Murders Without Motive by Harry Nankin

he thought, “he is putting on weight, some room to talk.  The officer who had just consumed the last goodie. he was more over weight than I am”, thought Jack.
    He flopped down in his desk chair and opened the enveloped addressed, Jack the Hat, Tarporley.
    Within the large envelope was a bundle of interview notes.
    He read them one by one. The first being.
    Alma Brown. She was employed by the Cramptons` in the year 1981 as a house maid. She then worked for 25 years at the Hall. She could recall nothing during her domestic service that would indicate anyone would hold a grudge against the family. She resided locally in some local Alms Houses and still kept contact with the family until their deaths.
    Barry Wilson had been employed the same year when the Cramptons` returned from overseas. He had worked on the estate and in the gardens for 30 years during which time he could recall no major incident that might indicate there was any family feud or any other reason why anyone outside the family would wish to murder anyone in the family.
    Basil Evanson had been employed at the Estate for twenty years; he still resided in an Estate Cottage. He had been a groom and stable lad. He was able to offer no theories, suggestions or anything that might give any lead as to who would wish harm on this family.
    Bessie Bromley had worked on the estate when the Colonel and his new wife arrived from overseas as newly weds. She had continued to work there for ten years as a dairy maid and land girl. She left on marriage and commenced a family. Nothing had occurred during her service and she had heard nothing since which might give rise any suspicion against anyone.
    Mildred Barnes the children’s Governess since they were born. She had, according to estate records, been employed in this capacity for ten years. When the children had grown older and were being educated at boarding school she had changed her role.
    She had then become Lady Crampton`s companion until she was forced to retire with ill health some five years ago. She was currently in a local care home called the Westland’s. It has not been possible to interview her for at the time she was ill. Pended, for following up later.
    “Nothing in those papers which might give a lead” he sighed.
    “It may well be worth while interviewing the Governess, Miss Mildred Barnes, if she is well enough.” thought Jack, I will check with Pearson in case he followed it up but failed to record it.”
     
    At Chester Police Station Detective Inspector Pearson and Detective Sergeant Gibson arrived in the interview room.
    As was the normal procedure the officers sat opposite to the prisoner Charles Crampton, his solicitor seated next to him, note pad in hand.
    Pearson spoke, “I am Detective Inspector Pearson, seated next to me is Detective Sergeant Gibson. Immediately in front of me is seated the prisoner, Mister Charles Crampton and next to him Mister Templeton, his solicitor.”
    Sergeant Gibson then gave the statutory caution.
     
    “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence”
    ”
    He added “This interview is being taped and a video record is being filmed. On completion of this interview your legal representative will be supplied with original unedited copies of both, should you so request.”
    “Would you please confirm that your name is Charles Crampton?” said Pearson.
    “Yes” replied Crampton.
    “Do you reside at Crampton Hall?”
    “Yes” replied Crampton after a confirming nod form Templeton.
    “Are you the son of Colonel and Mrs Crampton"?
    “Yes” he replied.
    “Is it correct that at this moment in time you have run up many thousands of pounds in betting and other debts?”
    “No comment” said he.
    “Is it correct that for some years you have been in dispute with your parents and siblings over the fact that they objected