The Case of the Bludgeoned Headmaster

By Jason Cosnett

My great-uncle was Constable ‘Edward Jones’ whose superior was not unlike the fictional Inspector Macabre, and whilst the names have been changed and the narrative spiced up a little, The Case of the Bludgeoned Headmaster remains a true crime event set amongst the backdrop of early twentieth century London.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jason Cosnett
• Release date: Apr 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463680919

Jason Cosnett

There's a guy in the place who's got a bittersweet faceAnd he goes by the name of Ebeneezer GoodeHis friends call him 'Ezeer and he is the main geezerAnd he'll vibe up the place like no other man couldHe's refined, sublime, he makes you feel fineThough very much maligned and misunderstood

Book preview

Inspector Macabre

‘Macabre by name, macabre by nature’

The Case of the Bludgeoned Headmaster

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2020 Jason Cosnett

Follow on Instagram: jasoncosnett

1

There had been a flurry of activity at the Yard during the proceeding four days, but things had now settled down quite nicely. My reports were up to date; there were no new cases of criminal activity in the greater London area to investigate other than those already allocated; and best of all, the Inspector held no desire to visit archiving and retrieve an old unsolved crime at random just for the fun of it. We would still be on duty of course, but there was no requirement to perform police work in any official capacity, unless something urgent came up or Chief Superintendent Milburn got wind of what we were up too. So the Inspector ached back in his char and dozed peacefully whilst I set myself the task of getting in a good five or six pages of writing for my first novel– longhand of course, for the clatter of typewriter keys would only serve to bring about the Inspector’s wrath.

I had been going for about half an hour when I noticed the candles flicker. The cause of the draught was soon evident. Constable Edwards was at the top of the stairs and had taken the first few tentative steps down, hesitating at the third rung.

‘Hello Jones,’ he said, almost whispering. He dared not venture down any further.

‘Hello,’ I replied. ‘Got something for us?’ My response was as loud as I dared. Already the Inspector was stirring, and I sensed he would soon awake from his slumber.

‘Dunno, to tell you the truth. But Milburn wants to see you two both right away, so it must be important.’

On cue, as if the very mention of the Chief’s name was enough to raise the dead, Inspector Macabre jerked his head up and shot open his eyes as far as they would go.

‘An’ what does he want, lad?’ he asked. I was sure the Inspector was asleep and unable to hear any of our conversation, but if working with my superior has taught me anything, it’s that one can quite simply expect the unexpected. Rather a cliché, I know, but it is the undeniable truth.

‘Er…I’m not really sure, sir,’ replied Edwards. ‘Would you like me to go ask him?’

‘Only if you’re planning to work the beat for the next year.’ The Inspector stood up and brushed himself down. ‘Come on then, lad- lets go and see what trouble you’ve got yourself into this time, eh?’ There was a cackle in his voice and I briefly wondered if the Inspector was privy to something. I was still fixated with the question when I realised the Inspector was already at the top of the stairs, calling back to me. ‘Well come on, lad. Mustn’t keep our illustrious Chief waitin’, eh?’

Chief Milburn was hunched over his desk seemingly lost in thought when we entered his office. Were it not for the Inspector’s over amplified closing of the door, I doubt he would have even registered our presence. There was a look of concern on his face and his brow was already twitching.

‘Ah, Macabre, Jones. Come- sit down.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ I said.

The Chief leaned back and rubbed the crown of his balding head. ‘Well, I’ll get right to the heart of the matter then. Do either of you know William Meakes?’

‘The headmaster of Trinity Boy’s College?’ I asked.

‘Yes. Do you know him?’

‘Not personally, no.’ It was a rather silly thing to say. I knew of him- everyone knew of him- but few were actually on speaking terms with the man. Only if you were privileged enough to attend Trinity would you know him, and none of us mere mortals who worked for the Yard were likely to have been educated at the distinguished school. I felt the Inspector’s head turn ever so slightly, the slits of his eyes boring into me.

‘Hmm. Well nonetheless,’ continued the Chief, ‘I’ve some tragic news to relay. William Meakes was this morning murdered in his own office at Trinity College.’

‘Ach! Is there no place that’s safe anymore?’ commented the Inspector. ‘Not even our schools are free from murder!’

‘Quite, Macabre, quite. Well- given the high profile of the man, its only natural that I assign the very best officers to the case.’ The Chief began to drum his fingers quickly on his desk. ‘But Inspector Wallace and the esteemed Sergeant Archer are out of town on other matters as I’m sure you are both aware, and Chief Inspector Davidson has been handed last night’s arson case at The Lion and Oak. Nasty piece of work that one, you know. Three persons deceased and several dozen injuries.’ There was more drumming of fingers on the desk. ‘So…you two will be assisting me in the ensuring investigation.’

‘Assistin’ you, sir?’ said Macabre. ‘To what end are you required as the chief investigatin’ officer? Are you implying that Jones and I are incapable?’

Chief Milburn shifted uncomfortably in his chair. ‘Well, Macabre, I can’t say I’m too happy about all this either

Reviews for The Case of the Bludgeoned Headmaster

[John Trimmer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book mentions private and public schools on the last few pages. Perhaps I'm wrong, however aren't public schools considered what we in North America refer to as private schools? Seems odd, would think someone writing an English book would have that bit straight.

I liked the story, but it isn't the best I've read lately.