Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck explained
Lieutenant Valcour visits Marge Myles's apartment, where he encounters her mother, Madame Velasquez, who is waiting for Marge.
What happens
Lieutenant Valcour visits Marge Myles's apartment, where he encounters her mother, Madame Velasquez, who is waiting for Marge. Madame Velasquez reveals that Marge had a note from Herb Endicott, who failed to meet her. Valcour learns that Marge is not Madame Velasquez's biological daughter, and that she had a troubled marriage to Harry Myles. Madame Velasquez hints that Marge may be involved in criminal activities, and Valcour suspects she is blackmailing Marge. After leaving, Valcour overhears Madame Velasquez muttering to herself, revealing her manipulative nature. He then heads to Hollander's apartment, reflecting on the psychology of police confrontations.
Themes in this chapter
Deception of the Senses
Madame Velasquez's appearance and behavior are deceptive, hiding her true manipulative nature.
Obsession and Control
Madame Velasquez's controlling relationship with Marge, and her attempts to manipulate the situation, reflect themes of obsession and control.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Interviews Madame Velasquez, learns about Marge's background, and observes Madame Velasquez's deceptive behavior.
- Madame Velasquez
Marge's mother, reveals Marge's note and her own suspicions, and is later seen muttering to herself, indicating her manipulative nature.
- Marge Myles
Absent from her apartment; her note to her mother indicates she expected to meet Herb Endicott but he didn't show.
- Herbert Endicott
Mentioned as having failed to meet Marge, and later revealed to have been attacked.
- Thomas Hollander
Mentioned as having arrived at the Endicott residence, and Valcour reflects on his suspicious behavior.
Key passages
“Make yourself at home, Ma [read the note]. Herb Endicott was to meet me here at seven. He didn’t come although he was to take me to the Colonial for dinner. I am going to the Colonial now and see if he is there. Maybe I did not understand him right, Ma. I will be home soon anyways. Marge”
Marge's note to her mother explains that Herb Endicott was supposed to meet her at seven but didn't show up, so she went to the Colonial to look for him, planning to return soon.
This note is key evidence in the investigation, showing Marge's expectations and Herb's failure to appear.
“I always told her as how it would. Marge—I told her a hundred times if I ever told her once—there’s a limit to the number of suckers you can play at one and the same time.”
Madame Velasquez claims she repeatedly warned Marge that she was playing too many men at once, implying that Marge's behavior would lead to trouble.
This reveals Madame Velasquez's cynical view of her daughter and hints at Marge's manipulative relationships.
“Every last damn nickel she could get.”
Madame Velasquez states that Marge's sole interest in Endicott was financial gain.
This suggests Marge's motives were mercenary, adding to the suspicion against her.