Page 47 of Lost Cause
“There’s a passageway leading from the library up to the master bedroom,” Ugo said.
“Have you been in it recently?” Burke asked.
Ugo shook his head. “It’s Victor’s personal space, like his bedroom, and Sylvia and I don’t ever use it.”
“Do you know who has over the years?” Burke asked.
“Victor never really did, but Estelle used to.”
“Did Estelle like to shoot guns?”
“Estelle?” Ugo’s eyes widened. “She was far too much of a lady to touch a gun.”
“Have you seen or found any hidden storage cubbies in the house?” Burke was on a roll, so Abby sat back for now.
“I’ve never come across anything like that,” Ugo said.
“So you don’t know about the hidden compartment in the floor by the office fireplace?”
“No. Is there one?” His surprise seemed legit.
“Have you visited the greenhouse lately?” Burke wasn’t giving Ugo time to think, an interview method used to encourage him to say the first thing that came to mind.
Ugo raised his hands in frustration. “How would I even get to it? I’d need a machete, and there’s no point in going there when it might collapse on my head.”
“Have you seen anyone else in there?”
“Again, how would I see such a thing with the wall of greenery between it and the house?”
Burke took out his phone and displayed a picture of the locket. “Do you recognize this necklace?”
“Sure.” Ugo continued to study the screen. “It belonged to Estelle. She wore it every day.”
“So she had it on when she went missing?”
“I didn’t see her that day, but it seems likely.”
They needed a copy of the police files for Estelle’s disappearance, not only to check for any mention of a locket, but for any other details they might need to follow up on.
Abby would mention it later, but now, her questions. “Do you ever spend the night here?”
He looked at his hands. “I did, back when we lived in the servants’ quarters, but not since then.”
Avoiding eye contact could mean he was lying. “So in all the years you’ve worked here, you never missed the last ferry?”
“I didn’t say that,” Ugo lifted his head, his expression blank. “The few times itdidhappen, Victor arranged a water taxi for me. Did the same for Sylvia so neither of us had to stay over. As I’ve said, he likes his privacy. He particularly likes to be alone in the evening.”
She believed his last statement, but he seemed pretty wishy-washy about spending the night. Maybe his family members could further clarify. “Are you married? Have children?”
His eyes squeezed shut, brows knotting tight. “Was. Had a son. Both were killed in a hit and run three years ago.”
Oh no! Poor guy. If only she could take her question back. “I’m so sorry, Ugo. It must have been extremely hard to lose them.”
“Even more since I have no idea who hit them and got away with murder.” He shook his head. “Daniel took my sweet wife to Portland to buy a dress for our fiftieth wedding celebration. That makes it even worse.”
With such a terrible tragedy in Ugo’s past, Abby didn’t want to continue questioning him. He’d suffered mightily. Was still suffering. But he’d also been acting evasive, and she had to do her job. Still, she could offer some support. “I’ll pray for your comfort and peace, Ugo.”
He waved a hand. “Don’t trouble yourself. Walked away from God when He took my family. Your prayers won’t matter.”
