# XX: In Which Mr. Michaels Writes a Letter explained — The Roman Hat Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen.

## What happens

Inspector Queen returns to work refreshed after a weekend outing with Djuna. He summons Sergeant Velie and brings in Michaels, Field's valet, for a private interview. After half an hour, Michaels emerges pale and trembling, and Queen instructs Velie to keep him company and prevent him from communicating with anyone. Queen then reads a blackmail letter written by Michaels, addressed to the murderer of Monte Field, offering to sell the original papers from Field's hat for $25,000. Queen seals the letter, stamps it, and sends Detective Ritter to mail it at a specific location, appearing satisfied with his plan.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and False Appearances

Michaels' blackmail letter is a deceptive attempt to manipulate the murderer, while Queen's mailing of the letter suggests a deeper counter-deception.

### Crime, Motive, and Consequence

The chapter revolves around the blackmail scheme stemming from Field's murder, highlighting the motives and consequences of criminal actions.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Queen

Inspector Queen is cheerful and back to his old self, orchestrating a scheme involving Michaels' blackmail letter.

### Thomas Velie

Sergeant Velie is summoned by Queen, escorts Michaels, and is tasked with keeping Michaels company and preventing his communication with others.

### Mr. Michaels

Field's valet, nervous and pale, writes a blackmail letter to the murderer and is placed under Velie's watch.

### Djuna

Mentioned as Queen's clever young companion who visited the Bronx Zoo with him.

### Ritter

Detective Ritter is given the task of mailing the blackmail letter at a specific location.

## Key lines

> For the first time in a week Inspector Queen was genuinely himself as he strode cheerfully into his tiny office at the headquarters building and shied his coat at a chair.

Inspector Queen entered his office with renewed energy, tossing his coat aside and feeling like his usual self after a week of strain.

_Shows Queen's return to form and sets a positive tone for the chapter._

> The writer is Chas. Michaels, I think you know me. I have been Monte Field’s right-hand man for over two years. I won’t beat around the bush. Last Monday night you killed Field in the Roman Theatre.

Michaels identifies himself as Field's close associate and directly accuses the recipient of murdering Field.

_Key excerpt from the blackmail letter, establishing Michaels' claim and the crime._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters/part-four-xx-in-which-mr-michaels-writes-a-letter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters