Gameplay

Something about that statue seems off. The way it glistens like it’s perpetually moist is disconcerting. Maybe, he can research it later but right now he really needs to find that last book.

Humphrey takes the handkerchief from his breast pocket and uses it to try and open the drawer at the bottom of the bookshelf.

The bottom drawer slides open easily. Its contents include a bottle of ink, a few fountain pens, and sheaf of writing paper but there are no books. Humphrey begins to worry that maybe his book isn't here. Could Mr. Gardiner have sold it? Surely, not. Humphrey never thought twice about letting the eclectic gentleman borrow his books. He'd always returned them in good shape and eager to discuss what he had read. Humphrey always had looked forward to those conversations. It was so nice to find someone who was also interested in esoteric subjects. And now, he'd never be able to talk to Mr. Gardiner again.

Perhaps, his shock was wear off or maybe it was the realization that he considered Mr. Gardiner a friend, but for whatever reason, Humphrey was filled with a deep sense of sadness.

The stack of money is a bit of a shock, and to an aspiring young businessman like William, he lingers on it a little bit. "I suspect we could make a fair bit of money by investing this," he says, his mind reflexively returning to his work. "What do you think John? I mean, we shouldn't rob the poor man, but what's all this cash?"

Edith enters the room after coming back upstairs. She calls into the room, "Hello! Is anyone still in here? I called the police and they are on their way."

As long as there is no visible threat John is just waiting for the police to arrive on scene to act as a witness and explain that based on his experience these wounds look self inflicted. Pacing near the body of Mr. Gardiner.

Humphrey eyes the scroll work closely and notes the location of the hidden button for later. Hopefully, after the coppers finish their investigation he'll have a moment or two to check the bookcase again. Truth be told he'd like to ask the police how he can retrieve the books he lent Mr. Gardiner. Perhaps, he should go back to his apartment to retrieve the receipts to prove ownership.

He returns his handkerchief to his breast pocket and walks back into the front room.

"Edith I think I might dust out and return to my room. I don't think there is much good to be had in all of us crowding around in here waiting for the coppers to arrive. I'm sure they will want to investigate the scene without being bothered by a bunch of tenants looking on." He takes a quick glance back at Mr. Gardiner's corpse.

"I think I need some tea to settle my nerves. If anyone would like to join me, I'd appreciate the company. Would you like me to bring a cuppa up for you, Edith?"

Edith looks more composed than she did earlier, but still very shaken. "No, Mr. Morris, thank you. I need to get back to Tommy. And the cats. Oh, poor Tommy!" she sniffles.

"It’s unfortunate that Tommy happened to come by when he did. You don’t think he saw anything do you? I can’t imagine…" . Humphrey shakes his head with concern.
"I have an idea. I think you should go back to Tommy. I’ll brew up a pot of tea and bring it over to your apartment along with a stack of funny pages I’ve been saving for the boy. By the time he catches up on "Buck Rogers" and "Popeye" the police will have come and gone and he’ll have forgotten all about the catsup on your dress. John and William can keep watch over the room until the police arrive. We can trust them to keep anyone else out, isn’t that right?"