The flower pot was exquisitely crafted, like a custom-made piece of ceramic art. After Shade questioned them, he confirmed that the flower had been given to Mr. Franco by a certain lady. Shade also discovered an inscription in ornate lettering on the bottom of the pot, almost identical to the letters found in Miss Norma's home:
I shall be buried among the mountains, one with the earth.
"D-Don't touch that flower pot!"
A weak voice came from behind him. Shade set down the flower pot and turned around. Mr. Franco had finally regained enough strength to speak.
That was good news. Under the care of the servants and Old Franco Mr., Shade sat beside the bed and had a brief conversation with the weak man.
Winter sunlight shone on the side of the frail man's face as he leaned against the headboard. His sunken eye sockets and pale lips looked especially frightening beneath the light.
"May I ask what your relationship with Miss Norma is?"
"I... love her. Deeply."
The young man struggled to force out the words. Though his body was weak, his gaze remained firm when he said them. Old Franco Mr.'s expression became visibly more sorrowful, but Shade did not comment on such feelings.
"Why do you love her? Because she is beautiful? Because she speaks well? Because she has a good personality?"
"All of it. Holding her is like... being held by my mother as a child."
Shade pressed his lips together. Old Franco Mr. looked even sadder, while the servants all turned away as though they had heard nothing.
"I am Shade Hamilton, a detective in this city. Oh, judging by your expression, you have heard my name. Then do you know whether Miss Norma had anything unusual about her in daily life?"
Mr. Franco