Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XXV: 5:01 a.m.—Lunatic Vistas explained
Lieutenant Valcour receives a report from Central Office revealing that the person who used Endicott's comb and brushes was a blonde, either a man or a woman with bobbed hair.
What happens
Lieutenant Valcour receives a report from Central Office revealing that the person who used Endicott's comb and brushes was a blonde, either a man or a woman with bobbed hair. This points to Mrs. Endicott or Hollander, not Roberts. Valcour's mind races through the case's contradictions, including the scent, Hollander's roommate, Marge Myles's address in Mrs. Endicott's directory, and Mrs. Endicott's lie about the balcony. Madame Velasquez arrives, claiming Marge is dead and that Herbert Endicott made away with the body, though Valcour points out Endicott was being attacked at the time. She insists Marge killed herself to spite her, revealing her blackmail scheme. Valcour has her booked as a material witness and asks for Mrs. Siddons.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The forensic report suggests a blonde, but both Mrs. Endicott and Hollander fit the description, blurring the line between appearance and guilt. Madame Velasquez's claims about Marge's death are also based on appearance, not fact.
Obsession and Control
Madame Velasquez's obsession with controlling Marge through blackmail is revealed, as she laments losing her source of income and insists on finding proof of Marge's death.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Receives the forensic report, questions his own confidence in Mrs. Endicott's innocence, and deals with Madame Velasquez's claims about Marge's death.
- Madame Velasquez
Arrives at the scene, claiming Marge is dead and that Endicott disposed of the body. She reveals her blackmail scheme and is arrested as a material witness.
- Mrs. Endicott
Mentioned as having blonde shingled hair, matching the forensic report, and as having lied about seeing no one on the balcony.
- Thomas Hollander
Mentioned as also having blonde shingled hair, fitting the forensic description, and as potentially being involved in similar jobs.
- Cassidy
Announces Madame Velasquez's arrival and later blocks her escape, following Valcour's orders.
Key passages
“The report from Central Office which Lieutenant Valcour received over the telephone contained one definitely useful piece of information: the person who had used the comb and brushes belonging to Endicott had been a blonde and was either a man or a woman with bobbed hair.”
Valcour learns from the police report that the person who used Endicott's grooming items was blonde with short hair.
This detail narrows the suspects to Mrs. Endicott or Hollander.
“Marge is dead. ... I don't know how it happened. ... There ain't no body. ... He made away with it.”
Madame Velasquez announces Marge's death, but admits there is no body and accuses Endicott of disposing of it.
Her claim is unsubstantiated and conflicts with the timeline of Endicott's attack.
“I believe she has killed herself to spite me. ... She did it to make me suffer, to stint me.”
Madame Velasquez believes Marge committed suicide to hurt her financially and emotionally.
This reveals her selfish motives and the nature of their relationship.