The Bismarck Terrace was a very unusual lodge. It contained fourteen bedrooms, twelve on the second floor. The master bedroom and a small bedroom were on the first floor. An inside stair crept along a side wall until the stairs reached the second floor. A person then could either turn to the right and see six bedrooms, or when turning to the left, six more bedrooms could be seen. In front of all the bedrooms was a three foot railing to hinder the falling off the stairway to drop into the lounge below. The lounge below was a large one. A flat wall TV screen was on an end wall, and another flat screen TV screen was at the other end wall. There were numerous lounge chairs scattered in the lounge, many facing the TV screens. There were many small tables sitting near lounge chairs. However, there were no table or floor lamps. Plenty of light beamed down from brilliant wall lights. One could read a newspaper or a book. However, things were happening in the kitchen. Stella, the black maid was preparing breakfast for her bosses, Mr. and Mrs. James Stone and their guests. Mom Stone was helping Stella. “The coffee’s made.” Mom said. “I’ll finish setting the table for eight settings. I’m sure glad I live in New Smyrna Beach, Florida this December. The TV news last night showed all the snow Buffalo got in one day. One of the main highways was plugged with many semi-trucks and cars who couldn’t drive in the deep snow.” Stella nodded. “That’s why I’m down here instead of being in Michigan. I can’t stand cold weather and the snow “ She admitted. “Good morning Stella and Mom.” James Stone stated. “Coffee smells good.” “Hi folks.” Arthur Stone said, looking at his brother. “Congratulations for your big day, big brother and your nice wife June.” “Thanks for letting me share a bedroom for the big day.” Dick Stone said, older son of James and June Stone. “I have a few days off from the police thank goodness. Never a dull moment there.” Thomas and Mary Benson, cousin of James , entered the kitchen. “Good morning gang.” Thomas reported. “Arrived late last night, as Mary worked late yesterday afternoon. Didn’t get a chance to say congratulations to you James and June. Hope there will be more such days.” Thomas seemed like an expert as he sat in his wheel hair and moved the handle so the chair went where he wanted the chair to go. “We’re only a fifteen minute drive from here.” Betty Benson, daughter of Thomas and Mary entered the kitchen. “Good morning. Nice to see our relatives again. I had a terrible night last night. Guess I ate something which didn’t agree with me. I feel better this morning.” June Stone looked at their guests in the kitchen. “The others will be here for the noon meal.” She reported. “Looks like Stella has breakfast ready. Please sit at the dining table and start eating.” She glanced at her husband. “Our younger son Samuel hasn’t appeared.” She looked at Stella. “Stella. Would you please go upstairs, waken Sam, and tell him he’s late for breakfast.” She instructed. “Yes, Mrs. Stone.” Stella replied and left the room. Moments later there was a scream from an upstairs room. Stella came rushing to the dining table. Her eyes were misty. She was about ready to cry as she looked at her mistress. “I believe Mr. Sam shot himself.” She reported. “Looked as if he’s not alive. He’s still grasping the pistol in his left hand. There’s blood all over the pillow and bed sheets.” Nearly every person started to rise from their dining chairs. Detective Dick Stone spoke in a loud voice. “Don’t any of you go to his bedroom.” He ordered. “I have a camera in my car. I’ll get that and take some pictures. Nobody touches anything in that room. I’m calling the police for more help.” He glanced at Stella. “Which bedroom is Sam in?” He asked. “The sixth room left of the stairs.” Stella replied. Her face still was a sad one. Seven people resumed eating, but they weren’t enthused having to remain sitting. The detective hurried back with a camera. He didn’t stop in the dining room. He headed for the stairs. When the detective entered the bedroom he stopped abruptly. Seeing his younger brother in a bloody bed didn’t set well. He’d seen many dead bodies during his time with the police, but none of the bodies belonged to a member of the Stone family, as this one did.
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