Decisions of Judgment

By Dr. Teddy Brodie Osantowski

This is a familys decision to make judgments that lead to subterfuge and murder. A young private investigator is hired to discover the identity of a person whose name is on an old paycheck. He uncovers the generations of secrets kept by the family.

The investigator must become judge and jury to protect family members who are unaware of the secrets. Afterward, he is torn with doubt and remorse about his decisions and must seek counsel to accept his decisions of judgment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496930941

Dr. Teddy Brodie Osantowski

Dr. Teddy Brodie Osantowski is a retired teacher, education administrator, and college instructor. She lives in Nevada. Dr. Osantowski has written seven books: “The Little Survivor,” about child abuse in America; “The Black Landed Gentry of Montgomery County,” about black land owners in the south whose land was taken by eminent domain; “God Made Me,” a Christian children’s book; “Year of the Unicorn,” about international love and political conflict; and a trilogy, including “Crucial Mission,” “Decisions of Judgment,” and “The Package,” the cases handled by Lance Collins a young, cocky, private investigator. Copyright @ 2003 and 2014 by Teddy Brodie Osantowski

Book preview

Chapter Two

Search For The

Marquise de Marchet

T he sun had formed a path on the water when the last guest left. Raphael, caterer to the group and owner of Le Manore, directed his staff in the cleaning and disposal of uneaten food and trash left behind by the guests. When the rooms were in pristine condition as the staff had found them, Raphael, took another look around before he quietly closed the front door, walked to his Lamborghini and roared off into the bright light of the morning.

The Marquise’s servants began to rise - Gustave, the butler and chauffer, Marie, the cook, Mme. Leger, a widow, was the head housekeeper whose staff consisted of Lillie, the downstairs maid, and Camille, the upstairs maid. Veronica was the Marquise’s personal maid and secretary. Yvette was the madam’s personal hairdresser.

Each morning Gustave arose first and checked the downstairs rooms for the Marquise’s use. Then he went to the kitchen to make sure Marie was making breakfast and that Mme. Leger had prepared the day’s menus and had ordered the foods to make each dish.

Mme. Leger supervised the maids in tying back the heavy velvet curtains and making fires in the fireplaces on cool days. Veronica went to the Marquise’s boudoir to awaken her, draw her bath water, and help her dress for breakfast. If the Marquise wanted breakfast in bed, as she often did, Veronica rang the kitchen and Camille would bring the food tray upstairs. After breakfast, Yvette would style the Marquise’s hair. The Marquise was a proud woman and wanted every strand of her hair to be in place whether she was expecting guests or just staying at home without visitors.

This day all the servants performed their daily rituals including Veronica. When Veronica entered the Marquise’s boudoir, she noticed that the bed had not been slept in.

She called for her mistress, but got no answer. She walked into both the dressing room and the sitting room, but found no one. Walking out to the balcony, she tried to look down to the rocks below but the wall was too high to peer over. Back downstairs, she reported to Gustave.

Madame might have gone home with one of her friends. I’m sure she’ll be home soon. Does she have any appointments for today?

No. She usually doesn’t schedule anything after one of her big parties.

Well, we’ll just wait until noon. She’ll probably be back by then. Come on, let’s have breakfast.

The two entered the kitchen and informed the others of Madame’s absence. Lillie spoke up, Oh, maybe we’ll get a holiday.

Quiet Lillie, Mme. Leger spoke. Whether Madame is here or not, we have our work to do. It’s your day to polish the silver and as soon as you finish eating, you will do so.

The conversation at the servant’s table changed to gossip from the village where they all had grown up. The talk calmed their anxiety.

It was time for lunch and the Marquise had not returned. Gustave did not start to worry until Mme. Leger interrupted him as he was reading the newspaper at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Lamay, the Marquise should be back by now. Is there anyone we can call to find out if they know where she could be?

I’d rather not bother her friends until we really have to. Let’s wait until 5:00 p.m. If she’s not back then, we’ll have to take some action.

What action?

I’m not sure at this time. Let’s just wait.

After Mme. Leger left the room, Gustave put down the paper and started to think. He felt uneasy. It was not like the Marquise to stay away from home this long without informing him of her plans. He did not want to worry the ladies, but he felt that the situation was getting too difficult for him to handle. But he had told Mme. Leger that they would wait until 5:00 p.m. and he would do just that.

Mme. Leger entered the room and told him that the gardener wanted to know if he should move the rose bushes that the Marquise had told him she wanted moved. Gustave didn’t want to alarm any of the staff.

Tell him that the Marquise will let him know before the end of the week.

Gustave was overcome with his feeling of helplessness. Without the presence of his mistress to confer with, he had to make decisions on his own, which he hoped Madame would approve of when she returned.

When the clocks throughout the villa began to chime the five o’clock hour, Gustave felt dread. He knew that the time had come to notify the authorities. He rose and slowly walked to the telephone.

He spoke loudly into the mouth piece, I need someone to come to Villa de Beau as soon as possible.

The voice on the other end spoke. What is the problem?

The Marquise de Marchet seems to have gone missing from the villa. We need some help in locating her.

How long has she been gone?

It was sometime after midnight.

Why didn’t you call earlier?

We have been waiting for her to return.

Well, maybe she will return.

It is not like the Marquise to stay away so long without informing me.

What is your name, Monsieur?

I am Gustave Lamay, the butler and chauffer.

Okay, we’ll send someone out.

Gustave had worked for the Marquis de Marchet family for forty years. He had seen the late Marquis marry his first wife, who later died in an automobile accident, then, his second wife, who had just gone missing. The late Marquis was just a young man when Gustave had come to work for the family after his predecessor had died. The family had been fond of his predecessor, Emile Roche, but over the years the family had grown just as fond of Gustave as he had of them.

Gustave particularly liked the current Marquise de Marchet. She was a frail and short of statue, but a determined woman who was always friendly to the staff and who took care of them with good wages and financial assistance to their extended families when needed. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for her. He felt more like her protector now that the Marquis was gone.

He went to the kitchen and summoned the staff to join him. When they had all assembled, he told him that he had called the authorities and that they would soon arrive.

The young ladies started to cry. When Mme. Leger tried to shush them, Camille wailed, Something bad has happened to her.

Mme. Leger shouted, Shut up, you silly girl. You don’t know nothing.

But the two young ladies continued to cry, though softly. Gustave felt the same as Camille, but did not want the women to know. He dismissed the staff. They returned to the downstairs servant’s area where they could, openly, vent their anxiety. Gustave walked into the front sitting room to sit and wait.

Soon he heard the tires of a car crunching the gravel on the driveway. He rose slowly and walked to the door. A man in a gray suit with a white straw hat stood on the door step.

I am Inspector Andre Bonnet and this is my assistant, Eugene Baptiste.

I am Gustave Lamay, the butler and chauffer to the Marquise de Marchet. Come in please.

Both men entered the vast foyer. Both looked up at the massive chandelier that hung above their heads. Gustave could sense that they were not accustomed to entering the homes of the super wealthy. He directed them into the front sitting room.

The visitors hesitated to sit on the ornate sofas. Gustave flicked his wrist toward a sofa to indicate they were to sit. All three sat down. Eugene took out a note pad and began to write. The inspector spoke, Now tell us what happened.

The Marquise held a party last night with over thirty people attending. When the staff and I arose this morning, we could not find her. We waited for her to return at lunch time and now that it is late in the afternoon, she is still not back."

Where do you think she had gone?

I have no idea.

Could she have gone home with one of her guests?

That is possible.

Did you call her guests?

No. I did not wish to bother them.

My God man, ring them immediately. She could be just visiting.

Gustave walked over to the house phone and called Veronica. He told her to bring the Marquise’s guest list and telephone book.

Meanwhile, the two policemen eyed the vast room with its opulent furnishings. Both men were sitting on a Louis XIV sofa which was covered with, gold-colored, rich brocade. They sat stiffly lest their movements damaged the exquisite fabric.

Soon Veronica entered the room holding the list and the address book.

Gustave commanded, Veronica ring each person on the guest list and ask if they have seen Madame.

Veronica started to sob.

Inspector Bonnet spoke, Give me the list and I’ll call for you.

Gustave was not pleased with the inspector’s decision. He felt that Madame’s friends should not be worried unnecessarily.

If you please, I’ll call them sir.

All right, if you wish.

Gustave took the items from the sobbing woman, waving his hand toward her, he dismissed Veronica and spoke, You may return to your quarters Veronica.

Veronica left the room.

Gustave looked at the first name on the list - Marquis Maurice Roulot. He looked up the name in the address book and had to steady his finger before he dialed the number.

He heard the ringing sounds then a male voice answered, May I help you?

Yes, this is Gustave Lamay, the butler and chauffer of Villa de Beau. Has the Marquise de Marchet been to your villa today?

No she hasn’t. Would you like to speak with the Marquis?

No. Thanks very much.

Gustave continued the calls until he had reached the end of the list. None of the servants of the other villas had seen the Marquise de Marchet that day. Gustave lowered his head, closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. He was very, very tired. It had been a long day.

Inspector Bonnet stood. Are you sure you have searched this place from top to bottom?

Well, we searched her boudoir and called her name as we walked through the corridors.

That is not enough. My assistant, Baptiste, and I will make a thorough search of this place. We’ll start in her boudoir if you will show us the way.

Gustave led the men up the winding staircase to the second floor. He started to enter the room behind the inspector and his assistant.

No, Mr. Lamay, the inspector spoke, Carry on with your work. We’ll call you if we need you.

Gustave headed for the stairs. He knew it was best to inform the staff of what had transpired, thus far. They needed him at this time.

Inspector Bonnet directed, Baptiste, you take the toilette and sitting room while I work in the boudoir.

The two men parted. Both searched diligently for any clue that would lead them to know where the Marquise de Marchet could be. Then they searched the other rooms on the second floor before they moved on to the first floor. After that search, Inspector Bonnet went back to the kitchen and asked Veronica to step into the front room with him.

What was the Marquise wearing when you last saw her?

She wore a gown made of purple peau de soie with beaded trim. She wore her jewelry as always.

And what jewelry was that?

She had on a diamond necklace with a hanging diamond pendant, diamond drop earrings, and a diamond bracelet. Her jewelry is worth a fortune. She doesn’t like to wear paste - you know false jewelry.

Could someone have entered the house after her guests left and carted her away?

No. I don’t think so. She would have many guests at her parties and the last person to leave was always Raphael, the caterer who owns La Manore.

What is his number?

Veronica walked over to the table where Gustave had left the telephone book and looked up Raphael’s number. She gave it to the inspector.

Inspector Bonnet dialed the number. After two rings a female voice answered, La Manore.

Raphael, please.

He’s gone home.

What is his home number?

Who are you?

I am Inspector Andre Bonnet.

So why do you want to talk to Raphael?

It is police business. Give me his number.

The voice was delayed a long while before giving the number to the inspector.

Inspector Bonnet dialed the number.

The male voice spoke, Raphael.

Raphael, this is Inspector Andre Bonnet. I have a question to ask you.

Sounding surprised, Yes?

When you left Villa de Beau this morning, do you know if the Marquise was still in the house?"

Of course, why do you want to know?

Just answer the question.

Yes. She was still in the house.

How do you know that?

"Around 2:00 a.m. she told me that she had a headache. I saw her go up the stairs to the second floor. She never came back so I assumed that her headache had not gotten better.

Did anyone else go upstairs after her?

No.

How can you be sure?

The Marquise uses me and my staff as security during her parties. She wears a lot of expensive jewelry but she doesn’t want her guests to feel unsafe by having regular security people in attendance. Therefore, my staff and I act as her security and keep a close eye on not only who is in attendance and who goes where in the house, but also where she goes and with whom.

So you’re sure she never left the house?

Of course, what is the problem?

We’ll contact you later.

The inspector hung up the phone. Baptiste, let’s go back to the boudoir.

The two men hurried up the stairs. Gustave waited impatiently for them to return.

What could they have learned? He wondered.

The inspector walked through the boudoir to the balcony. He stood silently as he looked out onto the sea. Then he walked to the edge of the balcony and peered over. He saw the glint of an object in the fading light of the day.

Eugene, there’s something down there.

His assistant looked over the edge and saw it too. It’s some kind of object giving off a strong gleam.

Yes. Let’s get back downstairs.

The two men raced down the stairs, past Gustave and out the door. Gustave wondered about their haste and ran after them. The inspector ran toward the back of the house which sat on the edge of a rocky cliff. There was no way to reach the spot they had observed from the balcony.

I’m afraid we’ll have to get some help in here to rappel down from the balcony to check out the site on the rocks more closely. Baptiste, call headquarters.

The Inspector’s assistant headed to the servants’ side door to make the call.

Chapter Three

Suicide Of The Marquise de Marchet

I t didn’t take long for a team of investigators to come with a well-equipped truck which held ropes, torches, stretchers, tarpaulins, and other needed items. Inspector Bonnet spoke with one of the men and they entered the house and climbed the staircase to survey what had been seen from the boudoir.

Gustave knew that dreaded findings had been discovered right then. He went to the kitchen and asked the staff to come into the front