubamere. "I said I didn't want any purely technical protests. Let's hear the answer to that question." Aweser on the witness stand seemed embarrassed.He glanced at Aubamere for help. "Answer the questions," Skenlon said.His voice was authoritative, like a player telling a referee that he missed the last goal. "Flying to San Diego is, of course, about the same as sailing to Esenada by boat," Avisor said. "No need to explain," Skenlon said. "The explanation can be left behind, the question is, are you flying other yachts?" "yes." "Do you recognize any of the yachts?" Skenlon asked. "I know one." "Is it Pan Wen?" Skenlong asked sternly. Avisor stared straight ahead. "Yes." He said, his voice tense. "Did you hover over it?" "Only one time." "what did you see?" "Saw its sunroof open." "Anyone at the helm?" Skenlon asked. "I don't think the witnesses could see that clearly," Obamel protested. "This question is a bit..." "Not at all," Skenlon said. "If a witness can testify that he saw the color of a yacht and the helmsman's clothes, he can certainly see whether another yacht has a man at the helm. Answer that question, Mr. Avisor." "There's no one at the helm," Aweser said. "Did you only go around it once?" "yes." "Are you sure there's no one at the helm?" "yes." "Where was the yacht?" "About a mile from shore, and ten miles from the breakwater." "How far is it from Frank Marley's ship?" Mason asked. "I judge about three miles." Mason said in a chatty tone, "You know Wenworth has a bad temper, don't you, Mr. Avisor." "I know." "Did you know that if he caught you on the Panwin, he might get rough?" "yes." "Did you know he was strong and powerful?" "yes." "I think so," Mason said. "That's why you're armed." "I carry a weapon, but I don't plan to..." He paused as he understood the implications of Mason's question. "Don't you think you have a reason to remove your weapon before getting on the plane?" "Honestly, I completely forgot about it." "So when you circled Wenworth's yacht, you were armed, right?" "I don't like the way you ask questions." "Never mind whether you like it or not," Skenlon said. "answer the questions." "Yes, I'm carrying it." Avisor said quickly. "What kind of revolver?" "A .38 Colt." Mason smiled kindly and said, "The interrogation is over." Skenlon frowned. "I'm not sure whether to let the cross-examination stop there," he said. "Maybe stop here for a while, you stay in the court, Mr. Aweser." "One more question," Mason asked. "You said you developed an enlarged photo, didn't you?" "yes." "Where?" "I handed it over to the deputy prosecutor." "Mr. Aubamere?" "No, it's Mr. Lansford." Mason smiled. "Would you mind showing that photograph, Mr. Lansford?" "Of course I don't mind. It's part of the prosecution's confidential file, and I refuse such requests. If you need a photo as evidence, you can show it yourself, just to prove that you own that negative," Lansford said. Skenlon said in a gentle and courteous voice: "If there are no questions, Mr. Avisor can leave the witness stand, but he must remain in the courtroom." Mr. Avisor leaves the witness stand. Lan Shifu exchanges triumphant glances with his colleagues. "Now we pass on Haru Fujis as our second witness," Aubamere said. "Thank you," Skenlon said. "But who should be the next witness is up to me. Mr. Lansford, are you willing to come forward and swear?" "Me?" Lan Shifu called out. "I strongly object because..." Skenlon nodded kindly, and interrupted Lansford by saying, "Please come to the witness stand, Mr. Lansford." Aubamere whispered in a voice that didn't sound like a whisper: "If you don't want to be charged with contempt of court, you better go up, this guy is serious." Lan Shifu walked forward slowly and raised his hand to swear. "Do you have a flash photo of the last witness?" Skenlon asked. "I protest," Aubamere said. "This is part of..." "I don't want any protest," Skenlon said. "I want pictures, if you have them." After a short, tense and dramatic silence, Lansford said: "With the utmost reluctance and protest, I am showing the photo requested by the magistrate." Speaking of the magistrate, Lansford's voice revealed dignity Expensive taste. He opened his handbag, took out the glossy blown-up photo, handed it to the judge, and gave Mason a hard look. Skenlon said casually: "You seem to have many photos. What are their contents? Is it the interior of Panwen?" "yes." "Let's see," Skenlon said. Lansford produced a series of photographs, explaining that they represented the position in which the body was found, the state of the cabin when the boat was brought back, the appearance of the yacht, where the yacht was moored at the club and a sketch of the club showing the Moored floating dock.Skenlon numbered the order on all photographs and declared them exhibits. "There, Mr. Lansford," said Skenlon. "Thank you." Lan Shifu stiffly walked back to his seat. Skenlon said: "Let us hear the testimony of Haru Tengsi, please come forward and take the oath." Everyone waited eagerly, but there was no sound of witnesses stepping onto the witness stand. Skenlon frowned and said, "Hasn't she been arraigned?" "She was arraigned, but she claimed that at least one person tried to get her out of the country. When she was arraigned, we believed she would not submit to the jurisdiction of the court," Lansford said bitterly. "I don't care about that," Skenlon said. "We have only one topic of discussion, the death of Wenworth and the possible involvement of May Fell. The question is, where is this witness?" "I don't know." Lan Shifu said. Skenlon's eyes turned to Mason, suddenly hard. "Mr. Mason," he said. "Now I want to call you to the witness stand." Mason obediently walked to the witness stand, knowing that any protest would be dismissed. "Do you know this witness—Heru Tensi?" Skenlon asked. "I know." "Have you discussed the case with her?" "yes." "Do you know where she is now?" "I have no idea." "Do you know why she happened to leave?" "I don't know, as far as I know." "Are you directly or indirectly responsible for her departure?" "No." "The questioning is over," said the judge. Lan Shifu said eagerly: "I would like to ask the witness a question or two." Skenlon hesitated and said, "I didn't give him a chance to ask you questions." "It's different." Lan Shifu said. "I'll listen to the question before deciding whether it's right or not," Skenlon said. "When you spoke to Ms. Fujis, did she mention that she wanted to go abroad but had financial concerns, and did you discuss with her the amount required?" "You can say," Mason said quietly. "She proposed to me, but I declined." "Oh," Lan Shifu's voice was full of sarcasm. "You go to her apartment and she tells you that she testified against your client and proposes to go abroad, and your sense of right and wrong prevents you from considering her proposal. Is that what you mean?" Skenlon said: "You don't need to answer, Mr. Mason. Mr. Lansford, I don't want to hear any more sarcasm. We are here to decide whether there is enough evidence to uphold the Wenworth murder charge in the superior court. You can find it at Complain elsewhere, but not in my court." "With the court's forgiveness, I want to answer this question," Mason said. "Please," said the judge. Mason crossed his legs, looked down at Lansford with a smile, and said, "There is a wrong assumption in your question, Mr. Lansford. The testimony of Hairu Fujis will not only harm my client, but it will be very beneficial. I It's a pity she didn't come." "Very good," Lan Shifu said triumphantly. "Since you're bringing up her testimony yourself, I'm going to ask you a question. I think the court will allow it, because he's allowed everything else. Did Fujis say that she visited Wenworth at the Yacht Club? Yes, Wenworth told her she was going to Esenada that night, and asked her to go with her. She went home to get clothes and food, and when she got back to the club, the yacht was gone. She waited some time, and this During the time, she saw Frank Marley's boat coming in. She paid attention to the people driving the boat, and only saw Mai Fell coming out of the boat alone." "That's roughly what she said," said Mason calmly. "Do you think that's in your client's favour?" asked Lanceford. Mason nodded solemnly, "I do think so." There was a surprised silence.Prosecutors chat in low voices. Skenlon said: "I think there are no more questions, Mr. Mason, I will only allow these cross-examinations, and you can leave the witness box." Mason returned to his seat. Lansford stood up and asked, "May the court allow me to ask Mr. Mason one more question?" "I disagree," Skenlon said. "You seem to have understood the situation, what else do you want to ask?" "I would like to ask Mr. Mason, why is he claiming this testimony in favor of his client?" "It's going to generate a lot of rhetorical debate," Skenlon said, shaking his head. Mason said from his seat: "I thought that if I were allowed to answer in court, it might clear up a lot of misunderstandings at once." "Please answer," Skenlon said. "Frankly, I myself am interested in the answer to this question, although I think it is inappropriate and unfair to an honest and honest witness. Please answer, Mr. Mason." Mason walked over to the photographs strewn across Judge Skenlon's desk.Mason said: "Before answering this question, it is necessary to elaborate on the interconnection of certain facts." "Please explain," Skenlon invited. "That's what we're here for. Be as succinct and coherent as possible, and just state the facts, not fanatical debate." "I don't do fanatical debate," Mason said with a laugh. "Begin to answer," Skenlon said. Mason said: "I think the best way to describe this case is the footnotes that the learned prosecutor put into this case. Remember in the court that he used 'delayed murder'? "It is clear that Penn Wenworth was shot at some distance, as there were no traces of gunpowder on his body or clothes. The bullet came from above, as was heard by the medical examiner in court. It is therefore reasonable to assume that He was shot through the skylight of the cabin by someone up there. From as close as six or eight feet to as far as anyone could aim and shoot. I know Mr. Aweser is an expert at pistol shooting , and has a good reputation as a weapon expert, am I right? Mr. Aweser." After a little hesitation, Avisor nodded slightly. "Court, if we need to testify, I suggest that the witness, Mr. Aweser, return to the witness stand." Lan Shifu said. "You let me worry about it, okay?" Skenlon said flatly. Mason continued: "From your knowledge of this case and your experience with weapons, you will support my statement just now?" Avisor didn't answer.Mason continued pleasantly, "It's not important. I point this out just to give you an idea of where the shooters and those killed were. “现在我们来检查各种可能。先考虑安德斯，他不可能犯下此案。因为证据显示在艾维瑟看见他们的时候，温渥斯的游艇距马利的游艇只有数哩远。温渥斯的船较慢，但它在全速前进，看来在菲尔和安德斯离去不久后，温渥斯就开航了，也许在半小时内。安德斯说他扔掉枪，菲尔已证实这一点。谋杀的枪找到了，但不是安德斯的那一把。此外，安德斯几乎是直接返回北梅沙的，我相信警方已经追查过他的行动，确信他结束与我的谈话后并未回到游艇俱乐部。 “接着，我和菲尔小姐开车去游艇俱乐部，发现潘文号不见了。我们回来，在经过安德斯丢枪地点以前，菲尔小姐一直和我在一起。然后她折回去开马利的船。” “你承认这件事吗？”蓝士佛不相信似地问。 “我当然承认，”梅森说。“现在换从她的角度来看。假设她出海并追上温渥斯的船，这是有可能的。她不可能在不让温渥斯察觉的情况下将艾蒂娜号驶近潘文号，因为这样做难免会有碰撞产生。此外，她不可能让她的船与潘文号并排高速行驶，然后自己离开船舵，在无人帮助的情况下跳上温渥斯的船。她需要温渥斯减速，或者有某人帮忙，或者两者都要。 “然而，假设温渥斯减速了，媚依·菲尔也登上潘文号。那么，温渥斯一定帮了她的忙，他们一起进到船舱。因为温渥斯的船有自动驾驶设备，所以他可以不掌舵。如此一来，就不太可能发生他在船舱而菲尔小姐站在甲板上经由天窗射杀他之事。 “再谈艾维瑟的情形。他是个飞行员，低飞在游艇上空。他有武器，又是射击专家。在我继续说下去之前，我要请你们注意照片中一个意义重大的东西。先看艾维瑟拍的照片，请庭上注意这个小架子。你会看到一个盒子里有一个圆形物体，旁边有一个圆柱形的东西。” 蓝士佛站起来，快步走到法官席，检视梅森指出的部分，说：“这是稀有的硬币，温渥斯是著名的稀有硬币收藏家。” “很可能，”梅森说。“用一把放大镜，你就可以看到硬币上有某些标志，那是两条平行线，它们之间还有交叉的对角线。” 法官用放大镜细看。“为什么说这很重要？”他问。 “请稍候，庭上，”梅森说。“再看潘文号回港后，警方从天窗拍摄船舱的照片，架子还在，但是东西不见了。” 史肯隆点点头。 梅森说：“现在我们来讨论这种情况。不管那是什么东西，当艾维瑟拍照时，他们是在潘文号上。拍完照片后，艾维瑟离去，温渥斯回后舱，菲尔小姐跑到甲板上和安德斯一起离开。没有证据显示他们三人曾经又回到那条船上。 “这两件东西原本清楚地出现在一张照片上，但却在以后的照片中消失了。为什么？它们到哪里去了？是谁拿走了？” 史肯隆说：“你有什么看法吗？梅森先生。” “我有，”梅森说。“我想传一位证人。” “我认为庭上已经停止进行作证了。”欧巴梅尔六神无主似地说。 “如果我们要弄清楚案情，这有什么困难？”史肯隆说。“请便，梅森，你可以传任何你想传的人。” “罗伯·葛瑞亭先生。”梅森宣布。 一个高瘦的男人走上前来，他的嘴唇很薄，双眼深陷，颧骨高耸，手脚很长，神态安静，大约五十多岁。他说：“我不愿让别人失望，但是我对本案一无所知，也不认识任何一位相关的人物。” 梅森说：“这没有关系，请上证人席，我们自会明白你知道什么。” 葛瑞亭坐上证人的位置。 梅森说：“我相信你收到的传票有要求你带一些纪录来。” "yes." “为了让庭上有个概略了解，”梅森说。“请先说明你的身分和职业。” 葛瑞亭说：“我是都会业余运动协会的秘书兼出纳。这是一个业余运动员的社团，由一家服务各都会的客运公司赞助，目的是促进民间交流和……” “交通吗？”梅森微笑着插嘴。 “和交通，”葛瑞亭说。“它的构想是，在都会间交通系统容易到达之处举办跨都会的比赛，颁奖给优胜者，客运公司既可鼓励体育竞赛，又可收宣传广告的好处。” “现在谈十二日，”梅森说。“你们赞助了某些体育活动，是吗？” “是的，十二日当天，网球公开赛进行决赛。” “那一天，”梅森说。“你的纪录是否有记载谁得到女子组的第二名？” “第二名？”葛瑞亭反问。 Mason nodded. “等一下，”葛瑞亭说着，从口袋拿出真皮笔记本，里面装满打字的纸张。他翻开笔记本，看下去，然后说：“我们的纪录显示，第二名的得主是海茹·藤丝小姐，居住在巴肯公寓。” "Not bad," Mason said. “现在我想看看过去其他体育活动的纪录。你可有获胜者的字母索引？” "some." “带来了吗？” “在手提包里。” “请拿出来。” 葛瑞亭走回前排的座位，拿起手提包，回到证人席，从里面拿出一本活页记事本。 “请查看藤丝的名字，”梅森说。“看还有什么纪录。” 葛瑞亭翻阅记事本，突然说：“等一下，现在我记起这个名字了。她得过许多冠军，是一位全能运动员。” 梅森说：“请查看纪录中可有与游泳相关的？” “过去两年，”葛瑞亭说。“她每年都赢得女子长距离游泳冠军。去年她还得到女子四百公尺自由式冠军。在……” “这就够了，”梅森说。“这已经足以证明我的想法。现在，我要请你看照片，请你注意架子上，有一个盒子里装着类似硬币物品。”梅森把照片递给他，并指出位置。梅森说：“请用放大镜看，你能说出那是什么吗？” 葛瑞亭把放大镜放在梅森指出的地方，缓缓地说：“那是我们颁给女子网球赛第二名的奖章，上面交错的线条代表球网。” 梅森和悦地对法官微笑，说：“庭上，我想，当检方把以上的事情凑在一起时，谁杀了温渥斯即可分晓，凶手不是媚依·菲尔。”
梅森、戴拉、菲尔和德瑞克坐在梅森的办公室里。事情的迅速演变似乎让菲尔很迷惑。“我不知道你怎么想得出来，”她说。“我原以为我一定会被定罪。” 梅森说：“你的确很危险。当我和藤丝谈话时，我很快就感觉到她想出国的急切心理。起初，我认为她的急切是由于警方在她公寓装了隐藏式麦克风，想诱我上当，我没有踏进陷阱，而她极力想使我掉进去。 “后来发生的事让我改变原先的看法。如果她的急切不是诱捕我的陷阱，那么原因是什么？这个问题开启了一个有趣的想像空间。我知道她是一个全能运动员，我看得出来，而且她也说她曾得到网球赛的第二名。我还感觉到她非常喜欢温渥斯，而且我相信，虽然我不能证明，但他们之间绝对不是纯友谊的关系。 “我认为，杀温渥斯的人要不是在飞机上，就是在潘文号上，凶手杀了他后再游泳上岸。 “我知道马利的不在场证明不够强固，但是他看来不太可能游泳回来，近乎裸体地上岸，再返回医院，又能丝毫不露痕迹。温渥斯太太有嫌疑，但显然她人在圣地牙哥。除非艾维瑟由空中射杀他，不然他也不可能。你驾马利的船出海又开回来，理由我已在法庭上说过，你也不可能杀他。 “当我知道你认为的枪击火光其实只是闪光灯时，我就明白谋杀时间是往后延了。 “有了这种想法之后，再重建当时的情况就比较简单了。藤丝得到网球赛亚军，到温渥斯游艇上接受祝贺。基于我们对温渥斯的了解，我们可以确定，在接受他的祝贺之后，藤丝需要使用口红。当她补完妆后，随手把奖章及口红放在船舱的架子上。 “温渥斯告诉她，当晚他要去艾森那达，问她是否一道前去。她很乐意，表示要回家拿衣服和买食物，然后她下船，开车回家，途中停下来买食物。 “在她离去的这段时间，你登上潘文号，并且和温渥斯扭打。艾维瑟也上船，拍下温渥斯的丑态后离开。安德斯上船救你，然后你们两人也走了。 “也许不久藤丝就带着食物回来了，她和温渥斯出发去艾森那达。 “毫无疑问，温渥斯气恼极了，他知道自己被拍了照。他当时的本能反应是遮着脸回到后舱，他可以猜想到，那张照片会使他第二天和妻子谈判离婚时居于劣势。他大概把这些都告诉藤丝了。 “不管温渥斯有没有说过他重获自由后要娶藤丝，但我想藤丝认为他有此意，而温渥斯却明白告诉她这是个荒诞的假设。不管是什么原因，她因气愤而起了杀机。可能在温渥斯坐着取笑她时，她就掏出手枪杀了他。 “她认为他已立即毙命。但子弹的力量也可能先令他昏倒一阵子后，又醒来并四处走动。反正她得离开船。我想她带着一般人上船时用的帆布袋，而不是手提包。同时我也认为，她身上永远带着枪，以防她钓上的艇主太粗野。她把衣服脱掉，和网球奖章、口红、枪等一起塞进布袋里。然后打开自动驾驶装置——如果本来没开的话——设定到艾森那达的航线。然后她带着袋子，跳入水中，游泳上岸。 “起初，我想不透她为什么不把作案武器丢进海里，而要携带上岸，后来我设身处地一想，才明白她的困难。因为她必须光着身体在一处陌生的地方上岸，还必须穿着湿衣服，找到愿意让她搭便车的汽车驾驶，送她到她停车的游艇俱乐部附近。为了自卫，她决定带着枪。 “她回到俱乐部，正好看见菲尔驾艾蒂娜号回来，然后她回家。第二天早晨，由新闻知道安德斯弃枪的地点，于是她开车去放置了凶枪。她又去告诉马利，关于她看见菲尔驾艾蒂娜号回来的事。” “好一个曲折的推想，”德瑞克说。“但是我仍然不明白，你怎能想到一个像藤丝这样正常、均衡的运动员会犯下谋杀案。” “如果不是发生了某件事，她就可能骗过我了。” "What's up?" “尽管许多事是我们推想的，但有一件事是千真万确的：杀了温渥斯的人把凶枪丢在安德斯弃枪处，意图嫁祸给他。换言之，是希望安德斯为了自己没犯过的罪去受死，或者被长期监禁。这显示，此人知道在后续的调查中，自己有可能被怀疑，所以蓄意布置对安德斯不利的情况，以阻止自己被怀疑和调查。” “不错。”德瑞克说。 “他们会对藤丝怎样呢？”菲尔问。 梅森说：“视情况而定。首先，他们得要逮住她，但我看那不太容易。然后，他们要定她的罪，这也颇费周章。艾维瑟拍下的照片，很可能使她无罪开释——如果她辩解说温渥斯也对她做同样攻击的话。” “但是栽赃凶枪对她很不利。”德瑞克说。 梅森微笑说：“从某方面说固然不错，但是……噢，德瑞克，像她那样身材姣好的女子，顶多会被判个过失杀人而已。” “艾维瑟那边呢？” “握手言和了，”梅森说。“他非常怕我指控他谋杀，弄得他进退维谷，后来的演变让他大大松了一口气。而且，因为我的努力，使一位无辜的女子获得释放，所以他开始觉得我并不坏。事实上，戴拉，他已邀请我们下周去他家共进晚餐。” “我们要去吗？”戴拉问。 “为什么不呢？”梅森问。“现在我们就上车外出吧！” “去哪里？”戴拉问。 “去旅行，”梅森说。“我们何不开车去北梅沙，欣赏那里的风光？” “你要冒这个险吗？”菲尔问。 “冒什么险？” “你可能会遇到哈洛的家庭律师。” “胡扯，”梅森说。“我没有这种想法。再说，他是对的。” 菲尔说：“今天下午我也要去那里。” “你也要去吗？”德瑞克很惊奇似地问。 菲尔点头。 梅森说：“哦！怎么回事呀？” 菲尔似乎很不好意思，但神情愉快地说：“女人有改变心意的特权，不是吗？也许我改变了对哈洛的看法。” 梅森说：“他最近似乎独立了不少。” 菲尔害羞似地笑着说：“是啊，他有不少自己的想法。我想，这次谋杀案对他来说是件好事。我希望你来，并且明晚和我们一起吃晚餐，梅森先生，那是一个特别的场合。” 梅森对菲尔眨眨眼。“庆祝吗？”他问。 菲尔点头说：“我要告诉哈洛，我要嫁给他。” “很好，”梅森说着，转脸望着戴拉。“如何？戴拉。” “由我决定吗？” Mason nodded. “我们去北梅沙，”载拉说。“如果你真的希望我们去的话，菲尔小姐。” “噢，我真的希望。”菲尔急切似地说。 德瑞克站起来，丢了一片口香糖到嘴里，说：“很高兴认识你。” “你不一起来吗？德瑞克先生。”菲尔问。 “我不去，”德瑞克说。“婚礼的钟声有传染力，但是一名侦探要个太太干什么呢？” “又错了，”梅森愉快地说。“一位太太要个侦探干什么？” 德瑞克在门口停下来道别。“特别是，当这位侦探受雇于一位律师，他要侦探彻夜不睡，做些可能会犯下重罪的事情时。”他说着，砰地一声把门在背后带上，为自己的评论打下句点。
Skenlon is a unique magistrate with an appreciation for the novel, a keen sense of humor, and a willingness to enforce justice no matter the cost.His philosophy of life gave him magnanimous sympathy for the living and a rational distance for the dead.He acted with conscience, feeling that he represented both the dead and the living. Skenlon was an outstanding professional baseball player in his early twenties, but his baseball career ended prematurely due to injuries in his early twenties.He retired to California and was elected a magistrate on his first campaign.He was already a veteran in the office when the California government converted city judges in large cities into magistrates.Although he had no previous legal background or post-high school education, the new law allowed him to be re-elected as a magistrate, much to the consternation of former district attorneys and many law school graduates who have struggled as defense attorneys . Now, Skenlon observed Phil who was whispering to Mason, and felt that she was not at all like the cold-faced killer the prosecutor claimed.What he knows about Mason comes from various personal contacts, as well as many dramatic pre-trials--Mason leads the way with excellent logic, wit and unconventional methods, and each time the original hopeless situation is reversed. winner. Skenlon made up his mind that even if the pre-trial had to go on all night, he would make sure that all parties were treated fairly, but on the surface, he remained calm.
Phil confessed to Mason in a low voice, "I'll tell you the truth, I've been lying. When you can't find Harlow's gun, I think he went back and took it and took the Panwin out to sea to sink it." , and then rowed back in the dinghy on the boat. So I turned back and picked him up in Marley's yacht." "Did you find him?" Mason asked. "No," she said. "But I didn't look for very long because I thought the Coast Guard already knew about the homicide and started looking for me." "Why do you think so?" "A Coast Guard plane flew over me and circled three or four times before leaving." "How do you know it's a Coast Guard plane?" She thought about it and said, "I don't know, I guess it is. What plane would show such an unusual interest in a yacht? The woman named Cance saw me sailing back, and Marley called the fingerprint expert." Get my fingerprints on the wheel and throttle, it looks like I won't get away." The tall, brown-skinned Anders walked towards Phil uncomfortably, and said simply, "I'm sorry, Mae." Phil looked at him with troubled eyes. "The prosecution dismissed the charges against me," Anders continued. "I don't know what that means." "It means they're going to go all out on me," Phil said. "That's because of the gun that was found in the water pipe," Anders said. "They thought Mason put it there, but after checking the number, they knew I bought it, and found other evidence. I don't know what it is, but they withdrew the report." Phil said, "Very well, congratulations, you saved yourself an unpleasant experience. Thanks to your family's very competent and very ethical lawyer for the advice." "Mei Yi, please don't say such things." Phil turned his face away. Anders seemed to be aware of the eyes of others, and the reporters who were secretly hunting for the camera. He put his mouth close to Phil and Mason's ears and said, "Don't do this, Mae. Listen, I've done something for you , that was my own idea, didn't discuss it with others. I contacted Fujisi this morning, she will not be in court, she is on the plane to Mexico, going to find a friend with a yacht. They will leave immediately Go sailing - to use their own words - undecided destination." Phil said with a look of disbelief, "Really?" Mason's eyes were cold, and he looked at Anders with hostility and said, "I think you understand that they will think I did it." "No, when the showdown comes, I will admit it."
Skenlon said: "I have inspected the body at the scene. The bailiff pointed out the path of the bullet and the cause of death. The cause of death was a gunshot to the head. These circumstances are already clear. We don't have to waste the medical examiner's time and call him to court again." Answer the call." Skenlon cleared his throat and looked from Mason to Oscar Aubamere, a deputy prosecutor, to Karl Lansford, the prosecutor's representative.He said: "The proceedings will be short and informal. What we want is the truth and I don't want delays or technical protests from anyone against any of the witnesses. I don't want fanciful legal debate, to expedite if necessary. The trial goes on and helps us find out the truth, I will ask the questions myself. I don't allow lawyers to cross-examine witnesses at will to take credit, but if the representatives of both sides ask questions based on clarifying events, explaining, or pointing out the fact that the witnesses were negligent, then it is allowed .” Carl Lansford seemed to protest Skenlon's unorthodox procedure, but Aubamere, who knew Skenlon's temper, pulled him back to his seat. Skenlon's secretary walked up to Lansford and handed him a note.Avisor took advantage of this gap to walk towards Mason. "I suppose you think you're very clever," he said maliciously. "Is something wrong?" Mason asked. "I discovered the real purpose of your coming to my house this morning." Aweser said. "You think I'm going to keep my mouth shut and put me at the mercy of your blackmail to keep this from being known. I tell you, I've called the police immediately and I've also notified the prosecutor's office. They told me you were a criminal The only thing we lack is hard evidence. Just show that negative, Mr. Mason, and you're going to jail. That's my position." He turned and walked away. Mason told Phil, "You always said Anders was too reserved and wouldn't do anything without advice. But now he seems to have grown up. I'll give you some time to figure it out." Mason stood up, walked past the staring audience, and whispered to Derek and Della. "Did you call the office? Paul." "Yes, a few minutes ago," Derek said. "I got the latest report, but it's not helpful. We don't know anything about Cane. We just know she's a playful woman who likes the outdoors." "She told me all that. Where is she now?" Mason said. "She's been arraigned," Derek said. "Should be here. God, Paley, you didn't tell her to run away, did you?" "No, personally I would like her to be there," Mason said. "How does it look?..." Derek whispered anxiously. Mason blinked nonchalantly. "It looked bad," he said. "Aveser suddenly took courage and went to the police to report the theft of the negatives and apparently confessed to the photoshoot. Phil's situation was even worse, and now the police would claim that she had a gun of her own. She went back to the yacht club and fired a horse. Leigh's boat, catch up to the Panwin, kill Wenworth, then sail the boat back, drive to where Anders dropped the gun, throw the gun away, and the gun was found when the water receded." "Is the allegation strong?" Derek asked. "Very powerful indeed," said Mason dryly. "I didn't expect Avisor to be able to overcome the fear of public opinion. Obviously, he came after me. He reported the theft of negatives and photographs to the prosecution, which gave the prosecution a new perspective on the case. Put Anders out, focus on Phil...and me." "Go ahead, boss," Della said. "Bash 'em." Mason smiled and said, "I don't know what I'm capable of, but I've got a trump card up my sleeve. If I get the timing and method right, I might be able to pull off my trick. If I don't, I'm in trouble. " "What's the trump card?" Derek asked. "Just a hunch," Mason said. "I'm going to put a witness on the stand without knowing in advance what he's going to say. If he's right, the apparent surprise he causes can impress the magistrate. Irrelevant things are just distracting others." Derek said: "It's too risky for you to pick up the negatives. Why would you break the law to seek justice for your clients?" Mason smiled wryly and said, "How do I know? I guess I'm born like this. Once I start to solve the puzzle, I can't seem to brake. Every time I stretch my foot, I will step on the gas pedal." "Not bad at all," Derek said. Della said calmly: "Actually, I took the negatives out. They can't do anything to you." Mason smiled and said, "You're on my orders. You're going to stay out of it." "I don't!" Della retorted. "I'm partly responsible."
Skenlon finished reading the note, whispered instructions to the secretary, and said, "We are now beginning the pre-trial case against May Fell." Oscar Aubamere stood up and said: "We understand the will of the court, that the preliminary hearing should be informal and fast. However, in the past few hours, or in the past few minutes, the prosecution has obtained evidence that completely changes the case. "We now have to prove that the circumstances of this murder occurred differently than originally speculated. In fact, we can call it a 'postponed murder. The shooting that the professed to believe was nothing more than a flash of a flashing light. "Of course, we understand that the judge wants this to happen as quickly as possible, so we're calling the first witness now - Sinny Aweser. Because his testimony is so important, it's arguably stunning, and it completely changes the way we call witnesses. order of." Skenlon frowned and thought for a while, then took another sneak peek at Mason, seeing no sign of objection, he said: "Okay, in order to get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible, you are allowed to summon Sinny Aweser." Avisor stepped forward and took the oath. Skenlon asked, "Do you know about this murder?" "That's all I know," Avisor said. "Before things happen." "What the hell do you know?" the judge asked. Avisor said: "I will confess that I have been in love with Janetta Wenworth for a long time. I met her and fell in love with her when she was still Wenworth's wife and living with Wenworth. to her. Strong feelings make me rash." Avisor stopped and made a swallowing motion.Apparently, he only remembered the testimonies, and found reciting them more difficult than expected.After a while he went on: "Wenworth is as clever as the devil, and he found out about our affair. I believe he was madly jealous of me, and he wanted Janetta—Mrs. Wenworth—back to him. Janita met me soon and left him.He threatened to sue me for divorce unless Janita changed her mind.He wouldn't let Janita get a divorce.He acted like a selfish and inconsiderate big man style." "Never mind that," Skenlon interrupted him. "What do you know?" Aveser said: "I loathe the injustice because I know Wenworth has played with so many women on yachts. I was determined to find evidence to put Wenworth on the defensive - to force him to reason and to divorce his wife. , and don't get my name involved." "What did you do?" Skenlon asked. "Night of the twelfth," Aweser replied. "I waited at the Yacht Club and kept an eye on his boat. I knew Miss Fell was a regular on his boat. It was a stuffy night, and Wenworth opened the skylight in the cabin. I stalked the yacht and listened. When the time came, I boarded On the yacht, looking down through the sunroof. I saw Wenworth in an indecent pose, his face turned away from the camera. I put my finger on the shutter and whispered his name. He didn't hear him the first time, and I called again. Once, he looked up alertly. At that moment, I pressed the shutter, the flash opened at the same time, and I took a clear snapshot." "and then?" Lansford whispered in Obamel's ear: "This legal procedure is unbelievable. Are you going to let Skenlon conduct this kind of pre-trial? Don't you protest that he will cross-examine witnesses by himself?" "Protesting is useless," Aubamere murmured back. "Skenlon has always done it in this way, and it's strange to say that it turns out very well." "I turned and ran away from the yacht," Avisor continued. "Drove home, developed the picture. It was a perfect picture. I knew Mrs. Wenworth was in San Diego, so I couldn't wait to hop on a plane, fly there, tell her about it, and take her home. My house. The negative was dry when we got home. I put it in the enlarger and got a print, and I was very happy. After that, I took Mrs. Wenworth back to San Diego. "Later, the negatives were stolen from my house. At the time of the theft, Miss Fell's attorney, Perry Mason, was wandering around my house. I asked Mason to show the negatives, and when he did, I would sue him for theft." Skenlon pursed his lips thoughtfully, avoiding to look at Mason.After a while he said: "If there is such a thing, it has nothing to do with the case at all. It seems to me that your testimony shows that the murder did not take place at the time we would have assumed, and that is the only thing relevant to the current investigation." .” "Can I ask a question?" Aubamere said. "Can." "When you first flew to San Diego," Aubamere asked. "Are you flying in a straight line, over the ocean?" "Yes," Avisor replied. "My plane is amphibious. The night was calm and the wind and rain had not yet started. Safety considerations for flying at night kept me flying over the sea." "Did you happen to see any yachts as you flew out of the port?" "Have." "What yacht?" "It's the yacht Edina, belonging to Frank Marley." "Who's Frank Marley?" "Wingworth's partner." "do you know him?" "I've heard of him and know him. I know his ship." "Were you flying low?" "yes." "Did you do anything?" "I circled the yacht a few times because I thought it was unusual for her to be out at sea at the time." "You have any lighting device that can..." "Yes, there are a pair of searchlights on the wings. I shine them on the yacht." "what did you see?" "I'm sure it's the Edina. I see someone at the helm. It's a woman, and she's dressed in the same color as when May Fell boarded the Panwin earlier that night." Obamel smiled and bowed. "The cross-examination is over," he said. Mason looked up at the judge with raised eyebrows, and Skenlon nodded. "Did you ever fly over other yachts on your way to San Diego?" Mason asked casually. "This question has nothing to do with this case, it's an attempt to confuse witnesses," Aubamere said. "If Mr. Mason didn't ask, I would ask the same question," the judge interrupted Aubamere. "I said I didn't want any purely technical protests. Let's hear the answer to that question." Aweser on the witness stand seemed embarrassed.He glanced at Aubamere for help. "Answer the questions," Skenlon said.His voice was authoritative, like a player telling a referee that he missed the last goal. "Flying to San Diego is, of course, about the same as sailing to Esenada by boat," Avisor said. "No need to explain," Skenlon said. "The explanation can be left behind, the question is, are you flying other yachts?" "yes." "Do you recognize any of the yachts?" Skenlon asked. "I know one." "Is it Pan Wen?" Skenlong asked sternly. Avisor stared straight ahead. "Yes." He said, his voice tense. "Did you hover over it?" "Only one time." "what did you see?" "Saw its sunroof open." "Anyone at the helm?" Skenlon asked. "I don't think the witnesses could see that clearly," Obamel protested. "This question is a bit..." "Not at all," Skenlon said. "If a witness can testify that he saw the color of a yacht and the helmsman's clothes, he can certainly see whether another yacht has a man at the helm. Answer that question, Mr. Avisor." "There's no one at the helm," Aweser said. "Did you only go around it once?" "yes." "Are you sure there's no one at the helm?" "yes." "Where was the yacht?" "About a mile from shore, and ten miles from the breakwater." "How far is it from Frank Marley's ship?" Mason asked. "I judge about three miles." Mason said in a chatty tone, "You know Wenworth has a bad temper, don't you, Mr. Avisor." "I know." "Did you know that if he caught you on the Panwin, he might get rough?" "yes." "Did you know he was strong and powerful?" "yes." "I think so," Mason said. "That's why you're armed." "I carry a weapon, but I don't plan to..." He paused as he understood the implications of Mason's question. "Don't you think you have a reason to remove your weapon before getting on the plane?" "Honestly, I completely forgot about it." "So when you circled Wenworth's yacht, you were armed, right?" "I don't like the way you ask questions." "Never mind whether you like it or not," Skenlon said. "answer the questions." "Yes, I'm carrying it." Avisor said quickly. "What kind of revolver?" "A .38 Colt." Mason smiled kindly and said, "The interrogation is over." Skenlon frowned. "I'm not sure whether to let the cross-examination stop there," he said. "Maybe stop here for a while, you stay in the court, Mr. Aweser." "One more question," Mason asked. "You said you developed an enlarged photo, didn't you?" "yes." "Where?" "I handed it over to the deputy prosecutor." "Mr. Aubamere?" "No, it's Mr. Lansford." Mason smiled. "Would you mind showing that photograph, Mr. Lansford?" "Of course I don't mind. It's part of the prosecution's confidential file, and I refuse such requests. If you need a photo as evidence, you can show it yourself, just to prove that you own that negative," Lansford said. Skenlon said in a gentle and courteous voice: "If there are no questions, Mr. Avisor can leave the witness stand, but he must remain in the courtroom." Mr. Avisor leaves the witness stand. Lan Shifu exchanges triumphant glances with his colleagues. "Now we pass on Haru Fujis as our second witness," Aubamere said. "Thank you," Skenlon said. "But who should be the next witness is up to me. Mr. Lansford, are you willing to come forward and swear?" "Me?" Lan Shifu called out. "I strongly object because..." Skenlon nodded kindly, and interrupted Lansford by saying, "Please come to the witness stand, Mr. Lansford." Aubamere whispered in a voice that didn't sound like a whisper: "If you don't want to be charged with contempt of court, you better go up, this guy is serious." Lan Shifu walked forward slowly and raised his hand to swear. "Do you have a flash photo of the last witness?" Skenlon asked. "I protest," Aubamere said. "This is part of..." "I don't want any protest," Skenlon said. "I want pictures, if you have them." After a short, tense and dramatic silence, Lansford said: "With the utmost reluctance and protest, I am showing the photo requested by the magistrate." Speaking of the magistrate, Lansford's voice revealed dignity Expensive taste. He opened his handbag, took out the glossy blown-up photo, handed it to the judge, and gave Mason a hard look. Skenlon said casually: "You seem to have many photos. What are their contents? Is it the interior of Panwen?" "yes." "Let's see," Skenlon said. Lansford produced a series of photographs, explaining that they represented the position in which the body was found, the state of the cabin when the boat was brought back, the appearance of the yacht, where the yacht was moored at the club and a sketch of the club showing the Moored floating dock.Skenlon numbered the order on all photographs and declared them exhibits. "There, Mr. Lansford," said Skenlon. "Thank you." Lan Shifu stiffly walked back to his seat. Skenlon said: "Let us hear the testimony of Haru Tengsi, please come forward and take the oath." Everyone waited eagerly, but there was no sound of witnesses stepping onto the witness stand. Skenlon frowned and said, "Hasn't she been arraigned?" "She was arraigned, but she claimed that at least one person tried to get her out of the country. When she was arraigned, we believed she would not submit to the jurisdiction of the court," Lansford said bitterly. "I don't care about that," Skenlon said. "We have only one topic of discussion, the death of Wenworth and the possible involvement of May Fell. The question is, where is this witness?" "I don't know." Lan Shifu said. Skenlon's eyes turned to Mason, suddenly hard. "Mr. Mason," he said. "Now I want to call you to the witness stand." Mason obediently walked to the witness stand, knowing that any protest would be dismissed. "Do you know this witness—Heru Tensi?" Skenlon asked. "I know." "Have you discussed the case with her?" "yes." "Do you know where she is now?" "I have no idea." "Do you know why she happened to leave?" "I don't know, as far as I know." "Are you directly or indirectly responsible for her departure?" "No." "The questioning is over," said the judge. Lan Shifu said eagerly: "I would like to ask the witness a question or two." Skenlon hesitated and said, "I didn't give him a chance to ask you questions." "It's different." Lan Shifu said. "I'll listen to the question before deciding whether it's right or not," Skenlon said. "When you spoke to Ms. Fujis, did she mention that she wanted to go abroad but had financial concerns, and did you discuss with her the amount required?" "You can say," Mason said quietly. "She proposed to me, but I declined." "Oh," Lan Shifu's voice was full of sarcasm. "You go to her apartment and she tells you that she testified against your client and proposes to go abroad, and your sense of right and wrong prevents you from considering her proposal. Is that what you mean?" Skenlon said: "You don't need to answer, Mr. Mason. Mr. Lansford, I don't want to hear any more sarcasm. We are here to decide whether there is enough evidence to uphold the Wenworth murder charge in the superior court. You can find it at Complain elsewhere, but not in my court." "With the court's forgiveness, I want to answer this question," Mason said. "Please," said the judge. Mason crossed his legs, looked down at Lansford with a smile, and said, "There is a wrong assumption in your question, Mr. Lansford. The testimony of Hairu Fujis will not only harm my client, but it will be very beneficial. I It's a pity she didn't come." "Very good," Lan Shifu said triumphantly. "Since you're bringing up her testimony yourself, I'm going to ask you a question. I think the court will allow it, because he's allowed everything else. Did Fujis say that she visited Wenworth at the Yacht Club? Yes, Wenworth told her she was going to Esenada that night, and asked her to go with her. She went home to get clothes and food, and when she got back to the club, the yacht was gone. She waited some time, and this During the time, she saw Frank Marley's boat coming in. She paid attention to the people driving the boat, and only saw Mai Fell coming out of the boat alone." "That's roughly what she said," said Mason calmly. "Do you think that's in your client's favour?" asked Lanceford. Mason nodded solemnly, "I do think so." There was a surprised silence.Prosecutors chat in low voices. Skenlon said: "I think there are no more questions, Mr. Mason, I will only allow these cross-examinations, and you can leave the witness box." Mason returned to his seat. Lansford stood up and asked, "May the court allow me to ask Mr. Mason one more question?" "I disagree," Skenlon said. "You seem to have understood the situation, what else do you want to ask?" "I would like to ask Mr. Mason, why is he claiming this testimony in favor of his client?" "It's going to generate a lot of rhetorical debate," Skenlon said, shaking his head. Mason said from his seat: "I thought that if I were allowed to answer in court, it might clear up a lot of misunderstandings at once." "Please answer," Skenlon said. "Frankly, I myself am interested in the answer to this question, although I think it is inappropriate and unfair to an honest and honest witness. Please answer, Mr. Mason." Mason walked over to the photographs strewn across Judge Skenlon's desk.Mason said: "Before answering this question, it is necessary to elaborate on the interconnection of certain facts." "Please explain," Skenlon invited. "That's what we're here for. Be as succinct and coherent as possible, and just state the facts, not fanatical debate." "I don't do fanatical debate," Mason said with a laugh. "Begin to answer," Skenlon said. Mason said: "I think the best way to describe this case is the footnotes that the learned prosecutor put into this case. Remember in the court that he used 'delayed murder'? "It is clear that Penn Wenworth was shot at some distance, as there were no traces of gunpowder on his body or clothes. The bullet came from above, as was heard by the medical examiner in court. It is therefore reasonable to assume that He was shot through the skylight of the cabin by someone up there. From as close as six or eight feet to as far as anyone could aim and shoot. I know Mr. Aweser is an expert at pistol shooting , and has a good reputation as a weapon expert, am I right? Mr. Aweser." After a little hesitation, Avisor nodded slightly. "Court, if we need to testify, I suggest that the witness, Mr. Aweser, return to the witness stand." Lan Shifu said. "You let me worry about it, okay?" Skenlon said flatly. Mason continued: "From your knowledge of this case and your experience with weapons, you will support my statement just now?" Avisor didn't answer.Mason continued pleasantly, "It's not important. I point this out just to give you an idea of where the shooters and those killed were. “现在我们来检查各种可能。先考虑安德斯，他不可能犯下此案。因为证据显示在艾维瑟看见他们的时候，温渥斯的游艇距马利的游艇只有数哩远。温渥斯的船较慢，但它在全速前进，看来在菲尔和安德斯离去不久后，温渥斯就开航了，也许在半小时内。安德斯说他扔掉枪，菲尔已证实这一点。谋杀的枪找到了，但不是安德斯的那一把。此外，安德斯几乎是直接返回北梅沙的，我相信警方已经追查过他的行动，确信他结束与我的谈话后并未回到游艇俱乐部。 “接着，我和菲尔小姐开车去游艇俱乐部，发现潘文号不见了。我们回来，在经过安德斯丢枪地点以前，菲尔小姐一直和我在一起。然后她折回去开马利的船。” “你承认这件事吗？”蓝士佛不相信似地问。 “我当然承认，”梅森说。“现在换从她的角度来看。假设她出海并追上温渥斯的船，这是有可能的。她不可能在不让温渥斯察觉的情况下将艾蒂娜号驶近潘文号，因为这样做难免会有碰撞产生。此外，她不可能让她的船与潘文号并排高速行驶，然后自己离开船舵，在无人帮助的情况下跳上温渥斯的船。她需要温渥斯减速，或者有某人帮忙，或者两者都要。 “然而，假设温渥斯减速了，媚依·菲尔也登上潘文号。那么，温渥斯一定帮了她的忙，他们一起进到船舱。因为温渥斯的船有自动驾驶设备，所以他可以不掌舵。如此一来，就不太可能发生他在船舱而菲尔小姐站在甲板上经由天窗射杀他之事。 “再谈艾维瑟的情形。他是个飞行员，低飞在游艇上空。他有武器，又是射击专家。在我继续说下去之前，我要请你们注意照片中一个意义重大的东西。先看艾维瑟拍的照片，请庭上注意这个小架子。你会看到一个盒子里有一个圆形物体，旁边有一个圆柱形的东西。” 蓝士佛站起来，快步走到法官席，检视梅森指出的部分，说：“这是稀有的硬币，温渥斯是著名的稀有硬币收藏家。” “很可能，”梅森说。“用一把放大镜，你就可以看到硬币上有某些标志，那是两条平行线，它们之间还有交叉的对角线。” 法官用放大镜细看。“为什么说这很重要？”他问。 “请稍候，庭上，”梅森说。“再看潘文号回港后，警方从天窗拍摄船舱的照片，架子还在，但是东西不见了。” 史肯隆点点头。 梅森说：“现在我们来讨论这种情况。不管那是什么东西，当艾维瑟拍照时，他们是在潘文号上。拍完照片后，艾维瑟离去，温渥斯回后舱，菲尔小姐跑到甲板上和安德斯一起离开。没有证据显示他们三人曾经又回到那条船上。 “这两件东西原本清楚地出现在一张照片上，但却在以后的照片中消失了。为什么？它们到哪里去了？是谁拿走了？” 史肯隆说：“你有什么看法吗？梅森先生。” “我有，”梅森说。“我想传一位证人。” “我认为庭上已经停止进行作证了。”欧巴梅尔六神无主似地说。 “如果我们要弄清楚案情，这有什么困难？”史肯隆说。“请便，梅森，你可以传任何你想传的人。” “罗伯·葛瑞亭先生。”梅森宣布。 一个高瘦的男人走上前来，他的嘴唇很薄，双眼深陷，颧骨高耸，手脚很长，神态安静，大约五十多岁。他说：“我不愿让别人失望，但是我对本案一无所知，也不认识任何一位相关的人物。” 梅森说：“这没有关系，请上证人席，我们自会明白你知道什么。” 葛瑞亭坐上证人的位置。 梅森说：“我相信你收到的传票有要求你带一些纪录来。” "yes." “为了让庭上有个概略了解，”梅森说。“请先说明你的身分和职业。” 葛瑞亭说：“我是都会业余运动协会的秘书兼出纳。这是一个业余运动员的社团，由一家服务各都会的客运公司赞助，目的是促进民间交流和……” “交通吗？”梅森微笑着插嘴。 “和交通，”葛瑞亭说。“它的构想是，在都会间交通系统容易到达之处举办跨都会的比赛，颁奖给优胜者，客运公司既可鼓励体育竞赛，又可收宣传广告的好处。” “现在谈十二日，”梅森说。“你们赞助了某些体育活动，是吗？” “是的，十二日当天，网球公开赛进行决赛。” “那一天，”梅森说。“你的纪录是否有记载谁得到女子组的第二名？” “第二名？”葛瑞亭反问。 Mason nodded. “等一下，”葛瑞亭说着，从口袋拿出真皮笔记本，里面装满打字的纸张。他翻开笔记本，看下去，然后说：“我们的纪录显示，第二名的得主是海茹·藤丝小姐，居住在巴肯公寓。” "Not bad," Mason said. “现在我想看看过去其他体育活动的纪录。你可有获胜者的字母索引？” "some." “带来了吗？” “在手提包里。” “请拿出来。” 葛瑞亭走回前排的座位，拿起手提包，回到证人席，从里面拿出一本活页记事本。 “请查看藤丝的名字，”梅森说。“看还有什么纪录。” 葛瑞亭翻阅记事本，突然说：“等一下，现在我记起这个名字了。她得过许多冠军，是一位全能运动员。” 梅森说：“请查看纪录中可有与游泳相关的？” “过去两年，”葛瑞亭说。“她每年都赢得女子长距离游泳冠军。去年她还得到女子四百公尺自由式冠军。在……” “这就够了，”梅森说。“这已经足以证明我的想法。现在，我要请你看照片，请你注意架子上，有一个盒子里装着类似硬币物品。”梅森把照片递给他，并指出位置。梅森说：“请用放大镜看，你能说出那是什么吗？” 葛瑞亭把放大镜放在梅森指出的地方，缓缓地说：“那是我们颁给女子网球赛第二名的奖章，上面交错的线条代表球网。” 梅森和悦地对法官微笑，说：“庭上，我想，当检方把以上的事情凑在一起时，谁杀了温渥斯即可分晓，凶手不是媚依·菲尔。”
梅森、戴拉、菲尔和德瑞克坐在梅森的办公室里。事情的迅速演变似乎让菲尔很迷惑。“我不知道你怎么想得出来，”她说。“我原以为我一定会被定罪。” 梅森说：“你的确很危险。当我和藤丝谈话时，我很快就感觉到她想出国的急切心理。起初，我认为她的急切是由于警方在她公寓装了隐藏式麦克风，想诱我上当，我没有踏进陷阱，而她极力想使我掉进去。 “后来发生的事让我改变原先的看法。如果她的急切不是诱捕我的陷阱，那么原因是什么？这个问题开启了一个有趣的想像空间。我知道她是一个全能运动员，我看得出来，而且她也说她曾得到网球赛的第二名。我还感觉到她非常喜欢温渥斯，而且我相信，虽然我不能证明，但他们之间绝对不是纯友谊的关系。 “我认为，杀温渥斯的人要不是在飞机上，就是在潘文号上，凶手杀了他后再游泳上岸。 “我知道马利的不在场证明不够强固，但是他看来不太可能游泳回来，近乎裸体地上岸，再返回医院，又能丝毫不露痕迹。温渥斯太太有嫌疑，但显然她人在圣地牙哥。除非艾维瑟由空中射杀他，不然他也不可能。你驾马利的船出海又开回来，理由我已在法庭上说过，你也不可能杀他。 “当我知道你认为的枪击火光其实只是闪光灯时，我就明白谋杀时间是往后延了。 “有了这种想法之后，再重建当时的情况就比较简单了。藤丝得到网球赛亚军，到温渥斯游艇上接受祝贺。基于我们对温渥斯的了解，我们可以确定，在接受他的祝贺之后，藤丝需要使用口红。当她补完妆后，随手把奖章及口红放在船舱的架子上。 “温渥斯告诉她，当晚他要去艾森那达，问她是否一道前去。她很乐意，表示要回家拿衣服和买食物，然后她下船，开车回家，途中停下来买食物。 “在她离去的这段时间，你登上潘文号，并且和温渥斯扭打。艾维瑟也上船，拍下温渥斯的丑态后离开。安德斯上船救你，然后你们两人也走了。 “也许不久藤丝就带着食物回来了，她和温渥斯出发去艾森那达。 “毫无疑问，温渥斯气恼极了，他知道自己被拍了照。他当时的本能反应是遮着脸回到后舱，他可以猜想到，那张照片会使他第二天和妻子谈判离婚时居于劣势。他大概把这些都告诉藤丝了。 “不管温渥斯有没有说过他重获自由后要娶藤丝，但我想藤丝认为他有此意，而温渥斯却明白告诉她这是个荒诞的假设。不管是什么原因，她因气愤而起了杀机。可能在温渥斯坐着取笑她时，她就掏出手枪杀了他。 “她认为他已立即毙命。但子弹的力量也可能先令他昏倒一阵子后，又醒来并四处走动。反正她得离开船。我想她带着一般人上船时用的帆布袋，而不是手提包。同时我也认为，她身上永远带着枪，以防她钓上的艇主太粗野。她把衣服脱掉，和网球奖章、口红、枪等一起塞进布袋里。然后打开自动驾驶装置——如果本来没开的话——设定到艾森那达的航线。然后她带着袋子，跳入水中，游泳上岸。 “起初，我想不透她为什么不把作案武器丢进海里，而要携带上岸，后来我设身处地一想，才明白她的困难。因为她必须光着身体在一处陌生的地方上岸，还必须穿着湿衣服，找到愿意让她搭便车的汽车驾驶，送她到她停车的游艇俱乐部附近。为了自卫，她决定带着枪。 “她回到俱乐部，正好看见菲尔驾艾蒂娜号回来，然后她回家。第二天早晨，由新闻知道安德斯弃枪的地点，于是她开车去放置了凶枪。她又去告诉马利，关于她看见菲尔驾艾蒂娜号回来的事。” “好一个曲折的推想，”德瑞克说。“但是我仍然不明白，你怎能想到一个像藤丝这样正常、均衡的运动员会犯下谋杀案。” “如果不是发生了某件事，她就可能骗过我了。” "What's up?" “尽管许多事是我们推想的，但有一件事是千真万确的：杀了温渥斯的人把凶枪丢在安德斯弃枪处，意图嫁祸给他。换言之，是希望安德斯为了自己没犯过的罪去受死，或者被长期监禁。这显示，此人知道在后续的调查中，自己有可能被怀疑，所以蓄意布置对安德斯不利的情况，以阻止自己被怀疑和调查。” “不错。”德瑞克说。 “他们会对藤丝怎样呢？”菲尔问。 梅森说：“视情况而定。首先，他们得要逮住她，但我看那不太容易。然后，他们要定她的罪，这也颇费周章。艾维瑟拍下的照片，很可能使她无罪开释——如果她辩解说温渥斯也对她做同样攻击的话。” “但是栽赃凶枪对她很不利。”德瑞克说。 梅森微笑说：“从某方面说固然不错，但是……噢，德瑞克，像她那样身材姣好的女子，顶多会被判个过失杀人而已。” “艾维瑟那边呢？” “握手言和了，”梅森说。“他非常怕我指控他谋杀，弄得他进退维谷，后来的演变让他大大松了一口气。而且，因为我的努力，使一位无辜的女子获得释放，所以他开始觉得我并不坏。事实上，戴拉，他已邀请我们下周去他家共进晚餐。” “我们要去吗？”戴拉问。 “为什么不呢？”梅森问。“现在我们就上车外出吧！” “去哪里？”戴拉问。 “去旅行，”梅森说。“我们何不开车去北梅沙，欣赏那里的风光？” “你要冒这个险吗？”菲尔问。 “冒什么险？” “你可能会遇到哈洛的家庭律师。” “胡扯，”梅森说。“我没有这种想法。再说，他是对的。” 菲尔说：“今天下午我也要去那里。” “你也要去吗？”德瑞克很惊奇似地问。 菲尔点头。 梅森说：“哦！怎么回事呀？” 菲尔似乎很不好意思，但神情愉快地说：“女人有改变心意的特权，不是吗？也许我改变了对哈洛的看法。” 梅森说：“他最近似乎独立了不少。” 菲尔害羞似地笑着说：“是啊，他有不少自己的想法。我想，这次谋杀案对他来说是件好事。我希望你来，并且明晚和我们一起吃晚餐，梅森先生，那是一个特别的场合。” 梅森对菲尔眨眨眼。“庆祝吗？”他问。 菲尔点头说：“我要告诉哈洛，我要嫁给他。” “很好，”梅森说着，转脸望着戴拉。“如何？戴拉。” “由我决定吗？” Mason nodded. “我们去北梅沙，”载拉说。“如果你真的希望我们去的话，菲尔小姐。” “噢，我真的希望。”菲尔急切似地说。 德瑞克站起来，丢了一片口香糖到嘴里，说：“很高兴认识你。” “你不一起来吗？德瑞克先生。”菲尔问。 “我不去，”德瑞克说。“婚礼的钟声有传染力，但是一名侦探要个太太干什么呢？” “又错了，”梅森愉快地说。“一位太太要个侦探干什么？” 德瑞克在门口停下来道别。“特别是，当这位侦探受雇于一位律师，他要侦探彻夜不睡，做些可能会犯下重罪的事情时。”他说着，砰地一声把门在背后带上，为自己的评论打下句点。