The Roman Hat Mystery

The Roman Hat Mystery A corpse fit for the Queens

The drama at the Roman Theatre was the most popular show in town that season. It was called Gunplay and was filled with the violence and action and noises of gang warfare - a bit raw, a bit nasty and obviously pleasing to the audience.
Shortly after the curtain rose on Act II, there was a slight commotion in the theatre. At first only a few noticed. Then there was a scream and the lights snapped on. Near a closed exit, a large policeman stood holding a slight, nervous man by the arm.
"Don't get out of your seat, any of you!"
The audience laughed, thinking it was part of the play. But when a squad of bluecoats, headed by a tall man in plain clothes, marched down the aisle, pandemonium broke out.
"What's up, Doyle?"
"Look's like this man's been murdered, Sergeant."


[Johan Blixt] [Ellery Queen]

21 december 2004 / Johan Blixt / johan@jblixt.se