Chapter 2: The mysterious letter

Emily and Lucy decided to pay a visit to Henry's wife, Margaret, to see if she knew anything about the mysterious letter. As they arrived at the Thompson estate, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The house seemed more quiet than usual and the air was thick with tension.

Margaret greeted them warmly, but her eyes betrayed a deep sadness. "Please, come in. I'm so glad you're here". As they sat down in the living room, Emily pulled out the letter. "We found this among Henry's papers. Do you recognize the handwriting?"

Margaret's eyes widened as she took the letter. "Where did you find this?"

"In Henry's desk drawer", Lucy replied. Margaret's face went pale. "I haven't seen this letter before, but... I think I know who might have written it". "Who?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

Margaret hesitated before speaking. "Henry's business partner, Thomas Brown. They had a falling out a few weeks ago. I don't know what it was about, but... I think it might be connected to this letter".

Emily's mind racing. Thomas Brown was a well-respected member of the community. Could he be involved in Henry's murder?. "Let's talk to Thomas", Emily said, determination in her voice.

Lucy nodded. "We need to get to the bottom of this".

As they arrived at Thomas Brown's office, Emily could feel her heart racing. What would they find out? Would Thomas be willing to talk?

Thomas greeted them warmly, but his eyes seemed nervous. "What can I do for you, Emily? Lucy? Emily got straight to the point. "We found a letter among Henry's papers. It seems to suggest a meeting at the old oak at midnight. Do you know anything about it?"

Thomas expression changed from calm to shocked. "Where did you find that?". "In Henry's desk drawer ", Lucy replied.

Thomas took a deep breath before speaking. "I wrote that letter. It I didn't mean for anything bad to happen. I just wanted to... discuss some business with Henry"

Emily's eyes narrowed. "What kind of business?"

Thomas hesitated before speaking. "We were having some disagreements about the direction of our company. I wanted to talk to him about it, but... I didn't mean for it to end like this". Lucy's voice was firm. "We need know more Thomas. What really happened that night?"

Thomas sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'll tell you everything. But please, you have to believe me. I did not kill Henry". Thomas began to tell his story. Thomas took a deep breath before he continued. "I arrived at the old oak at midnight, just like the letter said. Henry was already there and we started arguing about the company. He wanted to take it in a different direction and I did not agree. We both said some things we didn't mean and...it got heated".

Emily's eyes were fixed on Thomas. "What happened next?"

Thomas hesitated, looking around the room nervously. "I left. I just got in my car and drove away. I didn't want to be around him anymore. And then... I heard about his death the next day".

Lucy's voice was skeptical. "You expect us to believe you just left and did no harm to Henry?"

Thomas nodded. "I swear, that's the truth. I didn't kill Henry. I don't know who did, but it want me". Emily studied this face, trying to read his expression. Was he telling the truth, or was he hiding something?

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them. Thomas's assistant poked her head in. "Thomas, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a detective here to see you".

Thomas's eyes widened in surprise. "Detective? What does he want?" The assistant shrugged. "He did not say. But he looks serious". Thomas stood up, his face pale. "I'll go talk to him. Please, Emily, Lucy, wait here"

As Thomas left the room, Emily turned to Lucy. "What do you think? Is Thomas telling the truth?"

Lucy shook her head. "I don't know. But I think we're about to find out".