# XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck explained — Murder by the Clock

> Chapter companion for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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