“Excuse me,” said Detective Tinsel as he moved between rows of seated elves. He took his seat in the auditorium beside Inspector Garland. “Nice seats,” he said, greeting the inspector.
Glad you could make it, Detective. "I wanted a good view of the hot cocoa competition since my niece is a finalist this year. “
Two elves walked onto the stage that was decorated elegantly for the Christmas Cocoa Competition. Flocked Christmas trees with twinkling white lights, silver and gold ribbon trimmings, and a small round table with a white table cloth decorated the stage. A stout elf in a chef’s hat and uniform took a seat at the table. Detective Tinsel recognized the elf to be Chef Pierre Bell the cocoa judge. His assistant, a petite lady elf in a green dress and red apron with pockets, helped push in his chair and spread a white linen napkin across his lap. The Christmas music playing in the auditorium died down and the crowd hushed and to hear Pierre speak.
"Will the two finalists bring out their hot cocoa?” called Pierre.
Two elves walked onto the stage. The first was a lanky red-headed elf who was so nervous that his trembling hand caused the mug to clink rapidly against the saucer underneath. He placed a steaming mug of hot cocoa in front of Pierre and backed away. He twisted his hands in his apron as Pierre smelled and then tasted the cocoa. He took a thoughtful pause and wiped the chocolate remains from his mouth and mustache with his napkin. Pierre's assistant set the mug to the side.
Next the inspector’s niece moved forward and set her mug of cocoa topped with marshmallows in front of Pierre. He looked in the mug, sniffed, and took a drink. As he set the mug on its saucer, his assistant cleared her throat to get his attention and motioned to his mustache. "A marshmallow, Sir.”
Pierre lifted his napkin and wiped the chocolate soaked marshmallow away.
"I have decided.” Pierre announced to the crowd. “The winner of the best hot cocoa recipe is…”
A surprised and pained expression crossed Pierre’s face. A second later, he slumped to the side and collapsed onto the floor.
Pierre's assistant dropped down behind the table to help, but she quickly jumped back up and yelled "Help! I think he’s dead! “ The room filled with shrieks and gasps from the audience.
In a few moments, the auditorium was cleared of everyone except the finalists and Pierre’s assistant who remained on the stage and were now joined by Detective Tinsel and Inspector Garland.
"From the looks of it, he was poisoned.” said Inspector Garland.
“Poisoned?” said Garland’s niece.
"The hot cocoa!” Pierre’s assistant gasped.
The team from the coroners office was about to cover the body when Detective Tinsel asked to see him once more. Pierre wore traditional chef’s whites. Not a drop of hot chocolate had touched the white jacket, checkered pants, or clean linen napkin still on his lap. Inspector Garland pulled Detective Tinsel aside. We will have to take both cups of cocoa to be checked for poison, but I can't believe my niece did this. I think we should hold the other finalist for questioning until poison is confirmed in his cup.”
"I don't think it’s necessary to hold the finalist or test the hot cocoa. Pierre's assistant murdered him. Just check her apron pockets.”
Why does Detective Tinsel suspect Pierre's assistant?
Answer:
When Detective Tinsel inspected Pierre’s body he noticed that the napkin on his lap was completely clean even after he had wiped chocolate from his mouth with it twice. It was clear to him that the assistant had put the poison on the napkin. When she dropped to the floor to help him, she was actually switching out the poisoned napkin that he used to wipe his mouth with a fresh one to hide the evidence. The soiled napkin was indeed in her apron pockets and Inspector Garland arrested her for the murder of Pierre Bell.
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