3
The rooms were quickly divided.
Counting from the front entrance, Van, Orczy and Poe occupied the left and Ellery, Agatha, Carr and Leroux the right.
After the six had disappeared into their rooms with their luggage, Van leant back against the door of his own room, took out a Seven Stars cigarette from his ivory down vest and put it in his mouth. Having done his work, he stared keenly into the dimly-lit decagonal hall.
The walls were made of white plaster. The floor was covered with blue oversized tiles and, unlike most Japanese homes, you could walk inside with your shoes on. The ceiling rose diagonally upwards from the ten walls and in the centre was a decagonal skylight, from which light kissed the exposed rafters before falling on the white decagonal table. Ten chairs with blue cloths covering their whitewood framework surrounded the table. Those were the only decorations in the room, save for the round lamp hanging from the rafters like a pendulum.
There was no electricity. Natural light from the skylight was the only source of illumination, which is why, even during the day, a mysterious atmosphere permeated the hall.
After a while Poe, dressed in discoloured jeans and a light blue shirt, stepped languidly out of his room.
‘Oh, you’re fast. Wait, I’ll make some coffee now.’
Holding his half-smoked cigarette between his fingers, Van walked to the kitchen. He was currently a third year student in the science faculty, which meant he was one year younger than Poe, who was a fourth year student in the medical faculty.
‘Thanks. Must have been a hassle bringing the big stuff like the blankets.’
‘Not at all. I had some people help me.’
Agatha also appeared from her door, busy wrapping her long hair with a scarf.
‘These are pretty good rooms, Van. I’d expected something much worse—Coffee? I’ll make it.’
Cheerfully Agatha walked into the kitchen, where she saw a glass bottle with a black label on the counter.
‘Instant coffee?’
She picked the bottle up with a look of displeasure and shook it.
‘Don’t be picky,’ replied Van. ‘You’re not at a resort hotel, you’re on an uninhabited island.’
Agatha pouted her rose-coloured lips.
‘And the food supplies?’
‘In the refrigerator. But it isn’t working, as the electricity and phone lines all went down in the fire. Hope that’s okay.’
‘Oh well, they’ll probably keep. There’s water, I hope?’
‘Yes, I’ve already connected the water line. I also hooked up the propane gas tank I brought, so you can also use the gas heater and the boiler. I don’t recommend it, but you could even use the bath.’
‘Good job. Hmm, there are still some pans and tableware left, I see. Or did you bring them with you too?’
‘No, they were here already. Three kitchen knives too. There’s a lot of mould on this cutting board, though.’
Timidly, Orczy joined them.
‘Orczy, you come and help too. Luckily there’s a lot left here, but we’ll need to clean everything first.’
Agatha shrugged and took off her black leather jacket. She turned to Van and Poe, who stood behind Orczy and was peeking into the kitchen.
‘If you aren’t going to help us, then please leave. Go and explore the island or something. You won’t get any coffee before we’re finished.’
Putting her hands to her hips, she glared at the two of them. Van cast a wry smile and retreated, together with Poe. The two turned to face the hall, and Agatha said coolly to their backs:
‘And don’t forget the nameplates. I won’t have you coming into our rooms when we’re undressing!’
By now, Ellery and Leroux had also arrived in the main hall.
‘Thrown out by the Queen, I see.’
Ellery laughed as he put a finger to his chin.
‘So, following Her Majesty’s orders, let’s take a look at the island.’
‘That’s probably the best—where’s Carr? Still in his room?’
‘He’s gone out. On his own,’ said Leroux and he glanced towards the entrance.
‘Already?’
‘He likes to play hard to get,’ Ellery said ironically and smiled.