Play@YSDC

Delaying the visit to the Desolate Highway Café for now, the investigators head over to the Orne Library to find the place from which Frank Charlton met his death.

On the way, they are lucky to meet Henry Glynn, fresh from his visit to the local police. They fill each other in on their findings, and then resume their short journey to the library.

Unfortunately, that worthy institution is closed. A sign hangs on the door, notifying that it will reopen in the morning, at the usual time of 8am.

"Do any of you have the authority to get the building opened for us to investigate?"

Henry Glynn

"Hello old friend!" Henry is delighted to see Balzac.

Henry proceeds to introduce himself to Harrison:

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Henry Glynn - perhaps you've read one of my books?"

"I don't have the authority," says Alice, "but Dr. Bricknell might. I can ask him if he can get us access to the roof."

"Harrison Matthews. I'm sorry but I don't get to do much pleasure reading." Harrison smiles. "Pleased to meet you."

Balzac beams happily. "M. Glynn, it is always the pleasure to catch up. We are all reunited, ready for more travails."

"But I must tell your about this most interesting mystery." Balzac quickly summarises for Henry the coroner's findings.

Just then the door opens and someone comes out. It is Daniel Reardon, the student librarian. He is wearing his coat, and is surprised to see the investigators.

“Oh!” he exclaims. “Sorry but we closed because of the police investigation. We’ll be open again tomorrow.”

He recognizes Alice. “You’re Alice Stanton, aren’t you? If you need something particular, I’m sure nobody will mind. The police aren’t looking around in here anymore. Just don’t take too long though.”

Balzac points into the library.

"Come, mes amis, let's see what mysteries the library can reveal."

Daniel lets the companions into the library and they make their way up the stairs, eventually finding the door to the roof.

Ordinarily kept locked, it has obviously been bashed in with great force. The lock and door handle lay on the floor, their former position marked by a splintered mess.

A line of police tape covers the doorway.

Harrison examines to door to see if there are any markings to show what was used to smash the door (e.g. hammer, crowbar, fists...).

There are no tool marks around the door or the lock.

Alice peers past the police tape to see what's visible on the roof itself.

What can be seen of the roof from the door looks very ordinary, there is nothing of interest.

Balzac peers at the police tape.

"Is there some way to move the tape, to get into the roof, I wonder?"

The tape looks like it could be moved, and replaced after. Of course, the companions run the risk of trespassing on a crime scene.

"Time, as we say in medicine, to carpe the Hell out of that diem. With apologies to Horace."

Balzac had a quick, guilty look around then carefully moves the tape, stepping out onto the roof. He is careful to hopefully not be seen and even more hopefully not fall off. Balzac starts looking about.

The roof is bare and there is nothing to find. Peering over the side, the companions would be able to see the steps below where Frank Charlton met his fate – for the second time?

Henry Glynn

"Shall we call on Biff Williams next? In fact I was on my way to do so when I ran into you lot."

"Yes, let's go," says Alice. "We still have time before we go to the café. He's in the East Dorm."