Chapter 2043 Catching Wind
Before Maya could complete her sentence, the bedroom door swung open with a gentle creak. “What are you two doing in here?” Looking at Mabel’s carefully done make-up, it reminded Maya of a phrase she had often used in her childhood.
“The old witch.” The way Mabel switches between her two personas really makes her the old witch of the Simpson residence. How Wilbur attributed his accident to the wind sounded as if somebody had meant him harm. The only people in his family with a motive to do that are Mabel and Nicholas. Both of them have something to do with this. I can feel it. Well, a good chance to prove my hypothesis has presented itself.
“Mrs. Simpson,” Maya asked as she scrutinized the older woman’s expression for the slightest hint of betrayal, “Wilbur was just telling me about how he was pushed off the ship. Who do you think has the most reason to do so?”
Mabel’s heart skipped a beat. Through sheer force of will, she rearranged her features to feign a look of surprise. “What did you say? Wilbur was pushed into the ocean?”
She continued, turning to her stepson. “Is that so, Wil? I seem to recall hearing you say a gust of strong wind blew you off the ship. I’m not sure if we can even take you seriously given your current state.”
“Maya,” Mabel went on in a deadpan voice as she turned to the younger woman, “I’ll relay what Wilbur has said to Rodney and have him investigate which wind it was that was responsible for this mishap.”
Maya chuckled politely. “I don’t care what Wilbur said, Mrs. Simpson, I still think it’s a person.”
I’m thinking Nicholas, specifically. Let’s see what you have to say to that!
Mabel let out an unnatural sounding giggle.
“I respectfully disagree. Don’t worry, I’ll tell Rodney exactly what the boy said and let him decide. Perhaps my husband would come to the same conclusion as me. That Wilbur is hopelessly and irrevocably insane.”
Maya knew well that Mabel was abusing Wilbur’s condition to discredit anything he said.
The only choices I can sort this out are to either have somebody procure some form of evidence of their involvement, or to wait for Wilbur to regain his faculties and tell us what really happened. I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon, so private investigator it is.
“You’re right, Mrs. Simpson. I trust Mr. Simpson’s wisdom would lead him to the right conclusion. I’ll stick by my assertion and have the matter thoroughly investigated. At my own expense, of course.”
If you and your son did it, I will find out about it.
Mabel was breathless with fear. I hope Nicholas did not leave any loose ends for Maya to pick up. I’m going to remind him to take care of them afterwards.
“It warms my heart to see you so protective of Wilbur, Maya. Well, enjoy the rest of your day. I have matters to attend to.”
Just as Mabel was turning around to leave, Wilbur fell forward as if he had tripped and brought his stepmother down with him.
“Ah!” Mabel cried as she went down. Bruises on her hip and shoulder were already blossoming rapidly by the time her furious gaze turned upward. She was about to deliver a savage reprimand when Maya’s voice brought her back to her senses. “Are you all right, Mrs. Simpson? Here, let me help you up.”
She glared at Wilbur who had resumed a standing position. “What was that about, Wil?”
If Maya weren’t here, I would have given you a whipping you’d never forget!
Wilbur averted his gaze timidly away from her.
Maya stepped in quickly. “Wilbur didn’t mean it, Mrs. Simpson. You couldn’t blame him for tripping, could you? Look at how you’d frighten him!”
