Dead Man’s Folly

In his London flat, Poirot relaxes with a jigsaw puzzle, finding the process of fitting improbable pieces together soothing and akin to solving crimes. Inspector Bland visits, bringing tea and updates. Nearly five weeks have passed since the events at Nasse House with no sign of Lady Stubbs’s body or proof she is alive. Bland suggests she might be hidden somewhere on the estate, perhaps in a concealed space like one he once saw in another old property. Poirot agrees and points out that Mrs. Folliat would certainly know of any such place. He remains convinced she is the key to the case but that she won’t willingly reveal what she knows.

After Bland leaves, Poirot reflects with frustration on his failure to prevent or solve the murders. He makes a list of suspects, adding the boy in a turtle-patterned shirt whose presence at the Folly seemed suspicious. Poirot questions whether Miss Brewis lied about taking tea to Marlene and whether de Sousa fabricated the letter announcing his visit. He even briefly entertains the idea that the man at Nasse might not be the real de Sousa but dismisses it for lack of motive. His thoughts circle back to Mrs. Folliat as the central figure holding the truth.

Determined to confront Mrs. Folliat, Poirot travels to Devon and visits her lodge. Mrs. Folliat answers the door, looking even frailer and older than before. He thinks he sees fear in her eyes before she regains composure and invites him in. Poirot asks whether there has been any news of Lady Stubbs or Marlene Tucker. Mrs. Folliat says there is no real news, though everyone, including Sir George, is now convinced that Lady Stubbs is dead. She calls Marlene’s murder pointless and speaks of the disproportionate sadness older people feel at the death of the young. She says she has few reasons to live and no family left.

When Poirot refers to Nasse House as her home, Mrs. Folliat’s demeanor chills. She insists she rents the lodge from Sir George with rights to walk the grounds. Poirot apologizes, then shifts the conversation once again to the murders. He tells her that peace cannot return to Nasse until the crimes are avenged and accuses her of knowing, or at least guessing, who killed both victims and possibly where Lady Stubbs’s body is hidden. She denies knowledge or suspicion, saying it would be wrong to speak without certainty.

Poirot warns that Mrs. Folliat’s silence puts her in danger because murderers rarely stop killing. Mrs. Folliat insists it is over and that there is nothing she can do. When she claims even the police have given up, Poirot corrects her, declaring that neither the police nor Poirot himself ever give up. With this pointed exit, he leaves her, more convinced than ever that she holds the key to the mystery.