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"Morning, Constable," the officer greeted. "I assume these are the detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary?"
Mulberry nodded. "Yes, this is Inspector Amelia Winters and Consultant Detective Finn Wright. They're here to investigate the incident. At the behest of the Home Office, no less."
The officer glanced at Finn and Amelia, sizing them up with a quick, professional eye. "Very well. You can go through. The forensic team is already inside. They're waiting for you."
Mulberry drove past the checkpoint, and as they neared the castle, the full extent of the flood’s impact became apparent. Mud-streaked walls, uprooted vegetation, and a general sense of upheaval surrounded the ancient building. Despite its resilient appearance, the castle bore the scars of the flood, its lower regions stained with the remnants of the rushing waters.
Amelia opened her notebook, jotting down observations, while Finn continued to survey the area. "Looks like the river hit hard here," he remarked, noting the swollen waterway's proximity to the castle.
"Yes," Mulberry responded, "the river broke its banks at the worst possible point. The castle's position usually protects it from the worst of the weather, but this time it was right in the flood's path. Everything that's happened, flood and bodies, it's also more sensitive than usual."
“Lives are lives,” Finn said.
“I agree!” Mulberry said, enthusiastically. “But given the history of the castle and the family who owns it, there's a lot of pressure on us. I don't believe that's right, but it is what it is.”
“What do you know about the castle and family, Mulberry?” Finn asked. He was always a strong believer that the history to a place was its foundation.
“The Keatings?” Mulberry answered. “I'm no expert, but I do know they've owned the castle for hundreds of years. And the castle goes back further than that. The Keatings themselves are somewhat famous in the area because they donate a percentage of their income to local communities. They're that rare breed that's equally respected by working class people like me and high society types with more money than sense.”
“You'd make a great tour guide,” Finn joked.
“It would certainly be less stressful,” Mulberry laughed, his youth coming through clear and pure.
Mulberry finally parked the car, and they stepped out into the cool, damp air. The ground squelched underfoot, a reminder of the floodwaters that had only recently receded.
Finn looked up at the towering castle, its red sandstone a striking defiant figure against the dreariness of the day.
As they approached the entrance, Finn noticed Amelia's gaze was drawn to the upper windows of the castle, her detective's intuition seemingly sensing something. Finn followed her gaze, feeling a tingle of anticipation, wondering if she too was encountering the weight of the place and its history.
As Constable Mulberry led Finn and Amelia towards the arched entrance of St Martin Castle, they were greeted by a figure who appeared more aristocrat than police officer. Inspector Ulman stood with a fine rain starting from above. His attire was immaculate. His long beige coat open and showing a black suit that was crisp and perfectly tailored, complementing his neatly groomed mustache and slicked-back hair. A man in his forties, he carried an air of authority, and Finn wondered if he had a military past.
"Inspector Ulman, these are Inspector Amelia Winters and Consultant Detective Finn Wright," Mulberry introduced.
Ulman's gaze was evaluative, sweeping over Finn and Amelia with a hint of disapproval. "Ah, yes, the Hertfordshire team," he said, his voice laced with a barely concealed disdain. "I was informed of your arrival, though I must say, I find it quite unnecessary. We have the situation well in hand here."
Amelia offered a polite smile, though Finn could sense her patience thinning. "Inspector Ulman, we appreciate your team's efforts, but our presence here is at the direct request of the Home Office," she replied, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Ulman's eyebrows raised slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "I assure you, Inspector Winters, our investigation is proceeding as expected. There's no need for external interference."
Finn watched the exchange, noting the tension that hung in the air like a heavy mist. Amelia’s composure was admirable, but even she had limits to her patience.
With a measured tone, Amelia responded, "I understand your concerns, Inspector Ulman, but our involvement is not a matter of choice. We're here under orders—"
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice so only Ulman could hear. "Unofficially, those orders come from the Prime Minister himself."
The revelation seemed to unnerve Ulman, his previously composed demeanor faltering ever so slightly. He straightened his tie, a nervous tic that betrayed his discomfort. "Well, that is... unexpected," he admitted, his voice losing some of its earlier confidence.
Finn wondered if, with a possible military background, that Inspector Ulman had predisposition to respect the chain of command, despite his grievances.
"I can assure you, Inspector Ulman, we're here to assist, not to undermine your work," Amelia continued, her tone firm yet diplomatic. "Our goal is to solve this case as efficiently as possible."
"Yeah," Finn said. "Besides, the more the merrier. I'm sure we'll be out of your hair in a few days."
Ulman nodded. "Finn Wright, the American Special Agent, yes?"
"That's right."
Ulman let out a dim smile, which he soon put back in check. "I served with some of your boys."
