The Writers' Circle

"Good morning, madam," the private detective said as he smiled at the old lady. "I am with The Times Paper and am writing an article about Mr X who lives next door to you. Could you kindly describe him in a few sentences?"

"Well... I must say that he is a lovely neighbour. He is always very polite, and once, he even carried my little kitty back from his porch when she wandered over. Although he is such a well-known musician, he is always humble and considerate. Just last week, he was listening to some classical music with a friend and the next day, he came to check if the music they played was too loud. Isn't he sweet?"

"Hmm... I have worked with Mr X in the orchestra for about fifteen years, and find him to be a rather temperamental old chap. He can also be rather egocentric at times, making comments to the conductor about how a piece should be played or telling the other musicians off. After practice, however, he can be quite friendly to those whom he deems fit enough to be in his company."

"Mr X is one of my favourite clients. I have been his gardener for more than thirty years, and while I do the mowing, weeding and other more strenuous work, he always looks after his plants. In fact, if you go round to his place, you will see that his flowers and fruits are the most beautiful and the healthiest in this town."

"I like Mr X. When Lassie and I play Frisbee, sometimes we have to go over to his garden to pick it up. Mr X always brings me a glass of yummy lemonade. He is like my grandfather."

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Two days later...

Local News Headlines

Mr Rupert X, a musician with the New Generation Philharmonic Orchestra, was arrested today for the murder of Mr Richard Dalton, a fellow musician. Mr Dalton's body was found buried in Mr X's garden, under a rose bush.

Mr Dalton was invited to Mr X´s home last Tuesday evening after their practice session, and while blasting Beethoven's Fifth, he shot Mr Dalton in the head which resulted in an immediate death. He then buried the body in his garden.

However, due to the storm last night, the soil was washed away. While Mr X was at an orchestra practice, a neighbour and his dog saw a finger sticking out from the soil when they went over to pick up a Frisbee that flew too far.

The motive for this murder is yet unknown. However, it has been speculated, by a reliable source, that there may be other bodies of missing people, who have crossed Mr X's path, buried in his garden. The diggers will be sent in to reaffirm this lead.