Before conducting ulterior questioning, the detective asked to be shown to the scene of the murder, as a way of getting a general idea of the whole ordeal, and make a preemptive guess, so that he could compare it to the revealed truth in the end; it was also a very necessary initial step for the success of the investigation, of course.

The crime scene was Beckwith's study, the private secondary place that had been mentioned by Hastings Jr., accessible by exiting the main drawing room, going left and straight down the corridor [on the right side were the kitchen and servants' quarters], beside the other smaller drawing room – used by the man for his personal guests, as told by Mr. Hastings. Mr. Alderton stopped at the doorstep to take in the full view: the chandelier's light showed a well-furnished room, with two windows at the back, a wooden draped chair behind a wooden table right in the center, two bookshelves on each side, a large, expensive-looking carpet on the ground. The body of Mr. Camden lay between the desk and one fallen bookcase from the right, contorted into an unnatural position, as his spine had been snapped by the weight of the sturdy piece of furniture. Books were scattered on the ground, and covering the man's lower-body. The detective took a couple of steps forward; turning around he observed two large paintings, one identifiable with lady Beckwith during more youthful times, the other must have been Beckwith Sr. He turned back to the other side. Every element was in perfect symmetry, except for one he'd almost not seen, a potted plant on the left corner near its corresponding window, half covered by the nearby bookshelf.

He finally went to take a closer look to the dead man. First impressions: he was wearing a mask, and smelled like alcohol. Mr. Alderton reminded himself once again to ask about the beverages served for that party. Laid on his chest, out of its intended pocket, was a golden watch with detailed carving which, upon further inspection, bore the familiar initials 'F.B.' on the inside. The windows were closed; there wasn't much to see outside, with the all-encompassing darkness of the late night.

Alderton walked back to the door, to speak to Hastings, who was waiting for him right outside: "I need a discreet room far from the one where all are waiting, so that i can start the interrogations."

"My son and I will immediately prepare the small drawing room right beside here, sir."

"And I need you to make sure that no one except me comes in here, unless I say so."

"That's what I've been doing this whole time, sir, you needn't worry."

He patted him on the shoulder with one hand, and offered the other to shake: "Your contributions will prove crucial to the solving of this... most unpleasant situation, kind gentleman."

The other shook the hand with a gleam of serious pride in his eye. He barely had time to blurt out a "Thank you, sir..." before the detective ran away to the main drawing room and announced his plans to the crowd.