Work Text:
Mr Satterthwaite had just eaten a delicious dinner; with a lobster and rissole potatoes among the dishes. He had been contemplating ordering tiramisu for dessert but then decided for an apple pie.
“A very reasonable decision,” someone said, approaching his table.
It was Mr Quin!
“I’m so glad to see you again. What decision do you have in mind though?”
“Ordering the apple pie. I think tiramisu will be perfect for a celebration later.”
“Celebration?”
“Well, reward for a difficult but necessary decision would be more precise. You should stop doubting yourself, Mr Satterthwaite, and should tell the police that the doctor is a murderer.”
“But he’s a doctor. I’m still trying to find some evidence that it wasn’t him,” Mr Satterthwaite sighed.
“Doctors are humans, too; with all the vices, desires and passions. Why wouldn’t he be a murderer? Moreover, you have all the necessary evidence, I believe…”
Mr Satterthwaite nodded. “You are right as always. Only he had the opportunity to switch the medicaments and kill his patient.”
Mr Quin bowed his head.
“Let me invite you and get you an apple pie, too,” Mr Satterthwaite suggested.
After the dessert they moved into the smoking room.
“You’ve been talking a lot about humans. I’ve just been wondering… We always meet so unexpectedly. Sometimes I’m afraid you are a ghost,” Mr Satterthwaite remarked, finally daring to ask.
“Afraid? You are such a reasonable man...”
“Others might find it strange if I were talking only to myself…”
“Don’t worry, Mr Satterthwaite, knowing how to walk quietly, staying in the shadows and the dim lights are usually of big help,” Mr Quin said quietly.
Mr Satterthwaite took a look at the chandelier – shining faintly, hanging under the ceiling. He turned back to his friend and saw that he was gone again.